University of Wollongong Student Life rep Katia Merkuloff assists Arthur Tamer. Picture: DAVE TEASE
Students from 400 different postcodes around Australia will converge on the University of Wollongong to enrol in their chosen courses this week.
More than 3000 domestic students, from Grindelwald near Launceston to Mount Louisa near Townsville, will have enrolled by Friday - a figure slightly higher than in 2012.
UOW academic registrar Megan Huisman said students from the Illawarra made up around half the enrolments, with Wollongong providing 25 per cent of those.
"Some 700 students will enrol each day from Tuesday to Friday," she said. "The most popular course this year is the Bachelor of Commerce in which 300 are enrolling, while engineering, nursing, primary education, arts, creative arts and double degrees in law remain popular too."
Students were able to meet senior academics from their chosen faculties to discuss subject choices, and enjoy the enrolment fair with stalls from a variety of student groups and support services.
"It's not just about enrolling, it's also trying to make sure students learn about all the support services that are available to help them get through university," Ms Huisman said.
Tarrawanna student Arthur Tamer, 18, was one of the students enrolling in a double degree yesterday.
"I'm enrolling in an arts/commerce degree, which was my first preference," he said. "The University of Wollongong is close to where I live and it's a nice campus, and I'm just keen to get started."
Jasmine Waite, 18, of Cronulla, enrolled in a double degree in media and communication, and journalism.
"Wollongong was one of my top preferences as it's easier for me to get here than a uni in the city, plus I've heard good things about this degree and quite a few of my friends are coming here too," she said.
Lauren Morris, 24, will make the move from Adelaide to complete a Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery.
"I did a commerce degree but wanted a career change," she said.
Some 1640 international students will enrol on February 21 and 22, before orientation week for all students in the last week of February.
Meanwhile, online enrolments continue at TAFE Illawarra right up until the start of session next Monday.
According to a TAFE Illawarra spokeswoman, there has been an increase in enrolments for both new and re-enrolling students this year, although figures are yet to be finalised.
Popular course areas include aged care, community services, children's services, hospitality, carpentry and plumbing.