New university students from rural areas will find comfort from a Rotary Club program which aims to create a “home away from home” atmosphere.

Rotary Club of Rockhampton Youth Director Carol Gorton said this 2007 pilot program hoped to help homesick students from rural areas adjust to their new home and lifestyle.

“The program will give participants a ‘home away from home’ in that students will be invited to outings with the club, invited to homes for a meal and introduced to new friends,” Mrs Gorton explained.

“The idea came from a meeting with CQU’s Vice-Chancellor about ways the university and Rotary could work together.”.

CQU first-year experience coordinator Olive Mallory said she was pleased that Rotary had come onboard to help these students.

“Going to uni for the first time can be a daunting experience for all students, especially rural students who have had to leave their homes and families for the first time to live either on-campus or on their own in a unit,” Ms Mallory explained.

“Not only do they have to hit the ground running with their studies, they have to quickly learn how to live on their own.”.

“I’m thrilled that the Rotary Club has taken on this challenge of meeting the needs of our new rural students.”.

Photo above: Lorraine White, President Rotary Club of Rockhampton, Olive Mallory, CQU first-year experience coordinator and Carol Gorton, Rotary Club of Rockhampton Youth Director talk about the new Rotary program established to help homesick university students.