At The Hamilton and Alexandra College, Hamilton, boarders truly can have the best of both worlds.
With access to incredible teachers and academic assistance, world class facilities, co-curricular activities in sports, the arts and STEM, and the option to catch a bus home on the weekend, boarding is the heart and soul of the co-educational independent school, a spokesman said.
Boarding has been offered there for close to 150 years.
Boarders can choose full-time, weekly or day boarding.
Principal Andrew Hirst said the college provided a real of point of difference for boarders.
They can access a progressive, independent, holistic education from Monday to Friday with the flexibility to travel home on weekends to share stories with their family, see their animals and play sport with their friends.
"Our students have access to all the opportunities city independent schools offer - with the added benefit of being part of the local community that supports our students to remain well-rounded and grounded community members," Dr Hirst said. "Boarders also participate in our unique Life Skills Program at the boarding house while being supported to achieve strong academic results."
Lauren Richards and Harrison Beal are Year 12 boarders.
"At Hamilton College, it is cool to try new things, follow your passions and work hard to achieve success," Lauren said. "This year, I have been the Sports Captain for girls' cricket and netball, and a Publicity Prefect.
"I love the independence that boarding offers you, as well as the unique opportunity to develop strong friendships from peers across all year levels. I have also been pushed out of my comfort zone, having to do the small things that I had originally taken for granted, such as doing my own washing.
"Boarding at Hamilton College places you in an environment where everyone wants to succeed academically, and this has pushed me to try harder and chase my ambitions in physiotherapy."
Harrison says he loves the sense of community and family present within the boarding house.
"Becoming a boarder was one of the greatest decisions for me," he said. "Coming from Portland, I have skipped the daily travel but still go home on the weekends to be with my family.
"Boarding during the week means I can attend more academic programs after school, which is a great help, but more importantly it has helped me grow as an individual and I've made some lifelong friends.
"Everyone gets on really well and we all enjoy having a bit of a laugh. This is what I will miss the most when Year 12 ends."
Families are invited to tour the college.
- hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au