Three months ago, when Cassia from Shanghai and Carren from Jakarta first arrived at Jane College, they carried the same worries as many international students: Would they make friends? Could they cope with their studies in a second language? Would they feel at home so far from family?
Today, both students beam when they talk about their experience at Jane, where the warmth of the community has transformed their anxieties into confidence and their homesickness into belonging.
A Community That Cares
"Before I came here, I was so anxious about being isolated in a place without knowing anyone," recalls Cassia, who is studying law at the University of Tasmania. "But Miss Sarah, Jane’s Dean of Students, checks up on me, making sure I'm all right and adjusting things that aren't going well. Everything is really, really good with their support."
For Carren, a marine biology student who chose Tasmania for its perfect access to Antarctic and marine research, the kindness of Jane's community has been life-changing. "In Indonesia, not all people are kind like this," she says. "Everyone here is so nice. Maybe if I lived by myself, I'd be lonely and depressed. But living at Jane made me really happy."
The support extends beyond residential staff like Sarah, Principal Joanna, and Dean of Academics Nick. Senior residents have become mentors and friends, providing everything from casual conversation to academic guidance.
Academic Support That Makes the Difference
Both students credit Jane's academic tutoring programme with helping them succeed in challenging courses. Cassia struggled initially with the complexities of law as a second-language speaker, but tutor and third-year law student Sophie has transformed her experience by checking Cassia’s notes, essays, and assignments while providing exam revision support.
"She's made my life much easier," Cassie says. "It's just brilliant."
Carren found similar support from Oliver, a Senior Resident studying Marine and Antarctic Sciences.
"I've never met anyone who has taught me better than Oliver," she enthuses. "He explains everything the teachers have said, and ever since I met him, my scores in my subjects have been getting better."
From Homesickness to Belonging
The transition hasn't been without challenges. Both students have grappled with homesickness and cultural differences, from food to social customs. But Jane's close-knit community has helped ease these difficulties.
"I have stopped feeling so homesick because I interact more with other friends," Carren explains. "Life is getting better now because I live here."
Cassia, who describes herself as between an introvert and an extrovert, appreciates having her own space whilst being able to socialise in the Dining Hall:
"Living in Jane, they make sure I know that I belong here. I have a home to go to here."
A Tasmanian Welcome: Snow and Safety
One of their most treasured memories is a Jane College trip to Hastings Caves, where they stopped to play in roadside snow. For Cassia, it was her first time touching snow, a rarity coming from Shanghai.
"Everyone was building snowmen and throwing snowballs," Cassia recalls with delight. "It was so fun!"
Living in rooms side by side, both students can see Mount Wellington from their windows, watching the weather roll in and occasionally spotting snow on the mountain peaks. The view has become a comforting constant in their new home.
Tasmania's safety has also impressed them. "Even at night I feel safe here," Carren notes. "In Indonesia, it's scary to walk at night. If you move here, it makes you feel more secure."
Advice for Future International Students
When asked what they'd tell other international students considering Jane College, both are emphatic in their recommendations.
"You don't need to worry about anything, just come," Carren advises. "Everything is arranged perfectly. You will settle down easily. You will have us if you're scared about something."
"Jane is a great place to start, no matter where your journey ends. Everything is arranged and ordered. You don't have to worry about making friends; they will approach you. It's just a great place, you can settle down and feel how lovely people are here," says Cassia.
Carren also wants next year’s International students to know that she’ll be there to help.
“As an upcoming Academic Mentor for international students, I’ll do my best to help them adapt to life in Tasmania. Having someone you can rely on makes everything feel easier and more relaxing. I’ll always be there for them, whether they need me or not. My dorm room door is always open 24/7 for anyone who needs someone to talk to. I’ll try my best to make them feel that they have a home here.”
As they prepare to return home for the Christmas break after their first three months, both students know they'll miss their Jane College friends. But they're already looking forward to returning to the place that's become their home away from home, a community where kindness, support, and genuine care have helped two international students not just survive, but thrive.
Jane College welcomes international students from around the world. For more information about residential life at Jane, please contact our admissions team.