Its definitely been the best decision I’ve made to come to St Hilda’s this year. I have been able to participate in many different sports in a fun, and competitive environment such as Netball, Swimming, Athletics and Rowing. It has become more than a place to sleep and eat, but a place to socialise, collaborate with others, participate in a range of activities and even a place to screen the Bachelor every now and again!
In retrospect, there was no better choice for college than St Hilda's. When you move to any new place, especially when travelling from interstate or overseas, you're scared. No matter how confident, well - prepared and personable you are; you are scared. I don't think I've had those anxieties lifted so fast anywhere than Hilda's. The community is welcoming, inclusive and even if you feel as if you don't fit in at first you will find your people here. The college is small enough that you can quickly know every single member of the college's names, something about them, and who they are. It's large enough that anyone can find people with interests and aspirations similar to yours. If you have you're ambitious the college is willing to support that ambition and allow it to thrive. As a place to grow, to make friends, to feel safe, and make room for your own opportunities, Hilda's has no match.
Like many others, I wanted to attend a college for my first year because I was wary about starting university alone. Especially in a new environment with an influx of knowledge, it can be overwhelming at times. But after arriving at St. Hilda’s College for the first time, all the scepticism I had towards college faded away as I was greeted with such a warm community. Living here has really been a home away from home, from tutorials that help you with university work to having warm minestrone soup on a rainy day, St. Hilda’s is a very comforting and accepting place; you never feel alone. Being one of the smaller colleges means that everyone gets around, you can always find someone to talk to or go for a cheeky frozen yoghurt run. There are plenty of clubs, sports and events to attend so you can never have a boring semester here even if you tried.
I really didn’t know what to expect from college, but I am so glad I ended up choosing St Hilda’s. What really makes it exceptional for me is the focus on community because everyone is so supportive and kind. There is always something to participate in no matter your talents or interest, which means that it’s both easy and fun to get involved in the college community. I was scared to move to the city but St Hilda’s has made it so much better than expected and this year has been amazing.
Having had my heart set on Melbourne University from the beginning of my senior high school years, moving away from home and finding someplace to live seemed the only thing left to consider. I chose St Hilda’s College after reading of its reputation for being community-oriented and for promoting academic and personal development. As my first year draws to a close, I can say I have experienced each of these things and more, having participated in our fantastic college production, book club and countless sporting and social events. Being the youngest of the colleges, to me St Hilda’s represents a coalescence of the lifestyle of a modern university student with the grace and inclusivity of traditional values, making my move to Melbourne and transition to University near seamless. During my time here, St Hilda’s has become more than a place of residence and academic support, and I know the friendships I have made here will be life-long. More than a slogan, I can proudly say our college motto ‘Communitas’ is a way of life.
