How to choose a campus
University, TAFE institutes and other institutions’ campuses differ in many ways. Here are some things to consider when comparing the pros and cons of different education providers.
- Where they are. Campuses can be inner city, suburban, in rural centres, or just plain rural. Each city or town has its own unique personality so think about differences in lifestyle, cost of living, transport and people. You may prefer the sunshine in Cairns, the cheap rents in Hobart or the inner-Sydney campus you can get to by public transport.Size. This has a big effect on atmosphere, social opportunities and facilities. UNSW’s Kensington campus has nearly 26,000 students, while some TAFE institutes only have a few dozen. Some campuses are spread out over hundreds of acres; others are confined to a single skyscraper.
- How hard they are to get into. Generally, city campuses are more popular and therefore harder to get into than rural campuses. If you are worried about meeting the academic entry requirements of a particular course, you're probably best applying to a few places, including a campus that is not as competitive.
- Facilities and services. What range of academic resources, student support services and leisure facilities are available? Big campuses have the creature comforts of small towns — you can get everything from a haircut to a four-course meal. At some small campuses you can't even get a coffee, but you can enjoy a more intimate atmosphere.
- Who's there. There may or may not be lots of mature age students, school leavers, part-timers or overseas students.
- Style and ethos. It’s hard to pin down, but no two campuses feel the same. Some seem serious and scholarly, while at others the atmosphere is bohemian, political, sports-mad, religious, or all about having a good time.
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