LEETON students studying via distance say there's no way they could keep going with their degrees if it wasn't for the town's Country Universities Centre.
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The centre, located within the Leeton library building, is set up with desks, computers, WiFi and various study materials to ensure students completing their many and varied degrees can do so in a safe environment.
It has been one year since the centre opened in Leeton, with 27 students part of the operations here.
Griffith also has its own centre.
With the learning and study space open to those studying via tertiary education or even TAFE, there's a variety of courses currently being undertaken by Leeton's students.
They include everything from business and law to Masters of Teaching and much more.
When speaking to a variety of students, one clear theme comes through - they all feel the centre not only motivates them to study and complete assignments, but they feel supported and connected at the same time.
Denise Jones is studying her Masters of Teaching for secondary science through Charles Sturt University.
"I'm a mum with three kids, so I find it hard to study at home ... this is a place of zen," she said.
"By coming here there's nothing else to do but your uni work and you do find yourself getting it done here.
"It's a fantastic service."
Jarah Penfold had been studying a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in human resources on site in Melbourne at Deakin University, but has since come home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She's continued her studies while also working at Leeton Shire Council, finding the centre to be a lifesaver.
"I get really distracted studying at home, so coming here has been really good for me, I've still been able to get my study in while working pretty much full-time as well," she said.
The site has various security measures in place as the doors are open to attendees late each night.
I'm a mum with three kids, so I find it hard to study at home ... this is a place of zen.
- Denise Jones
Sheryl Venables is completing her Certificate III in Community Services and found out about the centre through her son Jack, who is completing a university degree via distance and utilises the facility.
"This is a place where you concentrate on what you're doing and I've found you can really get a lot done because you're focused when you're here," she said.
Many more students have also thrown their support behind the centre and are open to talking about those experiences with anyone thinking about signing up.
For more information contact erin.callaghan@cucwesternriverina.edu.au or visit www.cuc.edu.au.
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