For 19-year-old Keely Beckwith, USC Moreton Bay is more than just a new university – it’s a fresh start.

Keely of Kippa-Ring will begin a combined degree in Social Science (Psychology) and Business when the state-of-the-art campus at Petrie opens later this month, fulfilling her long-term goal to help others.

“I hope to use my qualifications in Social Sciences to help people who are going through a tough time in their life, especially those suffering or escaping from domestic violence, and eventually one day start my own business,” Keely said.

“It means everything to me and my family to have the opportunity to study so close to home. I have a one-year-old son, so it’s important for me to know I can get to campus, take my classes and come home without being gone from 6am to 7pm. It’s a huge relief.”

After graduating from Redcliffe State High School in 2017, Keely started studying at a university in Brisbane but struggled to stay motivated due to the travel time involved in attending lectures.

“I knew USC was opening at Moreton Bay in 2020 so made the decision to wait until studying would be an easier option,” she said.

Keely’s return to university will be made even easier, with her younger brother Jamie enrolling to study Animal Ecology at the new campus this semester.

“I’ve always loved animals, and while studying ecology in high school I realised how much I enjoyed it,” said Jamie, 17, who completed Year 12 at Redcliffe State High School last year.

“Once I saw that USC Moreton Bay offered a degree in Animal Ecology, it was a no-brainer.

“Having a local campus available makes studying so much easier for myself and other students in the region, too. It’s extremely convenient having the train station so close to the university as it makes travel much easier and cheaper.

“Of course, being able to attend the same university as my sister is amazing too because it adds more support and motivation as we are both starting together.”

USC Moreton Bay will stage Orientation activities for new students only from Wednesday to Friday next week (19-21 February). A community open day at the campus will be held in mid-May.