"I moved into Weerona College for my 1st and 2nd years. I then moved to Kooloobong with a bunch of friends. In my second year at Kooloobong (4th year of uni) I became a Senior Resident Advisor (SRA) and have held this position now for 2 years. I love living on campus as it's easy and I can move home each summer without the hassle of breaking a lease. I got to pick my unit at Kooloobong and live with friends. I'm getting leadership experience as a SRA and I've met so many more people. The only reason I'm leaving is because I'm graduating this year."

5th Year Student, Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and Commerce (Management)

"I have lived at the Keiraview, one of the Uni managed accommodations, for an entire year and it has been nothing but remarkable. I have found this place to be a one-of-a-kind jewel which is tucked away in the middle of Wollongong. It's a few minutes walk to the beach, shopping centres, train and bus stations. Each student enjoys a television in their furnished room and their own bathroom. The staff (available 24/7) are always friendly, professional, and helpful with years of experience to give great advice for where to go and what to do. The multicultural experience is exactly what I was looking for too. Students and guests come from all over the world to offer their own blend of spice to the flavour that is Keiraview."

PhD student for Chemistry: Intelligent Polymer Research Institute.

"Transferring from university in Melbourne, I chose UOW for its great curriculum, progressive international reputation, and the added bonus of a sea-change lifestyle that Wollongong offered.

My choice of International House was inspired by my passion for community, cultural diversity and travel, and my two year residency not only delivered, but proved a fabulous journey. My first major taste of the wonderful global diversity of the residents was in celebration of the Indian festival Holi: a festival of colours commemorating Hindu mythological legend. Hosted by the Hindi contingent, the day was full with Bollywood music and moves, as well as the all important kaleidoscope of traditional coloured powders which were relentlessly and un-ceremonially thrown, decorating everything and everyone - I had pink skin for days! The festivities were perfectly completed by a feast of Indian delicacies including home made butter chicken and byriahni recipes!

After my first year of taking part in the great activities and support programs, I decided that I wanted to be a part of the team that made Uni life just that little bit easier, and I applied to be a Mentor within the Student leadership team.

While living away from home for the first time was initially daunting, but the residential community became the International family. I will always be grateful for the valuable and convenient the network of support that the International House family provided me: the wonderful staff, fun Student Leaders and abundance of events and activities was great."

Bachelor of Communications & Media Studies (Advertising & Marketing)
International House Alumni 2006-7
International House Gus Parish Academic Award 2006
Mature Age Scholarship 2006

"I've been living at Gundi for two Years. As a medical student it's really important that I live in an environment that is conducive to study. At Gundi the students are all post graduate, therefore you can study without having to worry about too many interruptions. We're still kept in the loop with all the residence events, study groups and mentor programs, so you still benefit from all the advantages of living in university managed accommodation. Gundi is also really close to the beach and shops and I usually walk to Uni."

2nd year student, Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery

"Living in a multi-national and multicultural society is the most enriching experience I get from residing at Graduate house. Did anyone tell you how great it is to celebrate differences in language, religion, colour, taste, food and even traditions? The diversity one gets is so colourful and enriching. Many times I have walked into one of the buildings and the different aromas of food from all these diverse cultures... mmmmh always make me hungrier. We the residents appreciate each other and we express ourselves through song and dance during our parties. I have learnt so much geography by being able to point out countries I had never heard of on a map representing all the countries residents come from."

Post Graduate Student, Faculty of Law
Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS)

"I attended school in Sydney, but wanted to go to university in a quieter, more relaxed environment—somewhere close to the beach!

When I moved into Weerona College, I was a very nervous 18-year-old moving away from what was familiar. The first week was daunting, but it was a smooth ride from there on in.

There is always something to do when you live on-campus at UOW, from playing sport, going to the beach, or finishing an assignment with a friend doing the same course as you.

I had the opportunity to meet so many students from Australia and around the world, and some of them are now my best friends. Living so close gives you the chance to get to know them really well—it makes you realise how many great people there are in the world to meet.

The experience of living away from homeallowed me to become much moreindependent and aware of myself. It has given me the courage and desire to travel, meet new people and experience life to the fullest."

Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies (Advertising & Marketing), Bachelor of Arts
Weerona College

"Living at Campus East, has opened my eyes to so much about the rest of the world. Coming from a town of 4500 people, the exposure I have had to people from around the globe living at campus east has been an amazing experience. Learning from students about other nations and cultures has been an education in itself. Living on campus is also heaps of fun, with sporting competitions, formal dinners and harbour cruises amongst the never ending list of activities to enjoy."

Bachelor of Creative Arts (Graphic Design), Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing)