Choosing a university is one of the biggest decisions an individual will make. Big or boutique? Close to home, interstate or international? Private or public? And that’s just the start of the questions students, parents, families and friends will ask on the way to making their decision. Â
Students who attend Bond University have chosen the boutique path. With fewer than 5,000 students, Bond has been recognised as one of the best small universities in the world by Times Higher Education. Ranked 17th, it’s the only institution from the Southern Hemisphere that’s on the list.
We asked some of our students why they chose to dream big and study small.
“It’s one-on-one learning”
Kimberley PearceÂ
Bachelor of Business (Management & Finance) (CRICOS 063055G)
Starting my Bond journey straight from high school, the unique small class sizes provided a comforting and supportive environment to transition into. Throughout high school, as students we become accustomed to long-standing relationships with teachers and small classes, therefore there was no shock to the system when moving to Bond. Each of my professors, over the length of my degree, have gone above and beyond to assist each student individually develop themselves to reach their academic goals. Without the personalised, one-on-one attention I would not have achieved the success that I have at Bond University.
“A small university means small class sizes”
Nick Bradshaw
Bachelor of Film & Television (CRICOS 063066E)
One of the best things about studying at a small university like Bond is the small class sizes. We get greater attention with our study, get to interact with the lecturers and you don’t have the pressure of having 1,000 students all wanting help from one lecturer.
Another benefit is you get to make friends more easily at a small university and be in a small cohort of people who are passionate about the same things as you are. It ensures you get to work collaboratively, you make lifelong friends that I don’t think you would have the opportunity to do that at a big university.
“I’m more than a number”
Sarah WhiteÂ
Bachelor of International Relations/Bachelor of Business (Communication) (CRICOS 088310C)
If you had told me three years ago that my favourite thing about Bond would be its small size, I would have thought you were crazy. But, now approaching the end of my time on campus I’ve come to realise that not everyone has the opportunity to recognise the faces of every student or professor you pass on the way from one class to another, or that in just four short months I won’t be able to have my morning chit chat with the coffee ladies who know everyone by name but these are things I will definitely miss the most. Bond definitely feels like a slightly larger than normal family but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“The collaborative and close educational environment”
Nikki CornwellÂ
Bachelor of Actuarial Science (CRICOS 083205M)
One of my favourite things about Bond is its relatively small student body and unique ability to bring together such like-minded, driven and passionate people from so many different backgrounds and locations around Australia and the globe.
The people around me – my fellow Bondies and the staff – constantly provide me with encouragement, empathy, determination and sometimes the reality check I need to get through the semester.
Bond’s professional yet community atmosphere is driven by its smaller student body, meaning that the on-campus student experience is very personalised and highly valued.
I feel as though I, along with my peers, have thrived in Bond’s collaborative and close educational environment. It allows you to really get know everyone in your classes which is so crucial for the remainder of your degree and into your career. It feels like you are being taught as an individual.