Testimonials

Campus: UOW Bega Valley
Degree Undertaken at UOW: Bachelor of Nursing
Year commenced: 2018

Why did you choose the University of Wollongong over other universities and specifically UOW Bega Valley?

To be honest I chose UOW Bega Valley because of the uni's high standards. It has been suggested to me by many previous students who graduated from UOW; they were so proud of it, so this makes me feel eager to study and finish a degree at this campus.

By having smaller classes, UOW Bega Valley has given me the opportunity to have friendships and to get good support from the services that are available on campus

What do you see as the advantages of being able to attend a University close to home?

Being able to study close to home means a lot to me, I don’t have to travel away from my family, also I can continue to work in the local hospital and be around my friends.

I like supporting my community, by being a Rural Fire Service volunteer, so I will not lose access to that and keep my skills up to date.

Why did you choose your particular degree?

My particular degree, nursing, fit with my passion for caring for people. I moved to Australia in 2016 and before this time, I was living in my mother country, Lebanon, where I used to be involved in community work such as volunteering as an ambulance driver. Working to help ill and injured people, being their first aider, motivated me to want to learn more about nursing. Unfortunately, in Lebanon I could not do further study as I was characterised as too old to start my study and get a degree.

Describe what you enjoy the most about being a student at UOW Bega Valley

The people on campus are all so friendly and we support each other, including my friends in class and our tutors who teach us. Also, fellow students and tutors from other subjects make us feel like a community – not to forget, the campus manager who is always smiling. Everyone on this campus is more than happy to help with whatever you want. In addition, we have access to Uni 24/7 which is an advantage for us to do extra study in a quiet place (especially with young kids at home!)

In three words, please describe your perceptions of UOW Bega Valley

Family, inspirational, motivating.

What are some of your career-related ambitions?

I’m not sure! Nursing has so many specialist fields, I look forward to getting more experience during my years of study to help me decide. I have experience working in the operating theatre, so becoming a specialist as an operating theatre nurse could be the place where I would like to be.

What prompted your return to tertiary education?

Coming to Australia and having the opportunity to study makes me feel that I am still young and yes, I can reach my goals in life and become a nurse. The nursing career opens up so many, diverse job opportunities and you can choose many different paths in the course of your career.

Any further comments you would like to add?

“العلم نور والجهل ظلام”

“Knowledge is light, ignorance is darkness”

Campus: UOW Bega Valley

Degree Undertaken at UOW: Bachelor of Nursing

Year Commenced: 2018

Why did you choose the University of Wollongong over other universities and specifically UOW Bega Valley?

Firstly the degree I had always wanted to study was offered through UOW and in particular UOW Bega Valley. I found this campus to be humble, small and full of opportunities for a student in a rural area. 

What do you see as the advantages of being able to attend a university close to home?

The opportunity to attend university at the Bega Valley campus has allowed me to experience a smooth transition from secondary education into self-directed learning. Other advantages included being able to maintain a sense of familiarity with my support networks being family and friends and enjoying the calming coastal lifestyle. I feel that this has had a positive impact also resulting in the elimination of unnecessary stress in regard to maintaining financial opportunities and steady employment.

Why did you choose your particular degree?

Nursing to me is highly rewarding. Throughout high school, I enjoyed subjects such as PDH/PE and science and learning how the body works. I’ve always wanted to be a midwife and in order to bring myself greater opportunities in my future career I decided to complete my Registered Nursing before Midwifery.

Describe what you enjoy the most about being a student at UOW Bega Valley

Being a student at UOW Bega Valley, I enjoy seeing the fresh faces of locals starting their new university degrees. It gives me a sense that - in a rural location - this is an extraordinary opportunity.  I am currently a uni mentor and help students who were only a few years below me at school. Having this role in my local area is so rewarding. I thoroughly enjoy being able to communicate with the local schools and students. I feel that being a young student and previous school leader, I connect with local students, and they see in me that a future at uni is possible.

In three words, please describe your perceptions of UOW Bega Valley

Intimate, supporting, communal

What are some of your career-related ambitions?

After completing my Bachelor of Nursing, I plan to undertake a grad year as a registered nurse - hopefully in the UK - then start my Diploma in Midwifery. 

Campus: UOW Bega Valley

Degree Undertaken at UOW: Master of Teaching

Year Commenced: 2019

Why did you choose the University of Wollongong over other universities and specifically UOW Bega Valley?

I chose UOW Bega Valley so that I could remain living in the area, and I was delighted to learn that I could study part-time, raise my family and stay connected to my community.

What do you see as the advantages of being able to attend a university close to home?

I can remain connected to my community and live the life I chose whilst still studying.

Why did you choose your particular degree?

I enjoy the company, energy and humour of young people. I would like to be part of a teaching and learning community that helps to prepare young people for the challenges and joys of adulthood. 

Describe what you enjoy the most about being a student at UOW Bega Valley

The environment is intimate, supportive and nurturing.

In three words, please describe your perceptions of UOW Bega Valley

High standards, supportive, community-minded.

What are some of your career-related ambitions?

I would like to be a classroom teacher and work with young adults.

What prompted your return to tertiary education?

Potential employment opportunities have encouraged me to return to tertiary studies.

Campus: UOW Bega Valley

Degree Undertaken at UOW: Bachelor of Business

Year Commenced: 2017

Graduated: 2019

Why did you choose the University of Wollongong over other universities and specifically UOW Bega Valley?

I choose UOW Bega Valley because I live in the local area and I wanted a face-to-face experience, as I had previously studied online through different institutions and didn't enjoy it. The staff at UOW Bega Valley were and have always been very supportive and encouraging throughout my degree.

What do you see as the advantages of being able to attend a university close to home?

The biggest advantage of studying at UOW Bega Valley is that it is familiar, small and less stressful, so rather than having to navigate and find my way around at UOW Wollongong I can focus better on studying.

Also, I am able to live with my family which makes the experience more affordable.  

Why did you choose your particular degree?

I choose a Bachelor of Business because the degree had some prescribed subjects but also allowed me the freedom to choose different subjects in which I was interested. A Bachelor of Business helped me see clear career paths once I had graduated and this was important to me.

Describe what you enjoy the most about being a student at UOW Bega Valley

What I enjoy most about UOW Bega Valley is that it feels personalised. The staff know me by name, and I don't get lost in a sea of students, or just become a number. The classes are small and I feel more comfortable being involved in the discussions. The tutors are very supportive and committed to student success. 

In three words, please describe your perceptions of UOW Bega Valley

Supportive, successful, personalised

What are some of your career-related ambitions?

I would like to work and travel abroad, this degree allows me to do that.

What prompted your return to tertiary education?

I'm a mature-age student and returned to study because I wanted an education and a career that was fulfilling and gives me more opportunities.