Less travel time and more study time is on the books for University of the Sunshine Coast student Hayden Herson of Hervey Bay who will now attend USC’s new Fraser Coast campus instead of commuting to the Sunshine Coast.

As a first-year Bachelor of Business student last year, Hayden would make a 420km round trip from home to the University’s Sippy Downs campus up to three days a week.

“My reaction to the Fraser Coast campus transferring to USC was happiness and relief,” Hayden said.

“Last year I would be at university from 11am to 7pm. I would wake up at 7am, start driving at 8am, drive for two and a half hours and return home around 10pm.

“Spending up to 15 hours a week on the road certainly cut into my study time. Theoretically, I now have an extra five hours on the uni days and I plan to spend that time for educational purposes.”

USC was Hayden’s first choice when considering his tertiary education options as a school leaver in 2014. He said he was heavily influenced by the University’s focus on quality face-to-face teaching.

“I have never been a fan of online teaching because, for me, face-to-face has always been a more effective method of learning,” he said.

Hayden’s family had planned to relocate to the Sunshine Coast last year. However, when that proved challenging, Hayden opted to condense his study timetable into two or three days a week.

Hayden is now able to complete his Bachelor of Business degree at USC Fraser Coast and hopes the study program will help him secure his dream job as a sports statistician.

- Clare McKay