Former James Sheahan Catholic High School student Patrick Allan has thrown himself into the university experience head first.
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Mr Allan was the recipient of one of the University of NSW’s sought-after rural engineering scholarships and has also received the inaugural Warrane College Rural Engineering Residential Award.
UNSW is extending its rural scholarships program because of the high cost for country students to live in Sydney.
Mr Allan said uncertainty surrounding changes to Youth Allowance and increased living costs meant the scholarship had saved him from having to constantly worry about finances as well as studying.
“Because of the scholarship and also the uncertainty with Youth Allowance I decided to go to university straight away. It basically covers my accommodation. I’d feel very insecure at the moment if I had to take a year off to earn money,” he said.
After his first semester of mechanical engineering, Mr Allan has his sights set on the mining industry as a start to his career.
“From there on I’m not sure. Mechanical engineering is quite broad and you can go into a lot of industries with it,” he said.
Mr Allan has been involved in college performances and the college rugby team since he started at UNSW and says he has managed to find a balance between study and extra-curricular activities.
