Last week, we celebrated National Boarding Week — an opportunity to recognise the unique contribution our boarders make to school life.

At the heart of our community, the Boarding House is more than just a place to sleep — it’s a space where friendships are formed, independence is nurtured, and students learn what it means to live alongside others.

In the reflections below, five of our boarders share their thoughts on what boarding has meant to them — from learning to adjust, to discovering daily joys, and everything in between.

Sophie L (Year 12)

Tell me a little bit about where you’re from and what led you to choose boarding school?

Flinders which is about 80km out of Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula.

I wanted to be closer to the city, and I liked the idea of staying at school and pretty much having a massive sleepover with my friends.

What was your first impression when you arrived at Illawarra?

Surprised at how close I became to people and how independent everything was.

How did it differ from what you expected? 

It was less strict than I anticipated

What is the best part of living at a boarding school?

Getting to know and become so close to the boarding staff and other boarders. It’s like a family.

Are there any challenges you’ve faced adjusting to boarding life?

Dealing with being away from home was a bit hard at first.

How have you overcome them?

I had family nearby and I would call my parents when I can. I was able to adjust slowly over time.

How do you stay in touch with your family and friends back home while you’re at school?

I message and call people a lot and try to stay up to date with them via social media

Can you describe your typical daily routine as a boarder?

I wake up at 8.30 and run to school…

What do you miss most about being away from home?

I miss my family and my own bed!

How do you balance academics, extracurriculars, and personal time while living at school?

Being close to school actually makes it easier in most ways, which means I can spend more time doing things I like or focusing on school.

What’s your favourite part of your boarding experience so far?

Getting to know everyone. It’s nice to see the new boarders come in and start to build connections and friendships.

What advice would you give to someone considering attending a boarding school for the first time?

Keep a really open mind and be prepared for the unexpected!

Nhi (Year 9)

Tell me a little bit about where you’re from and what led you to choose boarding school?

I’m from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. It is a city of over 9 million people. I chose boarding school here in Melbourne because my older sister is studying at university here.

What was your first impression when you arrived at Illawarra?

Very vintage!

How did it differ from what you expected?

I was not expecting to have to put my phone away at nighttime.

What is the best part of living at a boarding school?

I can chat with my roommates and sleep in!

Are there any challenges you’ve faced adjusting to boarding life?

I miss my mum!

How have you overcome them?

I still struggle sometimes. I like to spend time with my family who are here in Melbourne and order some bubble tea!

How do you stay in touch with your family and friends back home while you’re at school?

Social media and my phone.

Can you describe your typical daily routine as a boarder?

Sleep, eat, drink, sleep!

What do you miss most about being away from home?

Good food, my friends and my family.

How do you balance academics, extracurriculars, and personal time while living at school?

I do my homework during prep four nights a week, which is helpful.

What’s your favourite part of your boarding experience so far?

Boarders’ Socials – they’re fun and I get to meet new people and friends.

What advice would you give to someone considering attending a boarding school for the first time?

At the beginning you might be sad but suddenly one day you’ll feel much better. Your roommates are very sweet and like your family!

Wendy (Year 9)

Tell me a little bit about where you’re from and what led you to choose boarding school?

I’m from Hong Kong and I chose to come to boarding school to become more independent.

What was your first impression when you arrived at Illawarra?

I was looking forward to starting here as a boarder so I was excited.

How did it differ from what you expected?

There is always new stuff happening!

What is the best part of living at a boarding school?

You can manage your own time without your parents. It’s fun, you stay with your friends and you have independence.

Are there any challenges you’ve faced adjusting to boarding life?

My roommates arrived after me, so I had to have the courage to ask older boarders for help!

How have you overcome them?

By asking questions and not being afraid to talk to people.

How do you stay in touch with your family and friends back home while you’re at school?

Messaging apps, social media, I call mum once a day.

Can you describe your typical daily routine as a boarder?

We get woken up at 7.30, ready for school. Then we walk back to the house and are busy with GSV Sport or local leave or hanging out before dinner.

What do you miss most about being away from home?

Family and the food! My friends as well.

How do you balance academics, extracurriculars, and personal time while living at school?

Its easier because you can ask friends for help with homework, your friends play sport with you as well.

What’s your favourite part of your boarding experience so far?

You can decorate your space to make it your own.

What advice would you give to someone considering attending a boarding school for the first time?

Be passionate about being part of the boarding house community.

Ema (Year 9)

Tell me a little bit about where you’re from and what led you to choose boarding school?

I was born in Hong Kong and lived there for 4 years. My mum is Japanese and my dad is Australian. We live in Tokyo. Dad is from Melbourne so I came here for school and family.

What was your first impression when you arrived at Illawarra?

Oh my goodness I have to share a room with people and wear a uniform!

How did it differ from what you expected?

Eating dinner with everyone. I thought there might be a hierarchy (which there isn’t) and didn’t realise the boarding house was right on campus.

What is the best part of living at a boarding school?

• Ubereats
• My roommates
• Using the school facilities

Are there any challenges you’ve faced adjusting to boarding life?

Having my phone taken away at night.

Adjusting to routines.

Learning how to follow leave expectations.

How have you overcome them?

I actually quite like having prep each night – it motivates me to get my work done. I’m still adjusting to the other rules and expectations.

How do you stay in touch with your family and friends back home while you’re at school?

I like to sit outside in the sun and call my friends. I chat to my parents a little bit.

Can you describe your typical daily routine as a boarder?

I wake up before everyone else in room so I can get ready in my own way. I leave just before 8.30. After school I eat and relax. Sometimes I go outside or down to yochi. Then its dinner and prep. At about 9.30 I start getting ready for bed.

What do you miss most about being away from home?

Some of the freedoms I have from being at home. I miss the ease of getting around Tokyo, everyone lives close together.

How do you balance academics, extracurriculars, and personal time while living at school?

I wing it.

What’s your favourite part of your boarding experience so far?
My roommates the soft serve machine, the trampoline and the Ritz crackers.

What advice would you give to someone considering attending a boarding school for the first time?

Be outgoing and do your best to talk to your roommates. Don’t take other people’s ice cream from the freezer!

Martha (Year 11)

Tell me a little bit about where you’re from and what led you to choose boarding school?

I’m from Euroa. It’s a town in North East Victoria with a population of approximately 4000 people.

That’s a great question – my town is a bit small and there isn’t much to do. Both my parents were boarders as well.

What was your first impression when you arrived at Illawarra?

I remember thinking it was old and cute with grandma vibes.

How did it differ from what you expected?

It was more like a house that someone lives in rather than clinical and uniform.

What is the best part of living at a boarding school?

Hanging out with my close friends Imogen and Lucy.

Are there any challenges you’ve faced adjusting to boarding life?

I miss my parents and my dog.

How have you overcome them?

Having a really close-knit group of friends who support me. Having my own hobbies like going to the gym.

How do you stay in touch with your family and friends back home while you’re at school?

I call them three times a day. And I vlog.

Can you describe your typical daily routine as a boarder?

I actually love my routine. I wake up, get up, get dressed then make my bed and come downstairs, put my diet coke in the fridge for after school, go to school, relax then go to the gym. Maybe I’ll go to Woolies or Coles. After dinner I do my homework and hang out with my friends, try to prank VB then its bedtime.

What do you miss most about being away from home?

Home cooked meals.

How do you balance academics, extracurriculars, and personal time while living at school?

It makes it so much easier to do everything.

What’s your favourite part of your boarding experience so far?

Winter last year during exams, it was stressful, but we were also able to come downstairs and have couch time and relax.

What advice would you give to someone considering attending a boarding school for the first time?

Make sure you have a really strong connection with your parents and prioritise social connections and plans on the weekend. Hobbies outside the boarding house and school are really important. Try to find friends who will host you on the weekends.