What’s it like to move to a new city to study?

Moving to a new place to study sounds overwhelming. Where will you live? How will you afford it? And most importantly, will you like it? But every year thousands of Australian students pack their suitcases, say bye to mum, and move to a new city to attend university. What’s it really like? Four people who’ve been there and done that shared their experiences with us.

Live music and new people

‘There wasn’t anything in Tasmania similar to what I wanted to study, so I applied interstate. My sisters had both moved to Melbourne to study, so a path was carved out for me and it wasn’t too daunting. At first I lived in organised accommodation and had my meals catered with over 200 fellow students to meet, which helped coming over to Melbourne and knowing pretty much no one.

‘Being able to go to the football every week, seeing so much live music and experiencing new things was amazing. I met people and had experiences I never would have been exposed to had I stayed in Tasmania. Moving interstate is always going to be a big change but I found it thoroughly worthwhile.’

– Alex Crowden, social media coordinator and Bachelor of Arts (Media & Communications) graduate

Stepping stone cities

‘I had a round-about journey studying. I did graphic design in Brisbane, and after working overseas as a designer, I went back to uni in Melbourne to do science. My science marks were good enough to get into medicine in WA, so I moved to Perth to study to be a doctor.

‘Each time I moved, I had to start making friends again, and there’s no doubt that’s hard and you miss having people you’ve known for years. But ultimately now I have friends all over Australia! I think it was definitely the best way for me personally to study – without having moved around I wouldn’t have been able to take each possible stepping stone, and get where I am today.’

– Daniel Chisholm, doctor and Medicine graduate

Brunch and job opportunities

‘I chose to study at Deakin because it has the best reputation for primary teaching. Moving to Melbourne was a big change from living in Tasmania, I found it more culturally diverse – plus there is always something going on and new brunch places waiting to be discovered.

‘Being in Melbourne has provided me with more job opportunities and studying here was great because it really made me think more broadly and see a bigger picture. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me realise that I can do anything I put my mind to.’

– Tara Robertson, Bachelor of Primary Education graduate

Out of your comfort zone

‘I always knew I didn’t want to study in Perth and so studying interstate was something I did naturally. It was daunting, having only been to Melbourne once prior to moving here, I had no idea what to expect.

‘Moving to new place means you are totally out of your comfort zone, so everything is new, exciting and you learn a lot about yourself. The challenges usually are in the beginning, when you are trying to find your feet. If you keep an open mind though, you end up meeting so many new people. I have made friends who I now consider family. I’m proud I built a strong foundation in Melbourne from scratch.

‘If you are thinking about moving, the best way to do it is to move to study. You are automatically put in social situations and it gives you routine. You are so quickly part of a city when you move with purpose.’

– Natassja Soderbom, advertising account manager and Bachelor of Arts graduate

If you’re thinking of making the leap and studying in Victoria, check our Deakin’s wide range of course options.