Studying and living interstate

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In the UK and USA many undergraduates apply for universities as far away from their home town (and their parents) as possible. In contrast, Australian students tend to stick to their home state. The Northern Territory has overtaken the ACT as the most popular destination for interstate students, with around 35 per cent coming from outside the Territory. The ACT is still a close second, with interstate students making up around 30 per cent of its student body, most of them from New South Wales.

Students have many reasons to relocate to pursue their studies. It could be that a particular course is only available interstate, or that an interstate university has the best course or research infrastructure in their chosen field. Perhaps the entry score at an interstate university is slightly lower. Money could also be a factor, with lower course fees or living costs in some areas. For southerners the sun and surf of the northern states has a definite appeal.

Distance is probably what deters most school leavers from applying interstate, with the expense and time of travelling back to see family and friends being much greater here than in some countries overseas.

There are those who will move a distance within their state, from a regional area to a metropolitan one, or to a regional area from the city. Many students can't wait to hit the bright lights of a big city campus. On the other hand, students considering regional campuses should know that they have much to offer. Life is a bit more relaxed and with fewer students, there is often a more personal touch than at the big city campuses.

Regional universities are also known to be successful in niche study areas such as brewing or tropical ecology, and at linking courses and research to the local environment or industry.

The obstacles that regional living can present, such as poor access to services, are felt less (if at all) on a well resourced campus. In many regional cities the cost of living is significantly lower than in the capital. It may be a cliché, but the slower pace of life outside the city is certainly conducive to helping you find your feet and make new friends.

Studying away from home also offers you the chance to broaden your horizons and force you out of your comfort zone. Perhaps more Australian students should follow their overseas counterparts and look at the academic, lifestyle and financial advantages offered by metropolitan and regional campuses around the country.