Life in a residential college is the choice of many students making the move away from home for university – and for good reason. Residential colleges provide a unique blend of adult freedom and necessary academic and pastoral support in a community environment that is both safe and nurturing.
Having the built-in warmth of community support and friendship is a big drawcard for many students, and helps bridge the gap between home and life on your own. On-campus student life can be vibrant, active, convenient and caring, and allows students the opportunity to focus on their studies rather than difficulties with accommodation.
Before you embark on your on-campus journey, here are a few essential things you need to know.
You’ll need to save up
You’ll often need to pay un upfront rent payment or deposit to secure your on-campus accommodation, so you’ll need to have a sum of money saved up. As well, you might have to pay student association fees or other types of membership fees as part of the college.
Check with your desired college as to what the deposit amount will be, as well as any extra fees, so that you can plan and prepare for the payment.
On campus accommodation makes it easy to budget
While you’ll need to have money saved up before you start on campus, there are plenty of benefits to the payment structure. Knowing exactly what you need to pay each month makes it very easy to budget, as you’re not likely to have too many regular expenses outside your accommodation.
That’s because things like furnishings, electricity, food, internet, landline phone, WIFI and cleaning etc. are usually included in the cost. One payment will cover all the facilities you need, which is highly convenient for the busy student.
Keep in mind that there are always options, such as self-catered units, for those who prefer more choice.
You’ll have support staff on-site
Going it alone for the first time can be daunting, but colleges help to ease the transition by providing plenty of support staff on site. 24/7 support is provided by college principals and deputy principals, student deans, registrars, resident managers and support staff.
As well, there’ll be counsellors, tutors and security staff to help support students, with academic mentors and resident assistants also on hand to offer assistance where needed. You’ll never feel lost or alone, as the college structure is designed to prevent students slipping through the cracks.
You’ll have a great social life
On campus accommodation means you’ll be surrounded by fellow students – and potential friends. Most colleges have a great social program, which might include formal dinners,
balls, cultural events, games, meals, themed activities and a whole host of other social activities to enjoy with like-minded people. This program is designed to help students make friends quickly and easily, and to establish a close-knit community throughout the college.
You’ll have access to sporting facilities
Sport plays an important part in college life, and you’ll find there are many opportunities to be active. Being part of a college usually means having access to sporting facilities, gyms and equipment as part of your fees.
You’ll be able to participate in a wide range of sporting activities and inter-college sport competitions, and you may also have access to sporting tuition.
Your college will be the hub of your student life
The most important thing to remember, is that your accommodation college will rapidly become the hub of your student life for the next few years. Here, you’ll study, learn, grown, have fun, expand your horizons and make friends that will sometimes last a lifetime.
So, to get the best life experience possible over these formative years, it’s important to choose the right college for you. Consider Cromwell College – check out the Cromwell community here: https://www.cromwell.uq.edu.au