Starting university is exciting - but for many students, it’s also a big leap into the unknown. At Wesley, we’re committed to making that transition a positive one, creating a safe, welcoming community where every student feels supported, included and empowered to make the most of university life.
At the heart of College life are our Community Leaders (CLs), who play a vital role in looking out for the wellbeing and safety of our residents. For students living independently for the first time - or moving to a big city like Sydney from elsewhere - their support can make all the difference, helping a new place quickly feel like home.
Just ask second-year student Max Corkhill. Before moving to Wesley to begin his Civil Engineering degree at the University of Sydney, Max had only visited Sydney four times. Having lived in Canberra his whole life - at the same school and in the same house - moving to a new city was a big step.
“I was nervous beforehand. I’d lived in Canberra my whole life; same school, same house and had never really moved,” Max said.
But from the moment he arrived, Max found a community ready to welcome him.
“It was so nice. On day one, when the Community Leaders helped us move in, I could quickly tell that they were really caring people.”
That first impression soon became an ongoing source of support. “They were all so helpful in my first week here, looking out for the new students and still having fun with us. They were great at being our peers and our leaders.”
And the connections Max made went well beyond his first week. “One of my closest friends today was my CL when I first came to Wesley.”
Settling into College life
For Lillian (Lil) Eggleton, who has been a Community Leader at Wesley for two years, becoming a CL has been a natural way to give back to a community she loves. Lil remembers arriving at Wesley without knowing anyone, but with plenty of excitement about the new chapter ahead.
“When I first came here, I didn’t know a soul, but I was excited to start this new phase of my life”, Lil reflects.
Passionate about her positive College experience since, Lil wants to help other students embrace that same opportunity, giving them the confidence to step outside their comfort zones.
“As a Community Leader, I want to give new students confidence to put themselves out there. This is a lot of people’s first taste of independence, and it’s a really good time to build character, I think.”
For Lil, being a CL is also about leading by example. University life is about more than lectures and assignments, and she sees her role as helping students discover how to make space for all the things that contribute to a happy and healthy university experience.
“I also see part of my position as role modelling to other students at Wesley how to find a balance between socialising, university, extracurricular activities and work, for their own wellbeing,” she says.
Community support
While our Community Leaders are an important source of support, students enjoy plenty of resources to ensure they make the most of university life. From academic guidance and pastoral care to professional counselling and opportunities to look after their physical wellbeing, Wesley provides a range of support services designed to help students thrive throughout their university journey:
- Pastoral Care Team
Our Pastoral Care team provides year-round support for personal and academic matters, giving students someone to turn to when they need advice or guidance. All support staff are trained in areas including First Aid, Mental Health First Aid and emergency procedures.
- Professional Counselling
University life can bring its share of challenges and change. Wesley offers dedicated, confidential counselling with our accredited, full-time counsellor, Helen McCarthy, providing students with a safe space to seek support when needed.
- Tutorial Program
Our tutorial program helps students get the most out of their university subjects while learning alongside their peers. Tutorials are held in small-group learning environments and led by senior students, Old Cols or graduates, providing an opportunity to ask questions, build confidence and learn collaboratively.
- Physical Wellbeing
Looking after yourself is an important part of thriving at university. Seven days a week, Wesley provides delicious and healthy breakfasts, lunches and dinners, with additional snacks available during exam periods. Residency also includes access to Sydney Uni Sport facilities, giving students opportunities to use the gym, pool and courts, and take part in a range of group fitness classes.
At Wesley, support comes in many forms — from the Community Leader who helps carry a new resident’s boxes on day one, to the tutor who assists with a challenging subject, or simply a college friend who takes the time to stop for a chat. Starting university is a big step, and while each student’s experience is theirs to shape, Wesley is here to support, encourage and empower residents to embrace every opportunity and make the most of this exciting chapter.
