From Melbourne to Canberra

After more than half a decade in Melbourne and completing a Bachelor in Exercise and Sports Sciences, Nimisha began exploring study options beyond Victoria.

“When I was considering states to move to, Canberra stood out as a more favourable option. I had heard a lot about the University of Canberra (UC), especially in the field of physiotherapy,” she shares. “A friend who studied the same course at UC spoke highly of the teaching team, describing it as an unparalleled experience.”

With the added benefit of a scholarship offered by UC, Nimisha made the move to pursue a Master of Physiotherapy. 

“The decision to move was an adventurous one – I didn't know anyone here, making it feel like moving to a new country all over again,” she explains. “However, looking at it from another perspective, it allowed me to discover various attributes in myself that I didn't know existed.”

A little help from her friends

While it can be intimidating to uproot your life, Nimisha knew it was a journey she did not have to embark on her own. She also recognises the time she spent in Australia before relocating to Canberra made the process smoother. 

“My partner played a supportive role throughout the entire process. Before packing our bags, I visited Canberra as a tourist and explored various accommodations such as rentals, UC Lodge, and student housing,” Nimisha shares. 

For Nimisha, UC also played an instrumental role in providing support to help guide the process of moving interstate and during enrollment. 

“The UC International support team and Student Centre were incredibly helpful. There's a common misconception that all administrative work has to be done alone, but the team at UC is super friendly, approachable, and free of charge,” she says. 

However it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Nimisha. After difficulties securing a rental property in Canberra, Nimisha sought assistance from her professors and tutors at UC. After explaining her situation, they were able to provide practical support to secure a favourable outcome. New and continuing international students are also all guaranteed places in UC’s student housing.

“Leaving behind family in Melbourne made the decision challenging, but as they say, good things don't always come easy. UC facilitated a smooth transition; there wasn't much I missed, and after finding the right group of friends, it began to feel like home.”

The calmness of Canberra

Regardless of any type of move – whether it be internationally, interstate or even to a neighbouring suburb – change can be difficult. For Nimisha, moving from Melbourne to Canberra was quite a different experience.

“The idea of Canberra being a small city slowly fades away. Instead, I found joy in the greenery that covers the entire city. Traffic isn't as hectic as in Melbourne, and suddenly everything feels much closer without long travel times,” she reveals.

“There’s a lot to explore, and there are plenty of Indian restaurants too!” Nimisha says. 

The future for Nimisha

So what’s next for Nimisha? She has recently finished her last semester at UC and is eagerly anticipating starting work placements. Her passion for physiotherapy and her love for Australia guarantees her a bright future. 

Ready to explore your future at UC? Chat to the friendly international team now!