Tasmania
Although it is the smallest state, Tasmania has a lot to offer students. Whether you're after a quieter lifestyle or looking to study one of the state's specialties, you're sure to find an option that suits you.
In this section, we discuss:
Living in Tasmania
Tasmania charms visitors and students with its relaxed cities, historic villages and enchanting wilderness. The island state has lush scenery, a leisurely pace and a low cost of living, making it an attractive option for mainland students seeking a change.
Only a three-hour hour drive from coast to coast, Tasmania's breathtaking landscape spans mountains, rainforests, grasslands and coastline, including several world-famous national parks. More than 40 per cent of the state is protected wilderness. A hike along the many trails for which Tasmania's parks are renowned is the perfect escape from the grind of lectures and your best chance to spot the most well-known of Tasmanian natives, the Tasmanian devil.
There is plenty more to see and do on a budget, with the varied landscape providing perfect conditions for adventure sports like mountain biking, rock climbing and kayaking. The less athletic can immerse themselves in the state's rich history with a visit to the convict settlement of Port Arthur or a road trip along the Heritage Highway.
Tasmania's capital, Hobart, has a vibrant arts scene and is the finish line for the world-famous Sydney to Hobart yacht race. While the city is known for the trendy cafés and restaurants of its waterfront warehouse district, the real culinary highlights are the excellent cheeses, fresh seafood and local produce available at the Salamanca Market, which are affordable on any budget and perfect with a locally brewed Cascade beer.
Housing
The median weekly rental price for a house in Tasmania is $350, with the median weekly rental price for a unit sitting at $285.
The median weekly rental price for a house in Hobart is $478, with the median weekly rental price for a unit sitting at $405.
The student rental market is very competitive. Visit your institution's housing service for referrals or advice.
Note that figures presented here are estimates and are intended as a guide only. Prices vary within and between suburbs and towns. Source: Realestate.com.au, May 2017.
Transport
Hobart, Launceston and Burnie have local bus services that make getting to and from campus easy on weekdays. Services after 6 pm and on weekends are more limited, so access to a car or other form of personal transport may be required. Buses use a rechargeable electronic "Greencard" ticketing system. Full-time students are eligible for concession fares. For more information, see Metro Tasmania. Students who live close to campus often walk or ride bikes.
Climate
The climate in Tasmania is chillier than in the northern states, with an average January maximum of around 22°C that drops to 12°C in July.
Studying in Tasmania
Tasmania's student population is around 25,000. Of these, around 22 per cent of domestic students are from interstate and a further 21 per cent are international students (Department of Industry, 2013).
The vast majority of students attend the University of Tasmania, where the Australian Maritime College also offers some unique specialisations that draw on Tasmania's geographical assets.
Tasmania's students are spread across campuses at Launceston, Burnie and Beauty Point in the north through to Hobart in the south. A far cry from the hustle and bustle of the mainland, these smaller student communities offer a more personal education experience. Local specialties include courses in naval architecture, maritime technology management and Antarctic science. Despite its small population, Tasmania also offers a good range of general degrees in the arts, sciences, health and business, as well as programs focusing on natural resources and the environment.
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