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Reece McMillan |
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Naomi Shelton and Mike Zamani enjoy iFeast at International House |
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An aerial view of Campus East |
Students living at UOW more likely to stick with study
Students living in UOW residences are more likely to continue their studies after first year than students who don’t live on campus.
Data collected by the University and residences over the past five years, shows that 91.3% of students living at UOW continued their studies, compared with an 84.7% retention rate for those not living in a university residence.
This is consistent with research from the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), which shows that residential students stay at university longer because of “greater levels of individually focused support.”
Accommodation Services General Manager Nigel Pennington said that the social benefits of living on campus are as important as the academic ones.
"In addition to academic benefits, students live in a supportive and diverse community that assists them to settle into a new environment,” he said.
“For many new students, this is their first time living away from home and this can be quite daunting, especially for international students.”
Mr Pennington said that new students are made to feel at home when first moving in to University accommodation.
“The emphasis is definitely on ensuring there are as many opportunities as possible to make friends, that students get to know their way around Wollongong and become part of the community,” Mr Pennington said.
“Staff and student leaders are on hand to assist students with issues that range from homesickness to practical issues such as where to buy groceries.”
Student profile
Reece McMillan, Campus East Resident
So, tell us a little about yourself.
I’m from Albury, on the NSW border with Victoria and I’ve just transferred into a Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences).
How long you have been at Campus East?
Two and a half years now—one year in a catered residence, and this is my second in self-catered.
What was it like settling in?
Apart from having to unpack everything from my car, it was great. I had great roommates, and met a huge bunch of friendly residents over the first few days who were in the same boat as me. I felt welcome right off the bat and fit right in.
What was Orientation Week like?
O-week was AWESOME. We had great parties every night, BBQ brekkies, and the beach and sport events during the day. Basically, O-week was non-stop, between meeting new people and making new mates, and settling in for the year to come.
How is Campus East supportive?
The RAs (resident assistants) are always around to help out with any issues we have, and save the day with lock-outs, fire alarms etc. The office staff are super friendly, and there’s social and study groups which are run for the residents, as well as other programs and events run during session.
Best thing about Campus East?
The people. There are so many awesome residents to meet, and the friends you make are awesome. Oh, and the beach! It’s barely 500m away from Campus East, no other residence is that close!
Best thing about Wollongong?
The hills. I’m a mountain biker, and the trails here are awesome. Plus Wollongong has it all: hills, beach, city, great pubs, huge green campus, and heaps of live music.
What do you want to do after uni?
Travel, then hopefully get accepted into medical school.
Apply now
Applications to live in UOW accommodation close 30 November 2009. Places go fast, though, so applicants are encouraged to apply well ahead of the deadline to increase their chances.
In 2010 students will be able to stay at Rydges Hotel in Wollongong. Rydges will offer a unique student community with a swimming pool, meal plans, laundry and room service. Students will have access to a shared kitchenette and stay in self catered rooms in units of two. Student support programs organised by UOW Accommodation Services will be available.
www.uow.edu.au/about/accommodation