From one parent to another - loving life on Res

While COVID-19 has created uncertainty in many areas of life, here at Deakin Residential Services (DRS) we remain committed to delivering outstanding student accommodation experiences within a safe, secure, and convenient environment.

We know that the choice to live on campus is a big decision for students and parents alike, and we are proud that we have continued to offer a safe and engaging place for students throughout these challenging times.

We spoke to Linda Marks, mother of one of our Waterfront Campus residents, to hear how life on Res has been for her daughter over the past year.

What were some of the benefits of your child staying on campus?

"For our daughter, going to Deakin Uni meant a complete move away from home in a regional town to a new city and environment she was not familiar with, and where she didn’t know anyone.

It was a softer transition to learning to live away from home in a supported, well maintained and secure environment with other students. The opportunity to develop instant connections and make friends through shared experiences and living together. Everything she needed was within walking distance: uni, shops, beach, gyms, train station, cafes and social venues.

She was able to focus on uni life and study, getting to know people, and settling into a routine and new city without the additional stresses of renting (which would have been her only other option). Having other students to study with, motivate each other and get through COVID lockdowns together has also been a huge plus."

How did you know Deakin Res was the right choice for your child?

"Living in a regional town, you accept going to uni means moving away from home and being separated from friends and family. Both my husband and I moved from small country towns and lived in residential campus accommodation during our first couple of years of university (that is where we first met!), and Ellie’s older brother also spent his first two years of uni life in campus accommodation (all different locations).

I can’t put into words how much that experience shaped each of us, helped us to get through our courses, and make lifelong friends. I guess you don’t really know until they experience it for themselves but the introduction, welcome, and orientation from campus residential leaders and staff played a big part in making it a positive transition.

When your daughter is loving life, enjoying her course and doing well in her studies, making friends, calls you and says, 'Mum, I am the happiest I have ever been', you know it was the right choice for your child."

What sort of growth did you see in your child while living on campus?

"Broadening her world view, street smarts, gaining experience and independent living skills, taking responsibility for herself, learning to balance and manage time well. Doing her own shopping, cooking, washing, cleaning, and gaining a new found appreciation of home and parents!"

Why would you recommend Deakin Res to other parents?

"Moving away from home, friends and family to a completely new place can be overwhelming and stressful. Coping with the demands of study and staying with a course until completion is not easy.

Ellie has loved it so much that she wanted to be a Residential Leader for 2022 and give new students the positive experience she had."

What's the best advice you can give other parents thinking about uni accommodation in 2022?

"It is worth it!"

Thinking of living on campus or considering accommodation options for your children? Read more about our fantastic Res community below, or book a campus tour now.