Laura and Kate Farquhar found a close community and met other like-minded young women when they began their university studies by joining The Women’s College.
Women’s is a residential college, within the University of Sydney, and has been a home to rural and regional female students since 1894.
The sisters from Tamworth, NSW, were looking for a college experience, as they were motivated to achieve well academically, but also to have access to academic, leadership, sporting, cultural and social opportunities.
“College provides so much more than accommodation and food,” Laura said.
“It provides support in the transition academically with tutorials and individual academic assistants.
“Academic assistants have been critical in providing guidance with organising time, how to study for university exams and helping decide whether you’re in the right degree.”
Both Laura and Kate are recipients of a residential scholarship at Women’s, and took a gap year to work full-time in Tamworth to save money to self-fund their university studies and residency.
“Without our scholarships and our saving, we would not be attending Women’s College,” Laura said.
“Our scholarships allow us to focus completely on our studies and immerse ourselves in college life and all the extra-curricular opportunities offered at Women’s.”
Kate is looking to work in agriculture, specifically livestock, and work with farmers in the international and domestic beef and lamb trades.
“I hope I can find a way to give guidance and advice to graziers to help them get better rewards financially for their efforts and commitment to their animals,” Kate said.
Laura, who is in her second year of a commerce degree, is aspiring to help others by being involved in a legal career.
“Coming from the country, I am aware of a lack of access to quality legal representation in rural and remote areas,” Laura said.
The Women’s College within the University of Sydney is a globally connected, secular residential community of female scholars.
- Visit: www.thewomenscollege.com.au.
