UNSW or ANU for Medical Science

[priyanka.jatan]

I recently got offers for Medical Science at UNSW and ANU, and was wondering which university is the better option.
I live in rural NSW (about 8 hours from Sydney, and 5 hours from Canberra), so accommodation is important for me too.

[nicolinaa]

hey!
thought i'd reply since im no stranger to the medical and uni field, and give it a go.

first of all, congratulations on getting offers, those are amazing schools!
second of all, i know you've probably already looked into everything and asked yourself these questions but:

are you willing to move away from home? possibly continue to build a life away from your family? how much debt are you willing to put yourself into? what weather conditions are more favorable to you?

comparing -

UNSW:
Length: 3 Years
Fees: Cost per unit of credit: $995 [School of Medical Sciences]
Accommodation: From apartments to colleges.
Availability from single $125.00 pw, to a large studio $580.00 pw.
Location: Near public transport, shopping centres, coogee beach, park (assuming more but that's all I know of personally)

ANU:
Length: 3 years
Fees: Cost per unit of credit: $994.00 (1 x 6 unit courses)
Accommodation: Colleges, lodges & halls
Availablity from single $245.00 pw, to another single at a college $473.43pw (catered 21 meals pw.)
First room has a registration fee of $300.00 whereas the second: $344.00
Location: 2 national reserves, shopping centre//stores, public transport, national museum & 5 minute drive to parliament house


i don't live near act (had to go on google maps), and don't know much about it besides going once (to parliament house), and thinking about how cold it gets. but personally, I couldn't give you my opinion on 'which is better', as you have your own preferences and each university is differently suited to each person.
i know it's too soon but try researching some more about canberra & sydney, the lifestyles, and which one seems more appealing to you AND the job opportunities each place has. even consumer prices & grocery prices.

but by statistics:
qs world university 2021: unsw #44 & anu #31
graduate employability rankings: unsw #27 & anu #66
subject strength: anu #46 for sciences by times higher education 2021

remember: your decision is yours alone and shouldn't be swayed by anyone else's opinion.

helpful links:
https://collegedunia.com/comparison/597-australian-national-university-vs-603-university-of-new-south-wales
unsw:
https://accommodation.unsw.edu.au/compare
https://accommodation.unsw.edu.au/colleges
https://accommodation.unsw.edu.au/apartments
anu:
https://www.anu.edu.au/study/accommodation/student-residences

[priyanka.jatan]

Wow, thank you so, so much. Your post is so helpful!! Appreciate it, thanks.