STUDENTS were encouraged to think about their post-school education options early as part of a combined University Roadshow.
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Representatives from Charles Sturt University, Southern Cross University and the University of New England visited Orange High School to address year 12s from the school and visitors from Canobolas Rural Technology High School, Canowindra High School and Molong Central School.
Students learnt about how to apply for courses, accommodation options, subject formats and fees, and other costs like textbooks before they were given time to chat to university staff about course choices.
Molong Central School careers adviser Tony Taylor said the morning gave students an informative view of university life.
“I think students generally don’t think about [the costs and organisation involved] until they hear presentations like this because, at home, they get food for free and accommodation for free,” he said.
“This year we’ve got 45 year 12 students, and generally speaking, they tend to stay within regional areas - financial factors have a lot to do with that because if they go Bathurst or Orange, they can stay at home.”
CSU prospective student adviser Fran Dwyer said it was important to start the conversation well before course preferences closed on September 30.
“We don’t want them going to their careers advisers on September 30 because it’s really about finding the place that fits them, rather than trying to fit into it,” she said.
With regional students receiving five bonus ATAR points from the three universities, she estimated at least 65 per cent would ultimately choose a regional institution.
“Some like to challenge themselves and step out of their home towns, but often for various reasons we see them again,” she said.
The roadshow is in its 13th year.
danielle.cetinski@fairfaxmedia.com.au