Written by Jaymi Clancy
Uni life has given me so much more than I could have ever imagined! After two gap years since finishing school, I moved 3 hours to Albury to study physiotherapy at Charles Sturt. I decided living on res was a good way to make friends, but I had no idea how quickly those friends would start to feel like family. Fast forward a year and a half, and I have hit gold again with an amazing house, and I am lucky enough to have a Resident Leader (RL) scholarship as well!
Every Wednesday, our house splits into two and we head down to the netball courts or footy field for social sport. There are so many different skill levels and personalities and it is so much fun to see everyone getting along no matter their ability. Although some take it more seriously than others, we all know deep down that it’s not about winning or losing. We watch the footballers try not to tackle each other in netball and the netballers try not to throw the ball forward in touch footy. Even the non-sports people give it their best while everyone cheers them on!
Outside of the house, I feel so supported by our Albury RL group. Whenever I get into a sticky situation or a situation I don’t know how to handle as a Resident Leader, the others around me always make me feel heard and supported. This year as an RL has definitely come with its challenges, but every situation has been a learning curve, and I now feel so much more prepared for future leadership roles. My favourite RL event so far was being part of our own Big Freeze for MND, where we raised over $1,500 as a campus for the cause. We also recently hosted our 2026 Res Ball, where we all got to dress up, relax, and celebrate the year so far.
Another outlet that I’m lucky to have at Albury is the Charles Sturt Run Club where every Wednesday morning we all walk or run for 30 minutes, followed by a coffee at the local cafe. We are a very social club and everyone loves to talk and catch up on the latest news. We even put on a bacon and egg breakfast for free every couple of months!
My favourite part of being an RL is getting to organise and run house events. From house dinners and Christmas in July to movie nights, Wii nights and just eating dinner with everyone in the common room, there is never a dull moment in Blue House!
Being an RL has encouraged me to engage with people of all different personality types studying a mix of different degrees, which in turn has provided me with memories that will last a lifetime. When I’m feeling homesick or missing my parents, Blue House always knows how to lift my spirits. They feel like a home away from home!
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