Characteristics of students entering the University of New South Wales (Australia) in 1985 were surveyed. Responses by 1,908 students provided information on ethnicity, socio-economic status, sources of financial support, employment, and travel to the university. Findings were similar to those of a 1976 survey and confirmed that students from socially privileged background were substantially over-represented compared with those from less privileged backgrounds. The only major trend over the past decade was a major reduction in the proportion of students receiving financial assistance from non-family sources. Data are provided on: the country of birth of new undergraduate students and their mother and father; length of residence in Australia of new undergraduates and their parents; language spoken off-campus by student and at home between parents and student; parents' occupation of students entering in 1976 and 1985; father's occupation; parents' highest level of education in 1976 and 1985; the type of secondary school attended by the student; dependence status of students; five sources of financial aid; and type of employment of students working more than 30 hours per week and less than 30 hours per week. (SW)