What It’s Like to Study Bachelor of Information Technology at Charles Sturt in Port Macquarie.

For Garima from Nepal, moving to Australia to study Information Technology was not only about getting a degree, but also about experiencing a completely different lifestyle and education system. Now studying a Bachelor of Information Technology at Charles Sturt in Port Macquarie, she has found a balance between practical learning, student support, and life by the coast.

From exploring beaches and waterholes to building industry-ready skills, Garima shares what it’s really like to study in regional Australia.

Why Study Bachelor of Information Technology at Charles Sturt.

For Garima, choosing Charles Sturt came down to a combination of affordability, practical learning, and lifestyle.

“Because it's practical and realistic. It is also more affordable compared to a lot of other universities, which is a huge factor, especially as an international student.”

“The location here at the port is absolutely beautiful.”

The combination of career-focused education and the relaxed environment of Port Macquarie made the university stand out during her search process.

What Is It Like Living in Port Macquarie as an International Student

Life in Port Macquarie offers a slower and more relaxed lifestyle compared to major cities, something Garima quickly grew to appreciate.

“Day-to-day life. This is a very chill, laid-back town.”

“Sometimes I like to go for a morning run. I'll see the sunrise. It's really beautiful near the beach.”

Most of her time outside class is spent balancing study, work, and enjoying the coastal lifestyle.

“I spend most of my time in the library doing assessments.”

Student Support Services at Charles Sturt in Port Macquarie

One of the things that stood out most to Garima was the level of support available for international students from the moment they arrive in Australia.

“Definitely the international team. They come to the airport to pick you up.”

“There are 24/7 wellbeing support services. There's an academic and skills advisor.”

“We've also got carrier services and carrier advisors. So basically there's support for anything and everything.”

Having access to wellbeing, academic, and career support services helped make the transition into university life smoother and less overwhelming.

Why International Students Like Studying in Port Macquarie

For Garima, the smaller campus and town environment created a stronger sense of community and connection.

“Since it's a coastal city, there are a lot of beaches. Plus, there are also a lot of creeks and waterholes that I really love to explore.”

“This is a small campus, and the port itself is a small town. You see everybody everywhere in the gym. Your coworker might be your classmate.”

That personal atmosphere became one of the most meaningful parts of her experience.

“The connection is a really important factor, especially as an international student coming into a new place.”

“It feels less corporate and more personal. That's very special.”

Culture Shock and Studying in Australia for Nepalese Students

Moving from Nepal to Australia brought many new experiences, especially living in a coastal environment and adapting to a different education system.

“Definitely, the beach. Nepal is a landlocked country, so I'd never seen such clear, crystal clear water before.”

“Also, the culture is totally different.”

She also noticed significant differences in the way students learn in Australia compared to back home.

“It's more systematic here, the education system as well, the assessments.”

“It's more hands-on and practical compared to theoretical education back home.”

The Breakwall at Port Macquarie

What Is It Like Studying Information Technology at Charles Sturt.

Garima enjoys the interactive learning style used in her IT classes, especially the smaller tutorial groups that make learning feel more personal and collaborative.

“So we have lectures, and then after lectures we have tutorials as well.”

“We have smaller groups. So it feels like your friend is teaching you after the lecture.”

Looking ahead, she is excited about the practical opportunities included in her degree.

“We will be building a personal portfolio and doing work placements in later years of my study, so I'm really excited for that.”

Students enjoy breath-taking views near the beaches.

Beaches, Lifestyle, and Outdoor Activities in Port Macquarie

One of the biggest advantages of living in Port Macquarie is having nature and outdoor activities so close to campus.

“Definitely come here. The support is very strong and this campus, especially the location, is absolutely gorgeous.”

“You can swim, surf, you can go for a hike, anything you want.”

For students looking for a balance between university life and wellbeing, Port Macquarie offers a unique environment that combines study with outdoor living.