Charles Sturt University Port Macquarie has doubled its accommodation capacity in 2019 with more than 218 students now living on campus
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Meredith Gibson, residence life coordinator at the Port Macquarie campus, said the surge in students living at the university in 2019 was surprising.
"Last year was the first year we had students living on campus here at CSU Port Macquarie and we are delighted to say in 2019 we have reached full capacity," Ms Gibson said.
"We had 100 students both domestic and international living on campus in 2018, but with 218 currently living on campus it has put us into overdrive.
"It is fantastic to see so many students choosing to life with us on campus and the students living on res have really built a community."
Ms Gibson said she believes the large increase in students can be attributed to three things.
"Location, course options and access to services are the three main reasons why we are seeing more and more people choose to live on campus with us," she said.
"Who wouldn't want to live in a place like Port Macquarie.
"We are in a gorgeous part of the world, then you add living right next door to campus and the access to shops and services it is little wonder why students are choosing to stay with us."
Jacob Wicken is the head residence leader at CSU Port Macquarie and said he is optimistic about the year ahead.
"We have had a massive jump in students living on campus this year and that is both a good and bad thing," Jacob said.
"As a leader it presents a challenge to manage so many more people but it is a great opportunity to learn from a wider range of backgrounds and perspectives.
"I think the increase in numbers will help build that community spirit and get each dorm to collaborate together more."
Sean Page is a student who has signed on for a second year of living on campus and he couldn't imagine living anywhere else.
"The experience of living on campus something that you can't get elsewhere," Sean said.
"You are living with lots of different people and it is a real community hub where everyone is in the same boat and if you have problems then probably someone else nearby is struggling also.
"It makes you feel like you belong to something and there is always some around who can offer support."
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