Female student walking across campus surrounded by fellow students

What is university life like: little extras make a big difference

University life is about getting a qualification. We get that. You want a qualification that gets you a job. Makes perfect sense. How about one that gives you the hands-on skills you need to make a difference in your chosen career? No sweat.

Your degree is definitely at the heart of your time at Charles Sturt. And we want to make sure you have every chance to succeed in it. From study support to work placements we want to help you score that degree – and take your career to the next level.

At Charles Sturt University, that’s what we do. But it’s not all we do.

We want to make sure you have everything you need to succeed, including those little extras that can make a big difference in just, you know, getting on with things. It’s about making your university life as stress free as possible.

Getting home – when the buses have stopped

Living in the regions is brilliant. It’s beautiful out here, with the countryside easy to reach from some of the most thriving urban centres in Australia. Plus, you’re part of some great, close-knit communities. But, hands up, now and again, the public transport isn’t always there when you need it.

That’s why we have a project that can provide an alternative means of transport if you live off campus and finish a lecture or tutorial after the bus timetable has stopped. If you don’t have a car and need to get home in the evening, we can help out. Just let us know in advance when you need a lift, and we’ll make sure you get home quickly and safely.

Free parking

If you do drive to campus for your classes, you don’t want to be paying out coin every time you need to park. At Charles Sturt, you don’t have to.

On all of our campuses we have plenty of parking available* for when you’re attending a lecture, doing a workshop, hitting the books at the library or just hanging out with your friends – and they are all free.

*We’ve also got tons of bike racks, if you’re a cyclist or just want a break from the car now and again.

Parents rooms

Need to bring your little one on campus? No problem. We get that childcare isn’t always an option (although we do have facilities on some campuses, if you need them). So you can use the parents rooms we have on every campus to take care of their needs.

The rooms have facilities to store and heat milk and food, changing facilities, and are simply a quiet space where you can spend some time with your kids.

Earn as you learn

The fact is that university life comes with some costs. We’ve got lots of scholarships that can help make things that bit easier, but you might also want to think about getting a part-time job. As well as giving you some extra cash, a part-time job can give your some practical skills too.

We’ve got a dedicated program to help set you up. It’s called Earn As You Learn (EAYL).

During the two-day program, you’ll gain the skills and confidence you need to become job-ready. You’ll learn how to write your CV and prepare for interviews, get familiar with customised online job-searching tools and go to exclusive networking events with local employers. You’ll also have the chance to undertake free accredited training, like the first aid certificate and responsible service of alcohol. You could very well get a job with a company linked to your career goals. Just like Laura Watterson, who’s studying paramedicine.

“I attended the workshop run by Earn As You Learn in which we discussed all aspects of successfully securing employment.

I worked with the team to develop a cover letter, résumé and essentially build my professional persona.

“EAYL then held a networking event in which all participants were given the opportunity to meet with employers from a range of different companies and professions. This allowed all involved, the opportunity to introduce ourselves and hand our résumés to people in our preferred industry, with the potential to gain employment in a field relevant to our degree. I was successful in securing employment with a non-for-profit disability and support organisation.”

Prayer rooms

Need some time out from study to pray, or a space to just contemplate things? We’ve got multi-faith prayer rooms on all our campuses. They are places for spending some time alone, participating in group prayer and spending time with your fellow students – of your faith and others.

Now all you have to do is…

Decide where you want to make a difference. With these little extras there to make university life that bit easier, you can concentrate on your ideal course. Let’s do this.