Deakin Logo

Oscar calls Waterfront home

  • Blog
  • 2 min read
  • Posted March 2021

A male resident walks through the courtyard at Deakin Geelong Waterfront Residences.
oscar-waterfront-blog-2478x1396

Oscar Routley discovered his passion for architecture whilst completing visual communication and design subjects in Year 11 and 12 at his high school, Goulburn Valley Grammar. Electing to study at Deakin because it was the only place in Victoria that offered a Construction/Architecture double degree, Oscar notes that Deakin’s Geelong Waterfront campus in particular appealed because he was keen to stay in a regional location and the city “seemed like a place that had heaps going on.”

With his course choice made, Oscar made the decision to live within student accommodation on campus because he felt that it provided a “…better opportunity to meet new and interesting people,” something he knew wouldn’t be as easy do in a private rental. 

Originally from Katunga, in Northern Victoria, Oscar was one of the only students from the area, and didn’t know anyone else also making the move to Deakin before his arrival. “I felt extremely excited to be starting a new stage in my life, but at the same time I was slightly scared purely because I didn’t know any other students.” He highlights that “getting involved and being open minded to experiences helped him to make friends from the very start and within the first couple of days that fear was completely gone.”

Now returning for his second year on residence and taking on the role of a volunteer Residential Leader, Oscar notes that the Geelong Waterfront campus feels like home.

There’s a real sense of family and togetherness. The Reception staff and Security are always up for a good chat, and there’s no shortage of interesting and funny conversations.
Oscar Routley, Waterfront Resident

Oscar has particular loved the event program offered as part of the on-campus experience. “Nothing beats free food as a uni student, but outside of that I have loved lawn bowls and the other outdoor events offered.” He  further adds, “…being so close to campus has made my life really easy. There are many other students undertaking the same course so it’s easy to work together to study.”

His advice to others considering their options post high school is to strongly consider living on campus as part of their studies.

I couldn’t recommend living on res at Deakin more highly to anyone. It’s an absolutely amazing experience, and you get to know so many amazing and interesting people from all walks of life.
Oscar Routley, Waterfront Resident

Deakin is also offering Campus Tours in 2022, with the opportunity to join a general or faculty based tour, and schedule in time for a tour of student accommodation on the day. Click here for more information and to book a tour.

Written by

Profile photo of author Laura Burge
Laura Burge Student Experience and Engagement Manager

Laura is widely regarded as an industry expert in the theory, planning, and delivery of exceptional student experiences, having honed her skills over the course of a career spanning two decades and multiple higher education institutions.

Deakin Residential Services

Our purpose is to sustainably deliver an innovative and outstanding student accommodation experience.

Sign up to our newsletter

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the unceded lands and waterways on which Deakin University does business. We pay our deep respect to the Ancestors and Elders of Wadawurrung Country, Eastern Maar Country and Wurundjeri Country where our physical campuses are located. We also acknowledge all First Nations Peoples that make contributions to our learning communities.

© Copyright Deakin University 2023. Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B.