More Beds, Better Facilities
Illawarra Mercury
Wednesday February 6, 2002
THE University of Wollongong has catered for changing student needs by expanding its accommodation offerings.
The university now provides accommodation for around 1200 students, which is about eight per cent of this year's student population.
The accommodation ranges from fully self-contained apartments to college-type accommodation with meals and structured academic and pastoral care provided.
University-managed accommodation includes Campus East, Gundi, Graduate House and Kooloobong, while university collegiate halls include International House, Richard Johnson College and Weerona College.
University head of halls of residence Robyn Wilkes said the main requirement for students was diversity.
``Students want a range of accommodation to choose from," she said. ``Usually in their first year of university they want as much support as possible and once they become comfortable with their environment they tend to want to have more independence."
Ms Wilkes said today's students did have higher expectations of student accommodation. Most universities were feeling the pressure to provide added extras such as private Internet connection, she said.
Ms Wilkes said the university had expanded its accommodation offerings to provide students both choice and facilities designed to enhance student life.
The colleges offer a community environment with shared or single study bedrooms available. Meals, academic and peer support, cleaning services, laundry facilities, computer rooms, a shuttle bus service to the main campus and a range of sporting and social activities are just some of the added benefits.
This type of accommodation is perfect for new students according to Campus East resident Ann-Maree Docherty who lived at International House during her first year. The 21-year-old commerce student, now in her third year, left the Albury-Wodonga region to take up a place at the University of Wollongong.
``Because I came from outside the region and didn't know anyone, I wanted to live in university accommodation to meet people, and for security," she said.
``I've stayed because of the sense of community that exists and the support that is always available - you are never lonely.
``The facilities are great, and you have your meals cooked and your room cleaned, so all you have to do is concentrate on your studies."
Student accommodation also suits overseas students, according to Thai student Saranid Vatanasakdakul. The Campus East resident, who is 24, has just completed a Masters degree in information technology and is due to begin another in e-commerce.
``This is a nice place to live as you get to experience a really multicultural environment," she said.
``There are also lots of activities you can take part in and a senior resident system whereby long-term residents take care of new residents."
© 2002 Illawarra Mercury
