Brought to you by the University of New England

Moving out of home to live on campus is an exciting experience for any first-year university student. You finally have more independence, can embrace the university life, and have all the convenience of living on campus.

But don’t just take our word for it. Brianna Turner moved six hours from home to live in college at the University of New England (UNE) while studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Science. What she found was a community of people, most of them away from their comfort zones, too – and an experience she calls welcoming, positive and ‘truly special’.

“My favourite part of living on campus is the connections I've made with the people around me.”

Bri, why did you choose UNE? 

“Many of my family members have attended, and they all spoke highly of their experiences. The Early Entry program was another key factor, as it allowed me to apply before my exams and ATAR results, letting me focus on my studies. Also, reviews and peer testimonies from students and parents highlighted UNE's welcoming, positive, and nurturing environment, which reassured me that it is the right place for me to thrive.”

What made you decide to live in college?

“I’m from a small town in South-East Queensland, so I had to decide between moving away or studying online. As a social butterfly and hands-on learner, staying on campus was the best choice for me. Talking to past and present students made it easier to choose a college that suited my needs, and after exploring my options, I chose Austin Page for its diverse range of events, study groups, and focus on leadership, sports and other hobbies.It also has a special connection to my family, as both my parents attended before the colleges merged.”

Gaining independence as you enter your first year of university can be daunting. When should you do your laundry? How much will your groceries cost? Can you get from A to B without getting a lift from a parent? UNE features a range of on-campus accommodation options to suit the level of support you’re looking for.

How did you overcome any nerves about leaving home?

“I was only 17 and the longest I had been away from my family was a week, after graduating – and that was only an hour’s drive from home. Yet when I came to college, I found comfort in the fact that everyone was nearly in the same situation as what I was in. Everyone had moved away from their comfort zones. The sense of belonging in the college, and the comfort that other people have also gone through the same situations, helped with the nervousness of moving away from home.”

How has living on campus benefited you? 

“I’ve grown and become more outgoing by participating in teams and getting involved in college events, surrounded by students who had already experienced the transition to college life. Attending all my units in person, including lectures, practicals, and tutorials, greatly improved both my academics and social life. Being on campus allowed me to meet students from different degrees, study together, and share the experience of being challenged by the same units.”

Living on campus means you get to embrace university life. If you want to meet someone after class, you do not need to think about fitting in any commuting time. If you want to go to an event you can decide to go just before it starts.

What’s your favourite part of living in college at UNE?

“I’ve made many unforgettable memories, from the college dogs to the events, sports and weekend hangouts. However, my favourite part of living on campus is the connections I've made with the people around me. When I first arrived, I was placed in a random room on a random floor with strangers, but by the end of the day, we were watching movies and getting to know each other. Now, I have friends I study with, watch movies with, and go on walks with, and it’s these friendships that have made my college experience truly special. The community at my college is welcoming and diverse, with a wide range of personalities and interests.”

What have you learned about yourself since coming to UNE?

“That I needed to be surrounded by the right people and environment to truly thrive and be myself. Coming to UNE has helped me find that environment, allowing me to strike a balance between work, life, and study. UNE caters to everyone’s needs and wants, making it an ideal place for personal and academic growth.”

Living on campus is such an exciting part of your university life. Start that journey now by moving out of home to live on campus at UNE!

Move out of home and experience living on campus