When researching places to study, you'll notice most institutions make similar promises about student success and vibrant campus communities. But what do these commitments look like in practice? What truly shapes your student experience in higher education?

The answer lies in two fundamental pillars: the quality of education you receive and the comprehensiveness of support systems designed to help you thrive academically, personally, and professionally.

Understanding the Student Experience

Student experience in higher education encompasses everything from your first day on campus to graduation and beyond. It includes classroom dynamics, access to academic resources, mental health support, career preparation, and your sense of belonging within the campus community.

Research consistently demonstrates that positive student experiences correlate with higher graduation rates, stronger academic performance, and better career outcomes.

For the past 3 years, Sheridan has been among the top ten Higher Education Institutions in Australia for overall quality of educational experience. This reflects our institutional commitment to supporting students throughout their academic journey.

The distinction between merely attending a college or university and genuinely thriving comes down to how comprehensively an institution supports you as a whole person.

Lecturer Accessibility and Personalised Learning

Effective education extends beyond testing you know the concepts you’re learning in class. The most valuable learning connects classroom theory to practical application through research experiences, project-based coursework and our Professional Placement unit.

As WA’s top Higher Education Institution for teaching quality, we’re big advocates of hands-on learning and collaborative work and experiences that help our students develop the critical thinking skills and practical competencies that employers actively seek.

Academic Rigour with Appropriate Support

Challenging coursework drives intellectual growth, but academic rigour without adequate support systems can lead to student burnout and disengagement.

The most effective institutions maintain high standards while ensuring students have access to the resources needed to meet those expectations. For the past three years, Sheridan has been recognised as Western Australia’s leading higher education institute for student support and services.

Essential Questions for Your Search:

When evaluating institutions, consider these critical questions:

• What is the student-to-faculty ratio, and what are typical class sizes in your intended major?
• How accessible are tutoring and academic support services?
• What mental health resources exist, and what are typical wait times for appointments?
• How does career services support students?
• How does the institution support first-generation students or underrepresented populations?
• What do current students say about their actual experience?

The responses to these questions reveal whether institutional values align with operational practices.

Why Student Experience Matters for Your Future

Your tertiary education years shape more than just your knowledge base. They influence who you become, what you value, and how you approach challenges. An institution prioritising quality education and comprehensive support doesn't simply prepare you for your first position, it equips you with adaptability, relationships, and resilience to navigate whatever your future holds.

The right institution will challenge you academically while supporting you holistically, encourage growth while providing stability, and help you discover not just a career path, but a sense of purpose.

TEQSA Provider ID: PRV14012
CRICOS Provider Number: 03391M
ABN: 22 506 508 071

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