Brannan Clarke moved to Brisbane from South Australia in 2019 when he was 18 years old to study the theory component of a Cert IV in Aeroskills Structural/Mechanical at Aviation Australia. Brannan and his family chose Raymont Residential College in Auchenflower as the best place for him to settle into the new city.
Now placed in an apprenticeship with the Royal Flying Doctor Service and on his way to becoming an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Brannan reflects on his time at Raymont.
Raymont Residential College holds up to 131 students studying various degrees and qualifications in Brisbane. The opportunities to form long-lasting friendships, build independence, grow in confidence and faith as well as being connected to a supportive network of students and staff who also value study, helped me to thrive and fit into a new environment.
The environment and staff are friendly, helpful and supportive, offering tutor classes weekly and various sporting teams available to join each uni semester with three wholesome cooked meals provided each day of the week, complemented with an amazing salad bar.
There is access to a pool, gym, music room, games room and volleyball court which helps students to socialise and have down time away from study. There are nearby ovals and parks and one of my favourite activities to do with my friends was to go for morning runs and bike rides along the Brisbane River track.
Within walking distance, Toowong Village has the Regatta ferry terminal close by which takes you into the heart of the city as well as Southbank with markets, stalls, shops and Brisbane’s City Beach. For those interested in bushwalking and scenic lookouts, Mt Coot-Tha is a 10-minute drive.
Without Raymont’s inviting and caring culture, the year studying at Aviation Australia would have been quite difficult and lonely. The positivity of being able to engage with other young students, especially when study became stressful, was a great influence and helped me remain focused and motivated through some challenging times.
I always enjoyed coming home each afternoon and getting stuck into some study for a couple of hours either in my own room or the library on the college grounds, before messaging a few of my mates for a basketball game down at the park or some pool in the games room before dinner. This was always a good release from the study routine.
I am grateful for a college like Raymont, which made my year in Brisbane feel like a “home away from home”, and my parents felt comfortable with me moving out of home to a safe place which gave them peace of mind.
I strongly suggest this place as a wonderful, safe accommodation environment for any student studying in Brisbane.
Brannan Clarke