For first year engineering students Harry and Jared, university life at Jane has been transformative in ways they never expected. What started as a practical decision about accommodation has evolved into deep friendships, academic support and a vibrant community experience that makes university genuinely enjoyable.
Finding Their Path to Engineering
Harry and Jared, who did not know each other before they moved into Jane, chose engineering for similar reasons - it built on their high school strengths. As Jared explains: "Maths and science were probably my better subjects in high school, so engineering for me was kind of the next step." While they're still exploring their specific engineering paths - Harry leaning toward mechanical and Jared considering civil - they're discovering their interests together through shared classes and mentorship opportunities.
Why Jane?
Their reasons for choosing Jane were a combination of convenience and fun. For Harry, who is from a farm in Tasmania’s midlands, it was family tradition: "My sister went here and she seemed to have enjoyed herself, so I figured I'd do the same."
For Jared, who is from Tasmania’s north west coast, his motivation came from his rural background and the college's reputation for community. He explains:
"Smithton is really quiet, so moving into the city would be a big change. The fact that Jane included all the catering was a big thing. Everything I saw about it seemed good, and community wise, everyone says Jane's the best place to get to know people."
The Power of Living and Learning Together
The foundation of their friendship is simple - constant proximity and shared experiences. When asked how they became friends, their answer is straightforward:
"All our classes are the same. We're together quite a lot every day, and then, sports, studying and eating together… Yeah, we’re together quite a bit!"
This extends throughout the college. As Harry notes: "It's just the togetherness of everyone here." For Jared, "The ability to meet people" stands out as his favourite thing about Jane.
Academic Support Through Peer Mentoring
One of Jane College's strongest features is its academic mentoring system, which has proven invaluable for both students. They speak particularly highly of the other Engineering students who have gone before them, who now run mentoring sessions.
"Last semester, we went to mentoring sessions every Wednesday; we’d go down with stuff that we didn't know how to do, and they’d help us," Jared explains.
This peer support system provides more than just academic help. Harry says: "You've got third year engineering students living here who can give you an insight into the next few years and what it looks like. That will help you make decisions going forward."
A Better University Experience
Both students are convinced that Jane has enhanced their university experience beyond what they could have achieved living elsewhere. Jared reflects:
"I was originally going to go to a share house, but thinking back on it now, I don't know how I would have met people in my course. I wouldn’t get to study with Harry and get the mentoring that I have at Jane. It would have been a lot harder.”
Sport: More Than Competition
Jane's sporting culture plays a crucial role in building community. Jared has thrown himself into multiple sports:
"At Jane I have played basketball, footy, soccer, cricket and tennis. We’re currently training for netball and then rugby's next."
The beauty of sport at Jane is its inclusivity. As Jared explains: "If you're not overly competitive or you don't have a certain sport you’re good at, that’s fine, it's nothing serious. I mean, it does get kind of serious, but anyone can play. I've never played cricket, but I went to the training, and I was fine."
The social aspect is just as important as the physical activity: "It's just another break from uni, getting to train with everyone you live with, it's great."
Social Life and the Famous "Frannies"
Jane's social calendar is legendary, particularly the themed parties known as "Frannies" held in the Francis Parsons Building. "We've got one coming up this Friday,” said Harry, “It's a beach theme, so it’s called the ‘Wet Ass Frannie’."
Basically, it’s a beach party where everyone dresses up and has a great night. Jared has floaties, a rash vest and goggles planned for his outfit, and Harry was planning on heading to Kmart to find a bright pair of board shorts and maybe a life ring. So many Tasmanians remember going to Frannie’s over the years, looking back fondly on the fun, inclusive and hilarious nights.
These events contribute to the comprehensive college experience. As one of them puts it:
"You can get everything here. You don't have to wonder what events are coming up, you know? The whole college is invited, it’s cool. There’s always stuff on."
Work-Life Balance
Despite the active social scene, both students emphasise that Jane supports academic success. Jared explains the balance:
"If you work hard, there's definitely a good balance between socialising and having some downtime off. Everyone’s here to get their uni work done, then you can have the weekend off to just chill with your friends, they're just always here."
Harry describes the rhythm of college life: "Within the first two weeks, you will have friends already.”
The Jane Difference
For prospective students considering their university options, Harry and Jared's experience demonstrates that Jane offers something unique. It's not just accommodation - it's a comprehensive community experience that enhances every aspect of university life, from academic achievement to personal relationships to social development.
As Jared concludes, "It's kind of just living with a bunch of mates, so that's pretty good." Harry adds:
"It's so easy to make friends and you just don't get that anywhere else."
For engineering students looking for a supportive community that combines academic excellence with genuine friendship and fun, Jane continues to prove that where you live during university can make all the difference.