With the deadline for main round university offers quickly approaching, it can be intimidating trying to figure out the best place for you. You might be fresh out of high school, or thinking of making the switch to another institution, and want to weigh up your options. Recently, it’s been revealed that smaller universities regularly have the highest rates of employer satisfaction than the regular ‘Group of Eight’.

This means it might be time to consider a regional based university. Here are the pros and cons.

Pros

Smaller Class Sizes

A major drawcard to regional universities are the smaller class sizes. With many of the universities in capital cities recording student numbers in the hundreds for classes, it can be overwhelming and feel very confronting.

Studies have shown that more intimate learning environments have a positive impact on a student’s academic achievements. Being able to develop relationships and rapport with teachers can be a great benefit, making it easier to ask for help when you’re struggling. When you’re looking for work they can also make a great reference.

More Hands-On Experience

Less people = less competition for experience. It’s easier to learn if you can engage with the content, and with smaller class sizes on regional campuses this is much more achievable. Whether it be just contributing to class discussion, or putting your hand up to take part in a practical activity, it all contributes to your learning.

Feeling Of Community

When there are only 40 people in your course, you can’t help but bond during your time at uni. Chances are most students will have moved away to attend this campus, which also means lots of students are in residences.

There’s something super comforting about going out on a uni night at the local pub and knowing 75 per cent of the people there. It feels like a real community.

Cheaper Cost Of Living

There’s no doubt about it, living is expensive. Particularly if you’re in Sydney or Melbourne. The average weekly median advertised rent in Sydney is a cool $480, while in the regional town of Bathurst it’s a median of $330 per week. For the average poor university student, this is a massive factor.

A Fresh Start

If you weren’t from a regional area to begin with, or even if you were, chances are you won’t know too many people attending your uni. This means other students won’t know many people either.

With no high school cliques making their way to the campus, it’s a fresh start for everyone, and super easy to make friends without having to first navigate all the different groups.

Cons

Less Job Opportunities In The Area 

Depending on your field, regional areas often have fewer opportunities when it comes to securing work. Less infrastructure, resources and demand often mean that graduates will have to move to a city or more metropolitan hub to find work when they complete their degree. This also means that it can be harder to find a locally based internship, particularly if you’re wanting to do one part time while you’re still studying. 

You Might Have To Move From Your Friends

As everyone begins accepting their university offers, you might notice a trend: lots are moving to the big city. Chances are, lots of your friends will do the same.

Less Resources

As unfortunate as it is, lower student numbers could mean less enrolment fees which means less money. As a consequence, it can feel like regional universities don’t have the same state-of-the-art equipment that the city campuses have. However, it all depends on the uni that you pick so do a bit of research into what kind of resources are important to your degree.

(Lead image: The OC/Warner Bros)