The University of Southern Queensland was the closest uni to my hometown that offered the astronomy course, the next closest was Canberra and I wasn't ready to move that far away from home. Other places like Griffith and UQ only offered physics degrees.
Course Curriculum
The course curriculum so far for astronomy is really good. The courses you are required/recommended to undertake are always related to some field of astronomy, so you are never doing anything that you don't particularly like.
Exams
In year 12, I sat the QCS test, in which I got an OP of 9 and got accepted into uni through first round offers.
Placement
USQ offers placement plans in which they hold online and in person career days to help you decide where you want to go and what you want to do. The USQ team then helps in pushing you towards that pathway and getting you ready for jobs.
Internship
The University of Southern Queensland offers early entry and headstart courses for when you are in high school, particularly when you are in year 11 and 12. They are great ways to do courses early to make your chosen bachelor or degree easier in the long run.
Events
Every year there are hundreds of events celebrated by USQ, these include things like O week and all the fun activities throughout, all of the scholarships and presentation ceremonies and the best ones would be all of the sporting events they hold but these are just a few of the best ones.
Fees
The fees were structured around the semester where you pay from each course you undertake so whether that be 2, 3 or even 4 courses. The only other major fee is the amenities fees which cover cleaning, wifi, etc.
Scholarship
Although I did not apply for any scholarships, I did look at the process and it was very easy, all you had to do was fill out a page or two of information about yourself and then attach your document explaining why you are the best fit for the scholarship. The only other help that I applied for was HECS help and SA help, which all you literally needed to do was attach your tax file number and then tick a few boxes.
Examination Structure
The exams are set up so that it's easiest for everyone. USQ makes their exams as stress-free as possible by making everything all about the students. This way the students are able to perform at their best.
Faculty
USQ offers amazing facilities. They have a massive library, heaps of sporting facilities and something especially good is the help that they offer. Within your $150 uni fees, it pays for countless different areas to help support you through uni.
Hostel
Although USQ's on-campus offers were very good, I more liked the quiet and more spacious living arrangements, so I chose to stay off campus, but I only live about 3km away from the uni. This for me is the best option because it gives you more of a responsibility to maintain and look after.
