In 2024, we introduced the Campion Pulse on Instagram – a fast-paced, student-led video series diving into life at Campion College. Each reel offered a glimpse into the authentic experiences, values and opinions of our students, straight from the source. This year, we’ve taken the series in a new direction.

Earlier this year, we asked eight of our students to reflect on their own university journey — not just in isolation, but in contrast to the national student experience. Using publicly available statistics, our students weighed in on some of the challenges faced by Australian university students today, offering personal insight into how Campion College’s small, values-driven environment shapes a different kind of academic experience.

The results? Honest, thought-provoking, and refreshingly hopeful.

Disconnection and Community

A recent survey by YouthInsight revealed that only 15% of Australian university students feel strongly connected to their peers, while 14% report feeling completely disconnected. At Campion College, the story is markedly different. With fewer than 150 students on campus, our close-knit community naturally encourages friendship and belonging.

Financial Pressures and Student Support

According to The Australian, nearly 1 in 5 students consider quitting university due to financial struggles. Our students acknowledged that balancing study and finances is a reality here, too. However, Campion College’s smaller scale allows for more personalised support. On-campus accommodation offers affordable living options, while scholarships and work-study opportunities ease the financial burden.

Cost of Living: A Different Picture

A comparison of accommodation and living costs of students across students at major Australian universities shows that students spend between $20,000-$40,000 per year on living expenses. While living costs are rising everywhere, Campion Colleges’s suburban Western Sydney location offers significantly more affordable rent and amenities compared to inner-city campuses.

With shared meal plans, accommodation packages, and on-campus events that don’t break the bank, our students find they can live well without excessive financial strain.

Academic Pressure and Mental Health

The 2023 study published in Higher Education reveals that nearly 1 in 4 students think about dropping out due to academic pressure, while QILT’s Student Experience Survey shows nearly 1 in 5 students cite mental health stress as a reason to consider quitting.

Campion College students take their studies seriously – but they also report strong support systems that help them manage stress. With small class sizes and dedicated lecturers, students don’t feel like they’re falling through the cracks.

Career Confidence and the Road Ahead

With nearly 1 in 5 university students unsure about their career prospects after graduation (The Guardian, 2024), we asked our students how Campion College prepares them for life beyond college. Their answers emphasised the depth and versatility of a liberal arts education.

Rather than channelling students into one rigid path, Campion College cultivates transferable skills in communication, critical thinking and ethical reasoning. Many go on to pursue postgraduate study, teaching, journalism, law, business or public service – and do so with confidence.

A More Positive Experience Overall?

QILT’s national survey reveals that 1 in 4 students at major universities don’t rate their experience positively. At Campion College, the consensus among our student interviewees was clear: while college life still includes its challenges, the culture here fosters deep friendships, academic engagement, and a sense of purpose.

Watch the full Campion Pulse 2025 video above to hear these stories firsthand — from students who’ve chosen something different, and discovered something meaningful.

Whether you’re considering Campion College for your next step or are simply curious about what a liberal arts college experience looks like in Australia, we hope their insights give you a fresh perspective on what higher education can be.