College Life VS Share House
No doubt people will tell you over and over again that your University days are some of the best days of your life. Whether you’re at University now or it’s on your radar for the future, at some point, you’ll need to think about where to live while you study.
This is especially true for students who live in rural areas, however, a growing number of metro students are also choosing to live at College while they study for the additional opportunities, friendships and time savings the lifestyle has to offer.
Location
College is SO much closer to University and nothing beats being able to roll out of bed 10 minutes before a lecture with no stress about parking. Tommy More is also situated across from the Swan River, adjacent to Kings Park and only moments away from Perth City and Cottesloe Beach.
Food
Cooking for yourself is a thrill... for about a week until it becomes a drag when it sets in that you have to buy ingredients, cook for yourself and wash up at every single meal. At Tommy More, students in standard rooms have the luxury of having 21 delicious meals per week. While students in studio apartments have options from 7 meals per week and one-bedroom apartments include 2 meals or have the option to add more.
Friendships
Making friends at University is one thing, but getting to live alongside your best friends during your study years is life-changing. There is something special about the shared experiences and supported independence students experience at College. College students make incredibly strong bonds and become lifelong friends.
Leadership Opportunities
The information you learn in lectures is only the beginning. Students at College have the opportunity to put their hand up for a number of leadership roles including the Student Club Committee, Resident Advisor roles, leaders of clubs and societies and student mentors. This will boost your resume and add to the employability of students, post-graduation.
Exchange Buddies
Colleges are often filled with not only domestic students but people from across the globe bringing culture and vibrant energy to campus. Making friends with overseas students provides a more rounded and global outlook on life.
Career Connections
Many students from Tommy More maintain a strong connection with their College. After all, this was arguably the place they lived during the best years of their life. As they’ve progressed in their careers many have returned to share their expertise with students on campus as 1:1 mentors, presenters and networking contacts. Their industries are diverse and include an array of professions.
Helping Others
Many students from Tommy More maintain a strong connection with their College. After all, this was arguably the place they lived during the best years of their life. As they’ve progressed in their careers many have returned to share their expertise with students on campus as 1:1 mentors, presenters and networking contacts. Their industries are diverse and include an array of professions.
Academic Assistance
Another benefit of living with another 399 students is that often, you’ll find someone else studying the same course as you and if you’re struggling academically, Tommy More offers students free academic tutoring. The College also has regular Nerd Nights. These nights entail tutors for a collection of topics with hot chocolate on tap provoking conversation about your field of study.
Cost
When comparing the rent of a unit or share house to College it is easy to look on the surface at the rental cost only. These often exclude electricity, water, gas, internet connections and your meals (a BIG expense). Then there is also the cost of petrol, parking permits, furniture and gym memberships to name a few… the list goes on!
At College, most expenses are included. St Thomas More College offers studio and one-bedroom apartments under a scheme called NRAS (The National Rental Affordability Scheme), which basically means that as part of a Government
initiative prices must be offered at a minimum of 20% under market value.
When you look at the total cost and the inclusions, College provides a more holistic, very cost-effective and stress-saving opportunity for University students in Australia (there are plenty of years ahead to live in a shared home!).
The Memories
From memories of the River Cruise, Fringe Fest, end-of-semester parties, and formal dinners, to even the more mundane experiences such as lunch conversations in the dining room, chilling in hammock grove or walking to
University, living at College offers students a wealth of unforgettable and memorable experiences.
If you have decided that living on campus might be of interest to you, here are a few tips:
Apply early. Many colleges will refund any small deposits to students who don’t end up studying full time at University, and students who put their name down early get the best choice of rooms
Not all colleges are created equal. St Thomas More College is located on College Row and was established in 1955 so it has a strong tradition of student events, exceptional alumni connections and a first-class location. Check out the websites of the different options to see what you might like, but nothing beats seeing us in person!
Visit the College in person. Visit any prospective Colleges for yourself next time you’re in Perth to get a sense of what the place is really like. You’ll soon learn if you like it, and no doubt you’ll quickly realise that college life is incredibly enriching and fulfilling.
