Why I Chose to Study Business at Charles Sturt University

Moving from Mongolia to Australia was a huge step for Altanzul, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions she's ever made. Now studying a Bachelor of Business Studies at Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie, she's discovered new career opportunities, lifelong friendships and a lifestyle she never imagined growing up in a landlocked country.

Here's why Charles Sturt felt like the right choice.

Why I chose Charles Sturt University in Australia

Charles Sturt University, Port Macquarie campus.

Studying in Australia wasn't always part of Altanzul's plan.

Everything changed after a friend invited her to an international education event in Mongolia where universities from Australia and Canada were meeting prospective students. Charles Sturt was the very first university she spoke to, and from that moment, everything fell into place.

After learning more about the course and receiving guidance through the application process, she knew it was where she wanted to study. More importantly, she felt the university's values matched her own.

Having volunteered on environmental projects and mentored younger students back home, she wanted to study somewhere that valued leadership, community and making a positive impact.

"The values that Charles Sturt has aligned with mine. I value leadership and inspiring other people."

Looking back, she believes studying in Port Macquarie was simply meant to be.

What is it like studying Business at Charles Sturt University?

Altanzul pictured on her favourite beach in Port Macquarie, Lighthouse Beach.

One of the biggest advantages of studying Business at Charles Sturt has been the opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects before choosing a career direction.

Rather than specialising immediately, Altanzul studies finance, marketing, economics, human resource management and data analytics, giving her a strong foundation across the business world.

She arrived knowing she wanted a career in business but wasn't sure exactly where she would fit. As she completed assignments and presentations, she discovered a genuine interest in human resources—something she had never considered before starting university.

"You don't have to know everything before you come to university. The more you learn, the more you discover what you enjoy."

She now feels confident that whichever direction she chooses after graduation, she'll have the knowledge and skills to succeed.

Small class sizes make learning more personal

For Altanzul, one of the biggest differences between studying at Charles Sturt University and what she expected from university was the learning environment.

Instead of sitting in overcrowded lecture theatres, she found classes where lecturers know students by name and are happy to answer questions one-on-one.

Many lecturers also bring years of industry experience into the classroom, sharing practical knowledge and helping students build valuable professional connections long before graduation.

"You get to talk to your professors one-on-one. They're experienced people and you can start building your network while you're studying."

The supportive learning environment has made it much easier to ask questions, participate in class and grow in confidence.

What is student life like in Port Macquarie?

Town Beach, Port Macquarie on a hot Autumn afternoon.

Coming from Mongolia, Port Macquarie felt like a completely different world.

Growing up in a landlocked country, Altanzul had never seen the ocean before arriving in Australia. Visiting Town Beach for the first time is still one of her favourite memories.

"Town Beach was the first beach I'd ever been to in my life."

Today, the beaches have become part of everyday life. Whether it's watching the sunset, spending time with friends or simply enjoying the fresh air, Port Macquarie offers a lifestyle that helps students balance university with wellbeing.

The relaxed atmosphere, clean environment and friendly community made her feel at home almost immediately.

Making friends as an international student

Altanzul with Friends she made at Charles Sturt.

Moving overseas can feel intimidating, but Altanzul says making friends happened much faster than she expected.

Living on campus meant she was surrounded by other students who were also starting a new chapter in their lives. Before long, she had built friendships with people from Australia and countries all over the world.

"The next day after I arrived, I made friends instantly."

She believes international students naturally support one another because everyone understands what it's like to leave home and start again somewhere new.

Regular university events, social activities and life in the student residences make it easy to meet people and quickly feel part of the Charles Sturt community.

Support for international students at Charles Sturt University

Starting university in another country naturally comes with challenges, especially when English isn't your first language.

Before arriving in Australia, Altanzul worried she might struggle to understand lectures or even order food at a café.

Instead, she found herself settling in much faster than expected.

International advisors, Student Central, approachable lecturers and friendly classmates helped her feel supported from day one. She also appreciates the practical facilities available on campus, including the 24-hour library and gym, allowing students to study whenever it suits them.

"The more supported you feel, the more you want to study and enjoy everything else."

Only a few months after arriving, she realised she no longer needed to worry about speaking English.

Can international students work while studying in Australia?

Like many international students, Altanzul has balanced university with part-time work.

Her first job in Australia was in hospitality, and although it was something completely new, supportive colleagues helped her build confidence both professionally and personally.

Working while studying has helped her contribute towards her living expenses while also gaining valuable workplace experience in Australia.

Combined with the flexibility of her course, she's found it possible to maintain a healthy balance between work, study and enjoying everything Port Macquarie has to offer.

Would I recommend Charles Sturt University?

For Altanzul, studying at Charles Sturt University has been about much more than earning a business degree.

It's where she discovered career opportunities she hadn't considered, improved her English, built friendships with people from around the world and experienced things she had only dreamed about—including seeing the ocean for the very first time.

"I wake up and realise I'm in Australia, and I still think, 'Wow.' Every day feels like a dream."

Although she originally came to Australia to study, she now hopes to build her future here.

For students considering studying business overseas, she believes Charles Sturt University offers the perfect combination of supportive lecturers, practical learning, a welcoming community and an unforgettable Australian lifestyle.