Where is Mandelbaum House?
We are located at the University of Sydney’s Darlington campus, adjacent to the University Computing Centre. We are minutes from public transport, the Economics and Business Building, the University’s Sports and Aquatic Centre and many lecture halls. Newtown’s cosmopolitan shops, services and cafes are also within walking distance. Our street address is 385 Abercrombie St Darlington 2008 and our university location is H67, The University of Sydney.

How do I get to Mandelbaum House?
From the airport: The quickest option is to catch a taxi directly to Mandelbaum House. This journey is 20-30 minutes and costs around $18- $28, depending on traffic and the time of day. We are also located near a train station and public buses. When confirming your arrival details with us, we can suggest the best option for you.

From the city centre: We are a five minute walk to Refern Station which is one train station away from Central Station (3 minute journey). We are two train stations away from Town Hall which is the heart of the city and close to Darling Harbour. We are four train stations from Circular Quay which is the gateway to Sydney Harbour, including attractions such as the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the historic Rocks area.

There are also several bus services that run close to Mandelbaum House from the city including the 422, 423, 426 and 428 bus services which run approximately every 5-10 minutes along City Road. It takes approximately 5 minutes to reach Broadway Shopping Centre, 8-10 minutes to reach Central Station, 12-15 minutes to reach Town Hall and 20-30 minutes to arrive at Circular Quay.

If you are in Sydney for the Cricket or other sporting events, please click here to see how to get to the SCG. Please note, there are also buses running from Central Station and Cleveland St and a taxi should be less than $20.

For information about Sydney Public Transport, please click here.

Is there internet access?
Each room is equipped with its own high speed cable connection for internet access. We also provide computer and printer facilities in our library. We are connected to the University's system which only allows University of Sydney students and staff gain access. If you are neither, we can organise an account for long term guests at a charge of $40 (set up fee only) and it is best to give our office notice as it can take a day for us to obtain this from the University. Alternatively, there is an internet cafe on King St which is a five minute walk from the college and the pub across the road offers free wireless access.

Is there private telephone access?
Each room has a private phone line with free voice mail. A public telephone is located next to the dining room.

Is there self catering?
Mandelbaum House is not self catering. We provide breakfast, lunch and dinner from Monday to Friday, Saturday brunch, and brunch and dinner on Sunday. Our rates include all meals for both residents and casual guests.

Microwaves, fridges and kettles are available in common areas through the college. During the vacation period, a bed and breakfast service is offered.

What if my classes clash with meal times?
We offer packed lunches during week days. Residents request the type of bread and filling eg tuna salad, egg or peanut butter & jelly the evening before. Fruit and juice box are also available. Late dinners are also available on request.

Is provision made for special diets?
A vegetarian alternative is provided at every meal and we accommodate other alternatives including diabetes. Please contact the office if you have specific queries.

Do I need to bring linen from home?
We provide all bed linen and towels with a regular laundry service available. Coin operated washing machines and dryers are on site.


Can I bring visitors?
Visitors are welcome and meals are available at a small charge. Accommodation can be arranged in advance via the office. Guests are not permitted in the college between 11pm-6am each day unless they have made arrangements with the office to stay over.

Can I stay here during semester break?
The college operates 365 days per year for residents who are welcome to stay through semester breaks. This is additional to semester fees. The college also accepts non-residents to stay during semester breaks. This is subject to room availability.

Do I have to be Jewish?
We welcome men and women of all nationalities and religions. We currently have students who are Jewish, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Hindu and of no denomination.

What does the word kosher mean?
Observant Jews eat only kosher foods. Kosher meat must come from a permitted animal or bird (ham, bacon, pork and shellfish are not kosher), carefully slaughtered by a pious person. Meat and dairy foods are not cooked, served or eaten together. Kosher homes have separate meat and dairy utensils.

Is Mandelbaum House a Hillel House?
In Australia, Jewish student services are organised differently to America and other countries. We offer support to students who are acclimatising to life in Sydney through social, educational and Jewish events.

Are observant Jews catered for?
We are a Jewish college and adhere to Kosher dietary laws and celebrate festivals throughout the year. We are minutes walk to Newtown Synagogue.