Why Study Bachelor of Nursing at Charles Sturt - Samir’s Story

Leaving Nepal at just 18 years old to study nursing in Australia was a life-changing experience for Samir. Like many international students, his first few days were filled with uncertainty, but those feelings quickly disappeared as he found a welcoming community, supportive lecturers, and opportunities that helped him grow both professionally and personally.

Now working as a nurse and supervising students on clinical placement, Samir reflects on how studying a Bachelor of Nursing at Charles Sturt prepared him for his career and why stepping outside his comfort zone made all the difference.

Why Study Bachelor of Nursing at Charles Sturt

For Samir, studying nursing at Charles Sturt was about much more than earning a degree. The flexibility of the course, the supportive teaching staff, and the strong emphasis on clinical placements helped prepare him for professional practice.

“The classes were quite flexible. I was doing four subjects per semester, and one of them used to be online.”

“They gave us options for different class allocations, and the timetable was published months in advance. If you were trying to fit in work as well, it was easy to plan around your schedule.”

“The teachers were amazing and supportive. They answered every question. It just felt amazing.”

The flexibility of the course allowed him to balance study and work while gaining the practical skills needed for a nursing career.

What Is It Like Moving to Australia as an International Student

Samir still remembers how overwhelming his first day in Australia felt.

“My first day was hectic. I stayed in my room rethinking whether I had made the right decision at all.”

Fortunately, his experience changed almost immediately thanks to the people around him.

“I was living with seven other housemates. They were very approachable. They took me out for dinner. They were very welcoming. It was very nice.”

Those first acts of kindness helped transform uncertainty into confidence and made Bathurst start to feel like home.

Student Life at Charles Sturt Bathurst

Building friendships became one of the highlights of Samir's university experience.

“I still remember my friend. He saw me around campus, introduced me to more friends, and pretty much we were living like a family.”

“We used to have dinners together, look after each other, talk about what needed to be done around the house, and regularly check in on each other.”

“It was just amazing. It was an amazing experience.”

The friendships he built extended far beyond the classroom and became an important part of his support network throughout his studies.

Bathurst is a quiet town where you can enjoy different activities.

Living in Bathurst as an International Student

Adjusting to life in a regional Australian city came with a few challenges, especially compared to larger cities.

“When I first started, challenges were trying to figure out transport and everything because there aren't regular trains like Sydney.”

“I was very lucky to have on-campus accommodation.”

As he became more comfortable, he realised that exploring the local community opened many new opportunities.

“The more you explore, the more opportunities you find.”

“It's a lovely town. Lots of restaurants, lots of local culture, and a lot of things to experience.”

Clinical Placements for Nursing Students at Charles Sturt

Looking back on his nursing degree, Samir believes clinical placements are one of the most valuable parts of the course.

“I always tell students, don't be afraid.”

“If you don't know, always ask.”

“I chose critical rotation placements. If you can, try to get into emergency because those are the places where you learn a lot.”

“You need to step out of your comfort zone. It's about people's lives. Try and learn as much as you can.”

“The teachers there will always support you.”

Culture Shock for International Students in Australia

Coming from Nepal, adapting to Australian culture was one of the biggest adjustments Samir experienced.

“The first thing was the big cultural difference. It felt like completely different pages of the same book.”

“Eventually, you get used to it, and if you combine both cultures, you realise there are similarities as well.”

“People here are friendly and welcoming.”

Over time, he realised that building connections was the key to settling into life in Australia.

“If you're not going to approach people and you're just going to stay by yourself, it's going to be quite hard.”

“The more you get involved with people and build a social life, it's really amazing.”

Charles Sturt University campus offers lots of green areas.

Things to Do in Bathurst as a Student

Outside university, Samir made the most of everything Bathurst had to offer.

“I had a bike, so I used to go on a lot of motorbike rides. I don't think there's anywhere around Bathurst that I haven't ridden.”

Campus life was equally active.

“The university runs a lot of activities. The student representative club organises lots of events on campus.”

“In the dorms, there's always something happening—movie nights, birthday celebrations, card games, Monopoly. It's all about living the university experience.”

For Samir, these experiences were just as memorable as his time in the classroom.

Advice for International Students Studying at Charles Sturt

Having completed his degree and started his nursing career, Samir encourages future students to embrace every opportunity and never isolate themselves.

“Every campus is amazing. There are lots of students around and lots of support teams.”

“Reach out to people. Ask questions.”

“If you're just going to panic, sit in your room, and worry about everything, it will just get to you.”

“I was very young. I was 18 when I left home. The first two days were pretty hectic, but after that I just got going, and it's just been amazing.”

His story is a reminder that while studying abroad can feel overwhelming at first, staying open to new experiences can lead to friendships, confidence, and opportunities that last a lifetime.