Sometimes, good things take time… and in this case, a little more time than planned. Back in 2024, we sat down with three of our students from New Zealand – Bede, Nico and Gemma – to talk about their first year at Campion College. We fully intended to share their stories right away, but, well… life at Campion is never short of events, projects and deadlines. So here we are in 2025, finally hitting ‘publish’ – and their insights are just as relevant today as they were the day we filmed.

Why cross the Tasman for a degree?

For Bede, coming to Campion was a way to step back from his previous career in building and project management and open his eyes to a new world of ideas. Nico was drawn by the chance for intellectual growth—something he says he hadn’t fully appreciated during his school years—while Gemma jumped at the opportunity to study the liberal arts in a way she couldn’t back home.

Spiritual, intellectual, and personal growth

All three agreed that daily access to the sacraments and adoration has been a game-changer. Gemma loves being able to “roll out of bed” and start the day in prayer, while Nico values the constant presence of faith in study and community life. Academically, they’ve sharpened their skills in essay writing, critical thinking and articulating ideas—skills they know will serve them for life.

Highlights of 2024

From the grand opening of the student-run gym (complete with a blessing from Fr Luke) to the friendships forged over shared meals and late-night study sessions, their first year was full of memorable moments. For Gemma, the standout was the sheer quality of the community. Nico echoed this, saying there’s nothing quite like being surrounded by people who share your values and your goals.

Overcoming challenges

Adjusting to life in Australia brought some practical hurdles—bank accounts, SIM cards, the shock of currency conversion—and, for Gemma, an amusing fear of snakes. The trio also talked about the financial reality of moving overseas to study, agreeing that planning ahead and, where possible, saving before arrival is key.

Final thoughts

If they had to sum up their Campion experience in three words, Nico chose faith, study, friends, Gemma highlighted culture, and Bede added fitness and formation to the mix. All agreed that their time at Campion has been deeply worthwhile—something they’d recommend to anyone considering the leap from New Zealand to Australia for study.

Watch the full video interview to hear Bede, Nico and Gemma’s stories in their own words: