Exceptional place to study

Published on 07 May 2024

Home | Let's Lake Mac

Only an hour and a half from Sydney and a mere 30 minutes outside of Newcastle, this seaside city is nestled between sandy beaches and NSW’s largest coastal lagoon.

Along with its many outdoor attractions, you’ll find a lively social scene, affordable housing and plenty of opportunities to kickstart your career when the time comes.

Take it from Dr Margurite Hook, a University of Newcastle alumna and Marketing Lecturer at the Newcastle Business School who has lived in Lake Macquarie for more than a decade. Having enjoyed a world-class student experience, she chose to keep calling our community home and now works with one of Australia’s leading institutions.

Ready to take the next step in your education? Read on to discover why Lake Macquarie is such an exceptional place to study.

Dr Margurite Hook, Lecturer in Marketing at the Newcastle Business School

Learning, lecturing and living in Lake Macquarie

In 2010, Margurite made the move from Sydney to study at the University of Newcastle. And she’s never looked back.

Having lived in Lake Macquarie ever since, she’s now a proud local through and through. For Margurite, the laid-back culture, convenient location and high-calibre education facilities are a winning formula.

“I moved up here from Sydney and have never regretted the move. I love how much more relaxed the lifestyle is, whilst still getting access to world-leading education and support” she said.

Today, Margurite lectures at the Uni - and continues to enjoy the exceptional resources, work/life balance and natural attractions she loved so much as a student here. 

Discover leading institutions on your doorstep

Keen to follow in Margurite’s footsteps? Lake Macquarie residents are spoiled for choice when it comes to best-in-class education!

Choose from several renowned institutions just a stone’s throw away, the largest being the University of Newcastle. Ranked within the top 200 universities in the world and number 1 in Australia for industry collaboration, it’s no wonder more than 5,000 Lake Macquarie locals enrolled here in 2021.

In particular, this university is favoured for its STEM courses, offering invaluable work experience to build your skills and professional network in time for graduation.

Plus, initiatives like the Integrated Innovation Network connect budding entrepreneurs with our community, customers, coaches and capital to maximise their success.

Prefer to learn closer to the lake?

The University of Avondale delivers 34 award courses, such as nursing, teaching and ministry. Just 10 minutes away from Morriset, its Cooranbong campus saw 90.9 per cent of its graduates gain full-time employment in 2021 - outperforming the national average by nearly 5 per cent.

Or get your hands on a diploma at the TAFE campus in Glendale or Belmont. Conveniently located near the shopping centre and Hunter Sports Centre, TAFE NSW Glendale offers a variety of educational opportunities for all ages.

Alternatively, TAFE NSW Belmont is just off the Pacific Highway, nestled on a bank between the lagoon and ocean. Home to the Electrotechnology Blended Learning Support Centre and Engineering Metals Flexible Delivery Centre, this institution has been providing flexible, personalised and practical training programs for more than 50 years.

With so many reputable places to secure a degree, certification or diploma, Lake Macquarie is a haven for all kinds of students. No matter your age, ability or ambitions, there is a suitable learning pathway on our shores.

Finding the right home on a student budget

Lake Macquarie is one of Australia’s most cost-effective cities for student living.  We offer a variety of affordable accommodation options, with rental rates varying depending on the neighbourhood.

For example, room rates at the University of Newcastle range from AU$200 to AU$400 per week, but you could find off-campus accommodation in nearby Lake Macquarie for even less on platforms like Domain and Flatmates!

Meanwhile, Avondale’s Lake Macquarie Residential Halls allow students to embrace an on-campus experience without compromising on costs.

Room rates start at $140 per week (plus meal credit packages). Additionally, the 36 two-bed University View Units are a great option for mature students, located only a 15-minute walk from campus.

Getting to class is a breeze with easy transport links

The solid transport system is a big bonus for Lake Macquarie students, with regular buses and trains supporting an easy commute to and from class.

Margurite takes advantage of these amenities every day, which help her to get to lecture halls without the hassle.

“I have easy access to the University of Newcastle’s three main campuses (Callaghan, Newcastle City and Ourimbah), which are all under an hour away from my house,” she said.

“When I’m working in the city, I catch the train and it gets me into the heart of the CBD. From there, I have a short walk into the campus or can catch the tram if needed.”

Don’t worry about rush-hour chaos, either. Lake Macquarie is all about relaxed living - and our commutes are no exception.

Take Margurite’s word for it:

“I rarely have to deal with packed train carriages or long traffic jams when driving.”

Time for a study break?

When you’re ready to close your books for the day, you can enjoy the buzz of a larger city without the price tag. Lake Macquarie is awash with cafes, restaurants, retail centres, bars and events!

‘When I need a shopping fix, I have heaps of options with Kotara, Charlestown and Glendale – so many great spots,” Dr Hook said.

“I’m also excited to see the Cedar Mill concert venue in Morisset take shape just down the road from me. I can’t wait to see the shows, events and concerts that will be held here!”

Need to relax after a big night out or recharge for the week ahead? You’ll find pristine beaches, bushwalks and biking trails mere minutes from the city centre. For Margurite, you can’t beat a sunset stroll on the shore.

“The work/life balance is the best!”

“During the day, I get access to large networks, heaps of opportunities and great people. But then I can switch off as I enjoy the serenity of a walk around the Lake, watching the wildlife and sunset. Sometimes I take my kayak. In the summer, a quick splash is so nice too!”

All things considered, our beautiful city is brimming with diverse activities away from the desk.

Here, students can surf, swim, play sports, attend a concert, explore the shops and everything in between - all in the same weekend.

Swim along the Moonee Beach Trail, Lake Macquarie

Make the most of student life in Lake Macquarie

From renowned educational facilities and transport links to an awesome lifestyle both on and off campus, it’s easy to see why so many students are putting Lake Macquarie at the top of their list.

With so many advantages on offer, this vibrant coastal city is the ultimate place to expand your knowledge - and have heaps of fun along the way!

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