Moving here from Arabia when he was just 18 years old, Sayed is one of the many residents who currently call College Square on Swanston, home. Now in his third year of study at the University of Melbourne, he loves living at YMCA Student Accommodation because it gives him the chance to make friends with people from different cultures around the world. 

"It’s great to make friends with people who are in a similar situation to you. And it’s important, because when you spend so much time together your friends become like your family," he said.

Sayed says the support of the staff at College Square on Swanston has been invaluable to his life in Melbourne. 

"Staff members were helpful from day one. They go out of their way to make you feel supported and comfortable."

One staff member that Sayed has become friends with is Accommodation Officer Mimma. Mimma says the best part of her job is seeing the personal growth in residents over time.

"On their first day residents walk in and they are often shy and timid. Weeks later you see them again and they're like a different person. They have made friends. They are enjoying studying. They feel secure. They start to see College Square as a home away from home."

Pictured: Sayed and staff member Mimma.