Medical student Yin-Tuan Pang has found his perfect balance, living and studying right in the heart of Hobart.
The Menzies Institute for Medical Research, the Royal Hobart Hospital, and his apartment are all within just a few minutes’ walk of each other in the CBD, which saves him a great deal of time and stress.
“I live in the Hobart Apartments, that’s a 10-minute walk from the hospital, which is where I spend most of my time for my (study) placements,” he said.
“It’s a 6-minute run if you’re late!
“It’s nice to live so close to the school, I don’t have to worry about the stress of catching a bus, I’m just more efficient with my time.”
Yin-Tuan came from New Zealand to study his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Tasmania and said he discovered a vibe and a way of life that reminded him a lot of home.
“I really love the community and how tight-knit everything is. The friendliness and the support, the connectiveness and the community.”
Being immersed in an established medical precinct – with the close interconnection between the University’s Menzies Institute and the nearby Royal Hobart Hospital – had definite benefits as well.
“You have a lot of people studying medical research, also a lot of paramedicine and nursing students coming together. A lot of exposure to people who really know their stuff,” Yin-Tuan said.
Outside of his studies, he also feels part of something bigger, well supported by a community of friends and the city around him. He particularly enjoys living in the University-owned Hobart Apartments on Elizabeth St, where he has formed a close group of friends and an active social life.
“It feels like I’m much more connected with people. Some of us really like cooking, and everyone comes together with their own dish, like, an end of week catch up.
“And I love going to coffee shops, there’s a lot of really nice places to visit. Because people are so approachable, you go in a couple of times to say hi to the people who own those shops, and you form a relationship. You make friends with people inadvertently.”
Importantly, though, Yin-Tuan sees enormous value in being part of a medical school that has such rich connections with research and practice, all in such close proximity.
“As a medical student, it’s really nice to have that future direction right in front of you. It gives me a sense of where I’m going and puts things back into perspective. I can’t see myself doing anything else.
“The resources aren’t just the mannequins or the histology slides of different tissues, but it’s also the people that really matter.”
In fact, as he approaches the end of his degree, he doesn’t want to leave.
“I have to make that difficult decision next year, for where I want to intern. And, gosh, I feel like I really wanna stay in Tasmania.”
Looking for somewhere to live in while you study? Take a look at our accommodation options in Hobart, Launceston and the Cradle Coast.