Why I Chose Charles Sturt University for Medical Radiation Science in Australia

Daisy’s story is not the typical university journey. Born in China, she spent her childhood moving around the world, living in Malaysia, Brazil, and Singapore before eventually moving to Australia for university. Despite being Australian, she had actually never lived in Australia before arriving at Charles Sturt University.

Originally, Daisy planned to study in Melbourne near her brother, but problems with her application coming from overseas meant her plans unexpectedly changed. Looking back now, she believes everything worked out exactly the way it was meant to.

“I couldn’t have been happier with my decision,” she says. “I think truly everything happens for a reason.”

Today, Daisy studies a Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science in Port Macquarie, where she has found not only a course she loves, but also a welcoming community, close friendships, and a lifestyle that helped her slow down and truly enjoy university life.

Why Study Medical Radiation Science at Charles Sturt University?

Medical Radiation Science offers global career opportunities for the future.

Daisy chose radiography because it combines healthcare with flexibility and opportunities to work around the world. Having already lived in countries including China, Malaysia, Brazil, and Singapore, travelling has always been a huge part of her life.

“I’ve picked radiography as a job because I know that it’s worldwide and I can travel with it,” she explains.

What also stood out to her about CSU was the university’s early entry programme. Rather than focusing only on grades, the application process also considers qualities like empathy and resilience.

“You’re asked questions about your soft skills, your empathy, your resilience and just who you are as a person,” Daisy says. “This university values who you are as a person and not necessarily only your grades.”

For Daisy, that mindset shaped the entire atmosphere on campus.

“You’re surrounded by people who want to do well but are also nice people in the end,” she says. “For me, I think being kind is one of the best things you can be in the world.”

Student Life in Port Macquarie

Town Beach is the beach closest to the city centre in Port Macquarie.

Coming from Singapore, Daisy was used to living in a busy city environment. Port Macquarie felt completely different.

“It’s a very relaxed kind of town. You’re right by the beach,” she says. “Honestly, it was the best thing that ever happened to me.”

She says the slower lifestyle actually helped her become less stressed and more focused on enjoying university.

“I’m more relaxed, and it helps you do better in classes as well because you actually want to do well,” Daisy explains.

Port Macquarie offers a very different experience compared to larger Australian cities like Sydney or Melbourne. Instead of constant crowds and long commutes, students can spend time at the beach, go for walks, play cricket by the ocean, or simply enjoy the outdoors with friends.

Support for International Students at Charles Sturt University

Although Daisy is Australian, she had never actually lived in Australia before university, so moving to CSU still felt like a major transition.

“I definitely felt like an outsider,” she says. “My parents were in a whole different country.”

That’s why the support available at CSU became so important.

Daisy joined the International Students Club, which organises activities and social events to help students settle in and meet new people. For students without cars, the club also arranged transport into town and to events.

“We had bowling, surfing, beach days, art days, colour runs,” Daisy says. “There’s definitely a lot of chances to get involved.”

She says one of the biggest surprises about university life in Port Macquarie was just how welcoming everyone was.

“I thought that I wasn’t going to make any friends,” she admits. “So it was really comforting and really surprising to know that everyone wants to be your friend.”

Making Friends and Social Life at CSU Port Macquarie

Daisy (top row, second from left) with her team at the 2024 UniSport Championships.

Daisy describes the social environment at Charles Sturt as inclusive and easy-going. Students from different backgrounds naturally mix together, whether they are domestic or international students.

“If you go on the sunset cruise, everyone’s interacting with each other, everyone’s dancing with each other,” she says. “Everyone is having the best time no matter where you’re from.”

For students worried that Port Macquarie might feel too quiet, Daisy says there are still plenty of opportunities to socialise.

The university regularly hosts themed parties and events at “The Hub”, a student social space with pool tables, TVs, and games. There are also pub nights, beach gatherings, and casual social events throughout the year.

At the same time, Daisy says there is no pressure to constantly go out or party.

“I know that I don’t love to go out every single weekend,” she says. “You’ll still interact and find your group of people.”

Wildlife and Nature Around Charles Sturt University Port Macquarie

One thing Daisy loves about living in Port Macquarie is being surrounded by Australian wildlife.

“When I’m walking between classes, I’ll more than likely see a kangaroo or a wallaby,” she says.

Her favourite animals to spot are koalas hidden in the trees around campus.

“You’ll hear all the different birds, and it’s a really nice feeling that you just can’t explain,” she says.

For students worried about Australia’s dangerous animals, Daisy says those fears are usually exaggerated.

“I’ve been here for two and a half years now, and I still have not seen any dangerous spiders,” she laughs.

Free Food and Student Support at Charles Sturt University

One unexpected benefit of studying at CSU for Daisy has been the amount of support students receive on campus, including free food initiatives.

“The amount of free food you get will be insane,” she says. “I haven’t bought anything for my pantry in two years.”

The university regularly provides free meals, fresh bread, fruit, vegetables, and drinks through different support programmes and partnerships. There are also barbecues and student charity events designed to help students socialise and feel supported financially.

“The uni wants to make the students feel supported and not go hungry because obviously being a student can be quite hard financially,” Daisy explains.

What Is It Really Like to Study at Charles Sturt University?

Shelly Beach in Port Macquarie.

When asked to describe her university experience overall, Daisy does not hesitate.

“I’d say amazing,” she says. “I’ve loved every single aspect of my university experience.”

From the supportive environment and beautiful beaches to the friendships she has built and the course she loves, Daisy believes studying at CSU Port Macquarie was exactly the right decision for her.

Watch Daisy’s full story below to learn more about studying Medical Radiation Science at Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie.