I’m currently a student at Stamford International University and, upon joining University, I saw a lot of my fellow students and friends struggle when they first moved out from their family homes, because they’re not used to living independently.
I graduated from Regents International School, Pattaya in 2015, and realised upon starting my first job, then moving away to University, that I had no trouble living independently and didn’t experience the same challenges as many of my friends. I believe this is because I had the experience of being a student in Boarding (living in the campus residences) at Regents for 9 years.
From the age of 9 until 18 (academic year 4 – year 13) I had so many amazing experiences by living in Boarding. The Boarding system does more than just accommodating students; it guides and directs students to become independent and responsible. Evening study sessions ensure that everyone completes their homework on time and has access to extra teaching staff. Living in Boarding also ensures that everyone becomes responsible – they can clean up after themselves, care for their personal hygiene, and most importantly, everyone is safe and sound.
Daisy and her friends, Happy in Boarding in the 2008/2009 Year Book
The Boarding house was not just a building in the school’s ground, it was literally my second home. Our Boarding house parent became my second mother and my Boarding friends became my sisters – quite simply, I had a second family. Due to the fact that we live together, eat together, grow up together, share each other’s emotions and experiences, and always support each other, I strongly feel that my friendships with my Boarding sisters are a lot tighter and deeper than other friendships. We would spend a great amount of time together in and out of school.
During weekends, Boarding would take students out on trips to do activities and enjoy a nice day off. I didn’t always stay in Boarding every weekend - some weekends I went home to my family and some weekends I had my friends hosting me. It’s nice to have that freedom, but too much of it would get me nowhere with my school work, which is why I am grateful to Boarding for getting that balance right between allowing us to be teenagers and have some freedom, but with limitations, to ensure that we still put our studies first.
Teachers have Boarding duties where we could seek help from in their subject specialties. This was particularly helpful to me, since I had 3 younger siblings at home, who were sometimes a bit of a distraction, but being in Boarding, I could really focus on my exams.
Now, studying at Stamford International University, I can reflect back and realise that my life in Boarding at Regents has hugely influenced the person I am today, has contributed to my success in being so independent, and my ability to settle so well in my new environment. I will always cherish those days.
Find out more about our flexible boarding options and taster boarding sessions here
Regents International School Pattaya
