Of course, not as far as the geographical names board is concerned, but if you ask its population, this place is a home away from home.

It has its own post office, supermarket, sporting clubs and accommodation. To see this mysterious locale, all you have to do is take a trip up the hill.

The name is Charles Sturt University (CSU) and it's celebrating its 25th birthday in Wagga this year.

The university's student representative committee, Rivcoll, yesterday stereotypically marked the occasion the only way students know how - with music, fun and games.

Rivcoll general secretary Alex Trinder is in her second year of her agricultural science degree and made the move from Cootamundra to Wagga for university.

Alex said the students have added value to the city over its life span - and in more ways than one.

"We definitely provide business," she said.

"I think the uni has helped development in Wagga; it would be a lot smaller without us.

"It's great for Wagga to have its own education facility. There are lots of students in Wagga that stay here and study."

Charles Porter, an acting student, celebrated the "community feel" of CSU.

Charles, who is in his first year of study, said Wagga is renowned for its university.

"Some people know where Wagga is because of its university," he said.

"As we speak, it keeps getting better and better."