Geraldton, WA
Bachelor of Education (Secondary) / Bachelor of Science,
University of Notre Dame

Moving to Tommy More was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed into a community that was supportive, vibrant, and full of opportunities. I had always known I was going to live at college—I was locked in before I had even decided which Uni or degree to apply for. Coming from Geraldton, I wanted a place that felt like home but also gave me new experiences, introduced me to new people, and provided a sense of independence. Tommy wasn’t just a place to live; it became a community that shaped my university life in ways I never expected.

Settling in was made so much easier by the people around me—everyone was just as nervous and excited as I was, and that shared experience brought us all closer together. Being at college gave me lasting friendships, support when things got tough, and a balance between study and social life that I don’t think I could have found anywhere else.

University can be one of the most exciting and transformative times in your life, but it also comes with many challenges. Looking back, choosing to live at college wasn’t just about convenience; it was about finding a second home that I’ll always be grateful for.

Toronto, Canada
Doctor of Medicine, UWA

When I moved from the other side of the world to Australia for school, I was faced with a number of challenges. These included finding a place to live, integrating myself into the culture of a new country, adapting to and overcoming academic difficulties, and so much more. Answers to all of these obstacles were found at Tommy's! I am able to live in a spacious one-bedroom apartment, and our designated post-graduate building allows for the perfect blend of privacy for focused studying, while shared spaces, meals, and organised events provide opportunities to socialise and build friendships.

The environment at Tommy's is special. Residents care and look out for each other, while each contributing to the community in a unique way that helps us have a diversified culture. I am incredibly happy with my decision to live at Tommy's, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is considering college!

Karratha, Western Australia
Bachelor ofScience (Conservation Biology and Marine Biology), UWA

Moving away from home and my family was really hard for me, but St Thomas More College provided the perfect environment to transition out of home. From the very start, I felt welcomed and part of the community.

Being surrounded by new friends and incredible staff made the transition so much easier and more enjoyable. With all the great facilities and amenities available, I was able to focus on settling into uni and creating new friendships, while also strengthening existing ones from home. The culture at Tommy is truly one of a kind—you never feel forced to engage or interact, but you're given incredible opportunities to do so, which was really important for me when I moved here.

The opportunities I’ve gained from living at Tommy—including the extensive list of outreach, wellbeing, and social events—have been an incredible addition to my university experience and have really helped make living in Perth enjoyable. I’m a firm believer that your time at uni and college should be one of the greatest times of your life, and I truly believe that living at Tommy has allowed me to make the most of moving out of home.

Torquay, Victoria, Australia
Bachelor of Psychology & Bachelor of Commerce, UWA

It’s definitely an odd one to move from Victoria to Western Australia – Tommy More made sure I felt it was a welcome one, and I can confidently say that extends to wherever you come from.

Everyone trusts a process of adventure, and placing my trust in Tommy to become my home was one of the best decisions I made in my cross-continent relocation. This College has opened doors to lifelong friendships, provided me a gateway to Western Australia, the globe, and frankly, supported the formation of valuable memories that will last my lifetime.

The vibrant atmosphere, bayside location, convenient facilities, legendary staff (seriously), and above all, the friends you are more than guaranteed to find will help make this place a home like you’ve never experienced before.

Manjimup, Western Australia
Doctor of Medicine, UWA

Moving to the big city from a small country town after completing high school can be a daunting experience; however, this transition becomes a whole lot easier when you go to the right place. Within the first week of moving into STMC, I was surrounded by friendly, welcoming people and soon became immersed in the amazing culture. This very quickly became somewhere I was happy to call my new home.

STMC is an incredible place to make friends with like-minded people and offers many opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities—be it social, sporting, or academic. I have made so many memories and friendships that will last a lifetime, and having the opportunity to begin my life as a university student here is something I will cherish forever.

Bunbury, Western Australia
Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Clinical Chiropractic, Murdoch University

Tommy has truly become a home away from home. Prior to my arrival, I knew few people, but within my first few minutes of stepping onto college grounds, I made new friends with whom I am still connected.

Joining St Thomas More College is definitely one of the best decisions I have made. The fruitful culture and uplifting environment are not only welcoming and accepting of everyone, but Tommy also fosters endless opportunities in every aspect imaginable.

Look no further, because truly, ‘there’s only one Tommy More.’

Colorado, USA
Bachelor of Biomedical Science, UWA

Moving from the United States to Australia was a huge change, but choosing to live at St Thomas More College made the transition an incredibly positive experience. Leaving home and starting Uni in a new country was a big step, and as someone who had never lived so far from family before, it felt daunting at first. However, from the moment I arrived at Tommy, I felt welcomed into a supportive and inclusive community. What began as simply a place to live quickly became a home away from home and a central part of my Uni experience.

Settling in was made so much easier by the people around me. Being surrounded by others who were also navigating new beginnings created an instant sense of connection. Through college life, I’ve formed friendships that will last well beyond university and found a community that offers constant support, encouragement, and a healthy balance between study and social life.

Living at Tommy has given me countless opportunities to get involved, try new things, and grow both personally and academically. Whether through IC sport, outreach events, wellbeing activities, or everyday life at college, there is always something happening that brings people together and makes you feel included.

What makes Tommy truly special is the strong sense of belonging it creates. No matter where you come from or what you’re passionate about, there is a place for you here. Choosing to live at college has shaped my university journey in ways I never expected, and it’s an experience I will always be grateful for.

Albany, Western Australia
Doctor of Medicine, UWA

Moving away from home and the community of Albany’s UWA campus was daunting. However, Tommy More’s welcoming community exceeded all expectations and erased any of my doubts.

I was quickly introduced to the spirited college culture and exposed to many community events and opportunities that provided a great chance to get away from the study for a while and enjoy time with mates.

The great thing about the College is the ability for everyone to experience Tommy in a unique way. The college experience is extremely personal, and you can choose to become as involved as you like. With such a broad range of sporting and social events you are sure to find a crowd you feel comfortable with.

Manjimup, Western Australia
Bachelor of Psychology, UWA

Coming from a small town, moving to the city felt daunting. Everything was unfamiliar: the sights, the pace of life, and the constant stream of new experiences. Tommy quickly became my safe place during that transition. From the moment I arrived, I felt supported, welcomed, and reassured that I was exactly where I was meant to be. Knowing a few familiar faces helped, but it was the warmth of the Tommy community that truly made it feel like home.

St Thomas More College is more than just accommodation; it is a place where people genuinely care. Through its strong leadership, outstanding facilities, and deeply connected community, the College creates an environment where students are encouraged to challenge themselves, grow in confidence, and discover their potential. My time at College has been transformative, being involved in both Outreach and Wellbeing committees, shaping both who I am and who I am becoming. I will always be grateful for the sense of belonging, support, and opportunity that defines my experience so far of university life.

Albany, Western Australia
Doctor of Medicine, UWA

Moving to Perth from Albany was a big change, but St Thomas More College made it easy to feel at home. The community here is welcoming, vibrant, and full of energy – it’s the kind of place where you’re encouraged to be yourself and try new things.

Living at Tommy has been such a rewarding experience. It’s given me so many opportunities to grow, meet incredible people, and take on challenges that have shaped me in ways I never expected. Whether it’s through events, sports, or just day-to-day life at college, there’s always something happening that brings everyone together.

What makes Tommy special is the balance it offers – from academic support to endless opportunities to get involved in social, sporting, and leadership activities. No matter what you’re passionate about, there’s a space for you here.

To anyone considering college life, my advice is to dive into the community, try new things, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. At Tommy, you’ll meet amazing people, discover passions outside of study, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Jakarta, Indonesia
Bachelor of Psychology & Bachelor of Anthropology, UWA.

Coming from Jakarta to Perth, I remember feeling overwhelmed. It was a big change in my life, and in my first year, I bounced from various accommodations until I finally felt a sense of belonging at Tommy. The people there made me feel so incredibly welcomed, and I felt like I finally found a place where I could call a home away from home.

My favourite part of Tommy is our social events! I never felt pressured to join, and when I do, I always have an enjoyable time and make new friends during it. The staff here is also always so understanding and accommodating; I never felt hesitant to talk about my problems with them.

Bunbury, Western Australia
Bachelor of Engineering, Curtin University

Coming to Tommy was exciting and full of potential. The network of friends has exceeded my expectations, as every day was something new. Tommy is one big friend group, and branching out has never been easier. The college culture is fantastic—there are so many social events to further friendships, yet there's an amazing balance with study.

As much as it’s a college of young adults, everyone is driven toward their goals, and you meet a lot of like-minded people, striving to better themselves and those around them.

The people I have met are friends for life, reinforcing prior relationships from home while also creating new ones. No one pushes you to do anything, but there are always options to get involved. Tommy is my path to bettering myself every day.

Geraldton, Western Australia
Doctor of Medicine, UWA

I grew up in a rural town and was moving away from family for the first time when I heard about St Thomas More College. I wasn’t aware of the endless opportunities university and Tommy had to offer me at first, but I learnt very quickly that the friendships, community, and belonging Tommy More brought were a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Taking the step to move to Perth and Tommy More was daunting, but a decision I will never regret.

The connections you make living within a community of like-minded students are such a unique gift college life offers, especially with the endless sporting, social, and cultural events the college and UWA host in close proximity to our home away from home. There is a place for everyone to belong at Tommy More, which is one of the many reasons our motto “More than a degree” resonates deeply with each of us at college.

Albany, Western Australia
Bachelor of Engineering, UWA

Moving away from home and my family was really hard for me, but St Thomas More provided the perfect environment to transition out of home. From the very start, I felt welcomed and part of the community.

Being surrounded by new friends and incredible staff made the transition so much easier and more enjoyable. With all the great facilities and amenities available, I was able to focus on settling into uni and creating new friendships, while also strengthening existing ones from home. The culture at Tommy is truly one of a kind—you never feel forced to engage or interact, but you're given incredible opportunities to do so, which was really important for me when I moved here.

The opportunities I’ve gained from living at Tommy—including the extensive list of outreach, wellbeing, and social events—have been an incredible addition to my university experience and have really helped make living in Perth enjoyable. I’m a firm believer that your time at uni and college should be one of the greatest times of your life, and I truly believe that living at Tommy has allowed me to make the most of moving out of home.

Dublin, Ireland
Bachelor of Psychology, UWA.

Moving to Tommy More College marked an exciting new chapter in my life. I came to Australia looking for new experiences and wanting to make the most of such a great opportunity, and staying at Tommy certainly facilitated that. Moving countries and settling into a new environment and culture was made so much more doable by the incredibly encouraging, welcoming, and inclusive Tommy community.

From the very beginning, Tommy More felt like a warm, fun-loving place where people genuinely look out for one another. The strong sense of community, supportive staff, and friendly residents made it easy to form connections and feel at home. There is always something happening at college, whether it’s social events, shared meals, or simply spending time together, which creates a balanced and engaging student experience. Tommy More feels like a place where there is a space for everyone, and where individual differences are genuinely celebrated.

Being a Tommy resident is very meaningful — it offers not just accommodation, but a true sense of belonging. Living at Tommy More has been one of the highlights of my time at UWA, and I have truly loved my experience here.

Dunsborough, Western Australia
Bachelor of Biomedicine (Specialised), UWA.

St Thomas More has been a great place to live. Moving away from home, I thought it was going to be difficult to establish my footing in an unfamiliar environment. STMC made this shift seamless, providing the structure and help I needed to establish myself in Perth. The convenient proximity to the UWA campus has assisted my ability to learn, allowing me quick access to all the academic resources I need. STMC has provided me with networks that I know will be invaluable to me in the future. The strong community and great staff have made this College home for me.

Albany, Western Australia
Bachelor of Commerce, UWA.

Arriving at Tommy for me was a bigger adjustment than expected. Whilst it was an extremely exciting time of change, it was also unimaginably overwhelming, feeling like a strange mix of anticipation and disorientation, which I felt I hadn’t quite prepared for.

However, as the weeks turned into months, something important became clear. No two students experience Tommy More the same way. The college experience is tailored to your individuality, your interests, and your aspirations. Tommy’s community culture is ever-present, creating a warm, welcoming environment in which you can engage with like-minded people, make the most of opportunities, and have so much fun along the way.

The college doesn’t just support your academic journey, it plays a meaningful role in shaping your confidence, independence, and sense of belonging. It’s a place where you grow, connect, and learn who you are beyond your degree. Tommy turns the overwhelming into manageable, the unfamiliar into exciting, and the new environment into a genuine home.

Dampier, Western Australia
Master of Geosciences, UWA.

Tommy More has truly become my home over my past three years here. Like many people, moving from a small regional Australian town to a big city was a huge leap of faith, especially knowing only a handful of people when I arrived. However, thanks to the incredible friends and welcoming community at Tommy, that transition was seamless. Now, as I prepare to live at Tommy for a fourth year, I feel just as excited to start the college year as I did when I first moved in.

I’ve been extremely fortunate to be involved in college life in so many ways, from serving on committee and being elected president. Life at college never really stops, and choosing to come here has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The friendships, experiences, and jam-packed life that college offers stay with you long after university, and that’s exactly why we always say it’s “More than a degree”.

Bunbury, Western Australia
Bachelor of Biological Science, UWA.

Moving from Bunbury to Perth after taking a gap year was one of the best decisions I made, and from the very beginning, Tommy felt like the right fit. While the transition could have been daunting, the strong sense of community and support made it feel welcoming and reassuring. It has allowed me to form lasting friendships and take part in opportunities I never would have had access to before.

I love getting involved across college life, particularly in Interwing and Intercollege sports, as they create an encouraging and competitive environment that is fun and inclusive for everyone. Most importantly, Tommy has helped me find my people – a community where I feel supported, understood, and able to be completely myself.