Australian vs. American Universities [Social Neuro Talks]

[@mincake8316]

Would you say that in Australian universities, the commuting aspect for students makes it a lonelier experience compared to American college culture? In America, there’s a lot of parties and opportunities to meet friends and everyone is mostly new to each other. I’m going to uni in Sydney next year and I’ve heard from others it can be very difficult to make new friends due to the big classes and only going classes once a week, and because everyone commutes. I’ve also heard a lot of people stick to their high school friends and don’t make new uni friends at all. Have any of your students talked about their social life in uni or about the social opportunities/events the uni holds? Thank you!!! This was a great video

[@socialneuro]

I don't think Australian uni students end up being lonelier than those attending an American uni because most people eventually find a way to connect with others, even if it's more difficult to do so. The commuter student will always have a bigger challenge to find new friends but I think it's possible to join a club or a study group at your university and end up having a social life like someone who is living on campus. My students at UQ always seem to have lots of friends they have met in class and our campus is full of activities in the evenings and weekends. The part about people sticking with high school friends is definitely true. It even happens in the U.S.! Weirdly, I purposely chose to go to a university in another state so that I could avoid the people I knew in high school--I wanted to meet new people! Best of luck to you next year! It's going to be so great when you're at uni!! And thank you for your comments.

[@seshadrishankar6827]

Thanks for an informative analysis. For an international Indian student with a very high achievement record (1590 SAT etc) what would you recommend? Is the incremental slog in a reputed American college vs having some fun during college in Australia, worth it? Are the Australian colleges too laid back and would someone be shortchanging their education by choosing them? Don't the dual degrees in Australia offer enough 'breadth'?

[@socialneuro]

Hi. Thanks for your question! Each system has its advantages, so it will depend on what you value most. You can certainly get the breadth of study with dual degrees in Australia and probably for a lot less money and time than you could in the USA. For a more generalist education and smaller class sizes (with more access to professors), the USA will be better, but probably cost more too. -Eric

[@leightonpittman]

Hi I'm very interested in studying at University of Queensland as an American, could you explain the college system a little more? I saw there is an international college is that something you would recommend? I was also curious if you think it would be easier to make friends by joining these colleges.

[@socialneuro]

Hi. The colleges at UQ are private and are merely residential. They don’t offer courses or anything. Some offer support services like tutors and they have dining plans. The international college is really popular, so I think you would like it. I think anyone who isn’t from Brisbane would benefit from the college experience, as it would be the quickest way to meet people!

[@SomethingYouSee]

Cool