17 May 2020

Choosing which uni to go to is a huge decision, but it should be a fun one. It's an exciting time; whether you’re coming back to studies after some time off or heading straight to uni after high school, you’re starting a new chapter.

In saying that, choosing a university is a decision that has a lot of little things to think about. What do I want to study? Where will my marks get me? What’s the campus like? What are my friends doing? Will I stay local? Where has the best lifestyle?

So. Many. Questions. But don’t stress, ‘cos you’ve still got plenty of time, just do your research, ask lots of questions, and most importantly: choose what’s right for YOU. Here’s some things to keep in mind:

Be selfish

You might be getting a lot of advice from your folks and teachers, or maybe you just want to follow your friends, but it’s important to sift through this information with yourself in mind first and foremost.

You’re gonna be at uni for a good three to five (or more) years, so you really should make sure that you aren’t going somewhere just to please someone else, or stay within your comfort zone because you’re scared to leave high school behind. Every university has its strengths and will have different things that appeal to you. This is good; listen to your instincts, funnily enough, they’re often right.

Look far and wide

Don’t forget about those universities that are further away either. There are loads of benefits to moving interstate to study, particularly if the uni offers a great student lifestyle. Moving away from home can be scary, but it’s a great chance to really push yourself and try new things.

The University of Canberra is calling out for students from all over the country to see what it’s like to live and study in the country’s capital. Recently labelled as the ‘fastest rising university in the world’, (yep, the whole wide world) UC is a young university that is super-focused on its students and their uni experience. And while Canberra might cop a bad rap, ask any students and they’ll tell you it’s actually an amazing place to live. The city is teeming with uni kids and recent grads, which means the vibe is always great (the nightlife is actually banging, we promise) and there are plenty of people to meet.

Have the on-campus experience

While we’re on the topic of moving for uni, nothing quite compares to living on campus while you’re studying. It’s always fun to be surrounded by like-minded people who are all on the same crazy ride you are—whether that means studying for an exam or blowing off steam together.

Getting the freedom to study in your chosen field and living independently are two of the biggest benefits of moving out of home for university. If you do have Canberra on the cards, UC offers guaranteed accommodation for all of its first-year students—a crazy good deal you won’t find in many other places. It also has some of the most affordable housing around; just imagine living with a bunch of new friends in one of the best cities in the country, all while you’re studying something you’re passionate about. Bloody ripper!

Consider the specific stuff

Every university will have things it boasts as strengths and particular areas that they specialise in, which should certainly be a big factor in your ultimate decision. At the end of the day, you wanna get the best bang for your buck.

The University of Canberra prides itself on its business, education, design, science, sport and allied health courses, giving you a wide range to choose from whatever your interests. They’re focused on work-integrated learning; which means they connect students to real industry experts (their industry ties with allied sport are especially exceptional), so that graduates are given the opportunity to gain real-world experience and industry insights.

What’s going on this year?

The uncertainty of graduating high school and applying for universities is a big concern this year, which is why UC has set up their Early Offer Round to support Year 12 students in these wild times. The program means you could be offered early entry into one of their courses before exams even start, based on your school’s assessment of your performance so far.

If you’re keen to know more about their Early Offer Round or ask any questions about their courses or campus, make sure you suss out the University of Canberra’s digital booth at the Year13 Expo. You’ll be able to live chat with them and check out more deets about their offerings, including info about their modern curriculums, new state-of-the-art facilities and practical degrees that’ll get you ready for the career you want.

Suss them out over here.