Written by Emily Caulfield
Starting university can be intimidating, especially when living away from home for the first time. But I’ve learned that one of the best ways to build lasting friendships is by living on campus.
This was an easy choice for me, especially since I was lucky enough to receive an accommodation scholarship, allowing me to live on campus for free in my first year. This scholarship didn’t just ease the financial burden but also allowed me to fully immerse myself in university life.
Living on the Bathurst campus meant I was surrounded by first-year students, all in similar situations. The best part of on-campus living was the constant chance to meet new people, whether it was in the hallway, the kitchen, or the common areas.
At first, casual “hellos” turned into conversations, inside jokes, and friendships. I made an effort to introduce myself to as many people as I could, and those initial interactions led to lasting relationships. My roommates, for instance, became some of my closest friends.
We’d stay up late studying, share movies, and support each other through the university’s highs and lows. It’s amazing how quickly relationships grow when you live together and share the experience of being at university.
One of the best ways I made friends was by participating in campus events. Charles Sturt offers so many opportunities to connect with others through clubs, event nights, barbecues, and more. Orientation week was a major highlight for me. With its games, food, and icebreaker activities, it gave me a chance to meet people and feel part of something bigger than my academics. Plus, since I lived on campus, I didn’t have to worry about long commutes I could easily join in.
Some events that stood out were the Colour Run during Orientation Week, the Diggings Wedding, and Freddy’s Favourite Events. These events were great for meeting people who lived on campus, outside of my immediate circle. Through these events, I not only made new friends but also felt more connected to the campus community.
Joining the CSU Football Club (CSUFC) was another highlight. It kept me active and gave me the chance to meet people from different faculties.
And a bonus was winning the grand final together this year! The friendships I formed through the club extended beyond game days our bond was solidified off the pitch too.
In retrospect, living on campus at CSU was one of the best choices I made. The scholarship helped me financially, but the friendships I gained were even more valuable. Through events, dorm life, and clubs like CSUFC, I built a network of friends that will stay with me long after graduation.
If you’re unsure about living on campus, I’d highly recommend it. It’s the best way to make lasting memories, meet new people, and experience campus life fully. So, get involved, attend social events, and take every opportunity to meet someone new you might just find your next closest friend in the dorm or on the football field.
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative
