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Campus Tours boost local economy

January 13, 2006

Prospective students taking a campus tourThe University of New England has had to hire extra buses to accommodate an unprecedented number of visitors taking guided tours of the campus. Families from Sydney, Brisbane and throughout western NSW have come to Armidale to see for themselves why UNE is a great place to study.

The tours are also providing a boost for the local economy. According to NSW Tourism estimates, the average visitor to Armidale spends $106 per day. With about 650 prospective students and their families visiting UNE in January alone, that's about $70,000 being spent at local shops and hotels.

The tours, which are being conducted three times a week during January, take prospective students on a narrated journey through the university's colleges and main campus. They get a close-up look at lecture theatres, laboratories, libraries and sporting facilities. They also visit UNE's historic Booloominbah homestead, where they learn about the heritage of Australia's oldest regional university.

Many of the visitors said they were impressed by the friendly staff, beautiful grounds and modern facilities, according to UNE Schools Liaison Officer and tour conductor Brian See. Others just liked the general atmosphere.

“Most people who come here say UNE has a good feel to it,” Mr See said. “I know some people who've visited city campuses say UNE feels much more personal, and a lot friendlier.”

Armidale, too, has proved a pleasant surprise to some of the soon-to-be students.

“The town is a lot bigger than I expected,” said Lauren Shaw, 18, of Newport.

“Armidale is so beautiful and green,” said Elizabeth Walsh, 18, of Boorowra. “And it's got everything you need. It's a country town with city conveniences.”

UNE has the largest residential college system of any university in Australia. About half of all students who study on campus choose to live on campus as well. First-rate resources and support are within easy reach and there are significant cost advantages to living on campus.

Formal tours of the colleges and the university campus will continue until the end of January, and informal tours can be arranged throughout the year. To make a booking for a campus tour phone the Freecall number: 1800 818 865.

For more information contact Leon Braun (UNE Public Relations) on (02) 6773 3771. A photograph is available to accompany this story.

Posted by Leon Braun at January 13, 2006 01:55 PM