Support group president James Taylor said country students faced a different set of challenges to their city counterparts.

“There is a similar group in Wagga Wagga, but up until now we haven’t had anything like this here on campus,” he said.

He said networking in rural areas was vital for students who often found themselves outside their comfort zone.

Rachel Laws said as physiotherapy student she was given her work placements, however, other students had to find their own work experience placements, which were an important part of acquiring a degree.

She says the group is looking for support from industry professionals.

“We have to make sure we have the support of experienced practitioners,” she said.

Mr Taylor said they aimed to attract motivating professionals to inspire students.

“Just two weeks ago we had dentists visit from Western Australia to give us an overview of what it is like to treat patients in rural areas,” he said.

Dentistry student Nicole Contemplacion is from Sydney and opted to do voluntary work in Alice Springs.

“It was just so different to anything I had ever experienced and was absolutely life changing. I’ve decided when I graduate to work in a rural area,” she said.

The group is called the Central West Area Rural Health Society. For more information call Mr Taylor on 0488 373 581 or email cwarhs@gmail.com.