Baptiste Fazilleau
International student from France studying Chinese and Economics
UWS Village resident, Baptiste Fazilleau, says, "I found out about the UWS Village through the UWS website first, but the recommendations from my teachers back in France convinced me to apply.
I thought first it would be hard for me to be a part of the Village, because it was my first time living without my parents, but I was really surprised to see how welcoming the people are in the Village.
The UWS Village is like a big family mixing cultures, characters, ways to think and to live. Without a doubt it is the best experience that I ever had. The Village is beautiful, modern and well-equipped from the laundry room to the Wii in the common TV room. Everyday there is something organised by the Village, it's a good way to make friends from all around the world. And if the activities don't interest you, you can always go to the pool!"
Lily Tran
UWS Village resident, Lily Tran, says "I discovered UWS Village while searching online for accommodation in Sydney. I was convinced to stay when I found out that the facility was pretty much brand new!! There is a swimming pool, bbq area, a comfortable TV room with Foxtel & a Wii (and when I am sick of the Wii, I can always hook up my own X-box!), laundry facility, ping pong table, etc.
Living here has been a great growing experience for me. At first, I was anxious to move way from the comfort of home & face the world alone; however the Village really makes you feel like a part of a wider international community. An advantage of living on this campus is the amount of programs & the facilities they offer e.g. 24-hour support, safety, & free social & educational events almost every day. Not only do I have support with my studies from the staff & residents, but I have also been able to meet so many different people from all around the world, some of which will be life-long friends.
My time here has been very positive & I would recommend anyone who wants a great growing & social experience, to live on campus. The best part is that you can literally get out of bed, grab a snack & take the free shuttle bus to classes at UWS, avoiding traffic or public transport schedules & delays."
Raed Shami
UWS Village resident, Raed Shami, says “I applied to UWS village in January 2009, when I got my UWS offer. Living in Lebanon, I had to ensure that I had a place to stay when I go to Australia, so I began looking through the university website and found out that Parramatta had recently established a student accommodation, the village, back then.
Before moving in, besides the anxiety of living on my own for the first time, I was really looking forward for a new chapter in my life and living on 'the other side of the world', as many people would refer to Australia. I had the impression that the village would help me with this change and make me settle faster than just renting a place somewhere near the University.
Fortunately, the village did more than just help me settle in and get over the biggest culture shock I had ever experienced. Throughout my two years of living here, I have had the opportunity to meet students from different corners of the world, some from Colombia, from Germany, USA and Japan. Getting to know residents here got to teach me about the different cultures around the world, and now I can even visit these countries without the hassle of looking up places to stay or where to visit as I have my own 'tour guides' who will show me around!”
Meliame Akau
UWS Village resident, Meliame Akau, says “I’ve been a resident in the village since 2010. I stumbled across it as I was randomly looking for accommodation that is close by to university. Living in the village has been a great experience. I made heaps of new friends and it is also a good way of learning how to be independent. The village also makes heaps of events that help you socialise with other residents. They also support academic purposes making sure that your studies are first priorities.”