Hey hey everyone!
Sorry, it has been so long since my last post. Right now my life is like a cauldron and its brewing with 3 assignments per week, 20 contact hours and 12 hours of part-time work. Nevertheless, I'm here (finally) to discuss what I do in my spare time. But beware, this is a lengthy post (thus the bold subtitles).
Socialise? You ask. No. Even better.
Volunteering!
Today's blog was initially going to be about the best ways to make friends at uni but I was feeling inspired by my ventures yesterday as a volunteer at the Teddy Bear Hospital at Chadstone. Being a volunteer at the Teddy Bear Hospital is a great way to talk to kids about health and safety and also make some great friends while having loads of fun. The Teddy Bear Hospital is run by Melbourne University Students, so if you're a student who's interested you can sign up by checking out their facebook page and sending an email.
Now let's talk about other things you can do to make the 'community' section of your resume that little bit more impressive.
AT UNIVERSITY
There's a bunch of ways you can get involved in all the Uni Action that looks great on your resume. I suggest checking out the UMSU (Uni Melb Student Union) website and seeing what volunteering listings they have available. Currently, I am volunteering at the Welfare Breakfast every morning. Yes, that's right. If you get to Uni between 8-10am you can get a free brekky every morning at the Ida Bar.
Another way to find some opportunities within the campus is by being on the committee for UMSU. They do general elections annually and if you think you have the skills to run for one of the positions, go for it! Similarly, if you join a club, all UniMelb clubs have a general meeting where you can run for one of the executive positions of that club. Maybe even become a president if you have the right skills. One of my friends has recently joined the committee of the Melbourne Arts Student Society and is involved with running all of the special events and balls.
OUT OF UNIVERSITY
If you feel like you don't want to spend all your free time at University then there are heaps of places to volunteer outside of University. For example, it can be as easy as calling your local aged care home and expressing an interest in volunteering once a week with the elderly. When I did this, I was tasked with taking care of an Alzheimer's patient. Having this experience with this woman really helped me to deal with my own grandma's dementia and really opens your eyes to how they're feeling.
Another way to volunteer outside of University is to help out at a second-hand store like Vinnies, Salvos or Helping Hands. These stores get hundreds of donations per day and they could really use your help to sort through all the donations. Did you know that the Helping Hands store has its own community kitchen with $3 buffet lunches to help out the unemployed or financially disadvantaged?
RAISING MONEY
So far all I've talked about is doing good with no rewards; altruism if you will. But how about making a difference through donating to charity. There is always an opportunity to donate to charity so nothing is stopping you from making your own fundraiser. Maybe you could do a 10km walk, or wash cars, or sell chocolates? If you're not feeling like starting your own fundraiser, you can easily raise money through someone else's. One that's always really fun and I've been apart of for a few years is the 40 Hour Famine. It started off as a fundraiser where you would fast for 40 hours to raise awareness for those who are starving in third world countries, but now the fundraiser has expanded to various challenges. You could give up speaking for 40 hours, give up technology or even give up your home. The latest challenge, the backpack challenge, raised awareness for people who are forced to flee their homes due to natural disasters or war. Another popular fundraiser is Carries' Beanies 4 Brain Cancer, where you can run your own campaign to sell beanies and raise money for brain cancer.
BENEFITS
So why should you do anything that I've listed above? Despite the title of this blog, I don't do any of those things for my resume. I find helping people a lot of fun. When you take a step out of your daily life and step into someone else's you really expose yourself to a world that the media doesn't really show. The people you meet through volunteering, whether its other volunteers or just people that need your help, everyone is so genuine and caring. There's a lot of stigma around homeless people and you may typically associate them with beggars on the streets, but there are so many families out there who are just like yours but without money or without employment. We're lead to believe that everyone has fair opportunities and that equality exists but you don't realise how untrue that is until you meet someone with a disability or their family that has to give up full-time jobs to care for them. When you volunteer at an organisation your not just giving up a few hours of your day, you're giving those hours to someone else.
Of course, a benefit for us is that we can put on our resume "volunteered at ___", but the satisfaction from that is minuscule to the satisfaction you get from seeing the smile on the faces you've helped. Another way you can record these hours is through Melbourne University's Leaders In Community Award. This is an award that you work to achieve throughout your degree. Basically, it involves volunteering in the community and at university, and also undertaking leadership positions in the university. The award is a great encouragement to keep you volunteering throughout your years at Melbourne.
CONCLUSION
Alright, so that was a long post. Congrats if you actually read it all. In summary, this post was just me trying to convince you to volunteer. Trust me, it's worthwhile. You may not keep in touch with the people you meet, but as you get older you'll always remember them as the people who changed your life.
Thanks for listening to my Ted Talk,
SpiderPig out x
Do you talk in your tutorials or answer questions in lectures? Judging from my recent experience across Sociology, Spanish and other Arts subjects I would say the overwhelming response would be no. I seem to have taken on the role of *irritating* mature age student who isn’t afraid to put her hand up and answer. I never thought I would be that person but my logic is thus:
- after two degrees I no longer care what people think of me, I firmly believe that a dumb answer is still an answer!
- you learn if you get the answer right and also on a deeper level if you get it wrong, but no-one would have learnt anything if you hadn’t put your thoughts out into the open. Everybody wins!
- All the tutors/lecturers want is participation and to engage their audience. They don't care if you get it wrong.
After five seconds of other students avoiding eye contact with the teacher, my hand is forced to raise itself. I have to say something, even if idiotic, to save us all from a painfully awkward silence akin to death. I feel like I am doing some good in the world when the tutor isn’t left facing a room of 15 people and all you can hear are crickets.
I used to feel like I would get it wrong and be publicly humiliated, which only happened once in a room of 600 people. I had emailed my Chemistry lecturer about a simple question the previous week and she felt like she needed to share and laugh about it with the entire student cohort. Cheers.
Confidence broken, that terrifying experience made me feel so ashamed that I never wanted to ask another question again. However, after working with students and learning about how to give constructive feedback I can only say that experience was misuse of teaching power and it should have been handled differently.
Since then it has become much easier to call attention to my ideas in class and I try to answer at least one question every session. Eventually you learn that that no-one really cares if you get it wrong, they are all far too consumed with their own insecurities than to worry about yours. So I say, why not answer a question in your next tutorial? You might even become that person.
Hello sweet potatoes!
Semester 2 has officially begun (three weeks ago, actually). Woo!
I'm doing my Masters in Global Media Communication and my entire family and extended relatives believe I'm gonna be a journalist one day and appear on TV shows. Wha-
I don't try to correct them anymore. My family has zero idea about what I'm really doing.
I chose this course because I strongly believe in pursuing what I'm passionate about. Semester 1 was sluggish, but Semester 2 is making all the difference.
Semester 1 consisted of Understanding Media & Communications, Researching Media & Communications and Legal Issues in Media and Publishing.
Not gonna lie, Understanding Media and Communication is a heavy subject and requires regular reading. You can't float your way through; you have to swim all on your own. On the bright side, the lecturers are terrific and they make the journey much simpler by explaining concepts, providing word-to-word guidelines for assignments and answering questions to literally everything. I've always looked forward to tutorials where the class used to indulge in compelling conversations about the topic of the week.
Researching Media & Communication is a breath of fresh air. If you've previous experience working on research projects, this is going to be a breeze. If you don't, it's still gonna go swimmingly well because the purpose of the subject is to instill an understanding about the process of research. Also the lecturers are exceptionally supportive and quite easy to talk to. If you put in enough efforts, the subject is an easy A.
Legal Issues in Media and Publishing was the most interesting one in my opinion because the subject was new to my knowledge and the lecturer was purely entertaining and engaging in class. BUT I almost passed out after receiving my final grade. Failure to quote sufficient academic references in the essay cost me greatly.
Having said that, these subjects really helped me get the hang of the course. And being in a class with students from diverse cultures and background promote fascinating perspectives about things. It breaks manifold stereotypes too. Although this program comes with a lot of writing, it never gets boring.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. This applies to both future aspirants of UniMelb and the current students. I can't emphasize how important this is. And trust me when I say this, there are no right or wrong questions at UniMelb. By asking questions, in addition to getting answers, you are also directed towards opportunities for further help.
The best part about this program is, every subject is connected around the current global events. I never used to read newspapers and I had zero idea about what was happening around me or the world. But the subjects I've taken up really inspires me to take that extra step and stay informed. This development is certainly a first and makes me look forward to the next two semesters as well.
I have a huge student loan hovering over my existence, but I know for certain that this course will be worth it!
There's something that I want to use this platform for more than anything, something that is really important to me - opening up the discussion about mental health.
As a high school student I both dreaded and yearned moving to uni and starting anew. I'd moved around a lot, so I wasn't too keen on gaining another set of friends; and I'm not all that good at making friends sometimes, because of my anxiety disorder. I was so anxious about moving, and I still struggle on a day to day basis, and I want to talk about being that kind of Jaffy.
This isn't a sad post!!!! Please do not pity me!! Mental health is just a part of everyday life, and having a mental illness is something that isn't discussed openly enough. Last year I could hardly find anything on moving and adjusting to a new city that specifically helped ME, and I don't want that for anyone else, ever.
Moving is hard full stop. Packing up everything you know and going to a new place, whether it's in another town state or country, especially without knowing anyone around you, is terrifying no matter who you are. Everyone gets anxiety about these kinds of things of course - if you don't, you're a sociopath. But if you have a mental health disorder, everything can seem to be just that bit more daunting. A new environment, new schedule, and new people is what did it for me. Knowing that I had to do everything without the support of my parents and friends everyday by my side, knowing that I would have to explain to all these new people why I couldn't hang out constantly, THAT was daunting.
But here I am, and good lord it's been hard, but everyone nowadays is so understanding and open to new ideas that there was no way I could ever be excluded or discriminated against at the University for being me. The workplace is a different matter I've found out - and that's another obstacle for down the line. My teachers are amazing and making new friends who aren't assholes has really helped too.
So, to summarise, talk about mental health more. I feel like everyone is constantly talking about their bad ankle, or a faulty wrist, and it really should fall under the same category. Society has come so far, and you really don't realise it until you're out in the big wide world and actually integrated within it. But unimelb if you're reading this - please make appointments for the free counseling more accessible. Momma needs her fortnightly breathing exercises and rant to a complete stranger.
After receiving my results for Semester 1 a few weeks ago I guess I can officially claim that “I am an Arts student”! This semester I will be going down to three (from the normal four) subjects in order to be able to work and study at the same time. I am trying my best to fit in working as a veterinarian in private practice and with the final year veterinary students in the university teaching hospital in Werribee (somewhat of a logistical and sometimes stressful challenge). It feels like I haven't had a holiday but I am not complaining! I am grateful to feel so interested in what I am learning every day and to be working with such welcoming and knowledgeable veterinary teams, until I fall in a tired heap that is. ;)
I just wanted to mention a subject that has completely changed my outlook on life and future career since March 2019 – Wellbeing, Motivation and Performance (WMP). This is a first year Positive Psychology subject from the Melbourne Graduate School of Education and is available as a Breadth subject. After falling in love with the semester plan in the first lecture (whole weeks dedicated to topics such as Gratitude, Motivation, Resilience and Emotions!) I spoke to my lecturer Rachel Colla to see how I could find out more or get involved. I had heard whispers about Positive Psychology in the veterinary profession as a tool to combat mental health but didn’t know much else.
Rachel let me know that the 2019 World Congress for Positive Psychology (WCPP) happened to be in Melbourne in July. Of all the places in the world the biennial international Positive Psychology conference happened to be in my home city (if that is not a sign I am heading in the right direction, what is?) and that a bunch of international positive psychology superstars would be descending on my home town in the semester break. I signed up to be a volunteer and that’s how I came to spend all my waking hours from July 18-July 21 surrounded by all things positive. I was lucky to meet so many brilliant and engaging people from a multitude of different backgrounds but above all it was inspiring to see how the people who have taken risks with their careers are now the ones doing the work they love in their own self-created jobs.
I am so grateful to both Rachel Colla and Sue Salamito (my WMP tutor) for encouraging my involvement and being so generous with their knowledge. The fantastic WMP team has been incredibly welcoming and supportive and I hope to use my knowledge from Positive Psych not only in my future work but in the way that I live every day.
I guess the underlying theme here is don’t be afraid to talk to people about your interests – there are so many individuals and groups at this university who want to help you and support you but they can’t do this unless you show them you are interested and willing to have a go. Just ask.
The funny thing is, the main reason I came back to university was to study philosophy and I haven’t taken a single philosophy subject yet. So far Positive Psychology, Sociology, Spanish and Gender Studies are keeping me on my toes and I am excited to continue finding out about the other things I never even knew existed before starting a Bachelor of Arts. Vamos!
Here it is folks, what you've all been waiting for - a guide to the most obscure course offered at the University of Melbourne! I wish I was joking.
When people ask what I'm studying, the reactions all vary. Some think it's awesome - some ask me what on Earth screenwriting actually is. No matter the response, it's always accompanied by a "I didn't even know that was a thing you could study!". Which is why I'm sitting here, writing all the ins and outs you need if you want to consider studying screenwriting, or are just wondering what the course entails (sure, the University of Melbourne site is slightly informative, but is it? Is it really?)
Firstly, I'd like to put out there why I chose to study screenwriting. Unlike almost all of my peers, it isn't because I was a film and TV fanatic. Wild, I know. I haven't seen every Hitchcock movie, nor do I watch a different film everyday like my good friend Jamie. I struggle to keep up with the TV Tonight gossip, and I haven't seen Breaking Bad. But I do love to write, more than anything on the Earth, and I wanted to make a difference to people's lives. I'm also a history and physics fanatic, but I was too dumb to be an astrophysicist, and too smart to study history full time because I knew it would likely lead to nowhere. So I found a career where I can incorporate all three of my primary passions, and here I am; one semester into screenwriting, and I can't see myself doing anything else. If you have the same or a similar problem, consider writing for film and TV - the possibilities of what you can create are endless, and the limit only stretches as far as your writing ability and budget.
The Screenwriting stream at the School of Film & Television only takes in around 20 people per year, and if you really want to get in, you have to write your little heart out. There's a writing component you submit in response to one of the prompts that is provided for you, and it isn't even a script - it's an 800 word short story that can take any turn you want. One thing they stress is that they aren't looking for anything, just the makings of a good writer and a decent imagination. Seriously, you can write about ANYTHING. And that's one thing you quickly learn throughout the year; this isn't high school, they aren't trying to prepare you for anything other than your own career. They don't care what you write about, just that you use the tools they eventually teach.
So, studying screenwriting. It's lit. I write, I study films, and I'm going to (try and) break into an industry I have always admired and idolised. Sure, I'm only one semester in, but if writing is something you're interested in, hit me up for some more screenwriting tea and I can give you even MORE information.
I do feel like I've gone on a bit of a tangent, but here are the facts:
- If you love to write, consider screenwriting.
- If you love movies and are good at English and Drama, look into it.
- If you love television and can imagine yourself writing your own show, consider screenwriting.
- If you just binged Stranger Things and want to make something just as cool, maybe check whether or not you have any original ideas first, and THEN consider screenwriting.
- This course and the general career is hard. You're constantly being pressed for original ideas, and you can't slack off. There's a lot of added pressure considering only 20 people are accepted into the course, and it's drilled into you. But don't let that turn you off.
- There's no course in Australia quite like the one the University of Melbourne offers. The VCA has such a prestigious reputation that every course associated with it pretty much lives up to it, and the opportunities you are given are pretty amazing.
- Everything you learn during your course WILL be relevant to breaking into the Film and TV industry.
- If you have multiple interests and can't imagine giving any of them up, also consider screenwriting. The piece that scored me an interview was based around Anne Boleyn's execution - you really CAN have it all!! You don't have to give up all your passions just to have a sustainable career (maybe get back to me in ten years about that)
So, that is all I will be putting out about screenwriting specifically. I mainly wrote this because there wasn't much information when I was looking into it as a high schooler, and I hope this has maybe helped at least one person get all the information. If you're wanting to have a look at the University website, here's the link: https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/undergraduate/bachelor-of-fine-arts-screenwriting/
So, that's all for now. Until next time Jaffy readers xx
¡Buenas tardes!
I’m Nicole, a Jaffy (Just Another Fabulous First Year) Bachelor of Arts student, though if I’m being honest I should probably tell you that this is my third degree, officially Mature Age now. Yes, I have an addiction and it is called Learning. *sigh*
The path to where I am now hasn’t been quite straightforward – I graduated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2016 but have decided to return to study to create a career using my unique mix of degrees and follow new passions. I have no idea where I am going but moving to Spain in 2017 definitely changed my mindset about static careers and following the status quo. I’m focusing on the journey and not the destination ¡qué será, será! Current thoughts are sociology, philosophy and positive psychology but really, Arts is so varied and my mind is being lit up by so many different subjects I can’t make a decision just yet!
I am language obsessive compulsive and so far have Swedish and Spanish under my belt, hopefully with more to come. There is nothing on this earth more satisfying and challenging than going from looking at foreign characters on a page and hearing sounds that sound like Elvish (yes, this is what Swedish sounds like to new ears) and ending up having full conversations and writing essays in that language like it has always been a part of you. I’ve enrolled in a Diploma of Languages to maximise the subjects I can take in my Arts degree and study on exchange in Latin America in a few years.
Outside of uni I work as a veterinarian, yes I still love animals and always will, but I am seeing what other pathways are available to someone with a veterinary degree and an open mind. Being the Salsa and Flamenco dancing fiend that I am you can find me at any of the Latin or Flamenco nights in Melbourne or in the dance studio I built at the back of my house for midnight dance sessions. Have I already mentioned obsessive?
I love being back on campus surrounded by so many progressive people and opportunities, it feels like I have found where I need to be. Last semester in Arts was incredibly eye opening and fulfilling in a number of ways and I am glad I made the decision to return, even though a few people disagreed with my decision. I'm afraid I am now beyond the point of following other people's expectations for my own life and am just seeing where my interests take me. My current challenge is trying to be less of a Scientist and more like an Arts student, adapting my brain to a more "conceptual and critical" style of thinking rather than my very “black and white, memorise this” scientific formula style. I am enjoying this and can’t wait for Semester 2 to begin!
Looking forward to having you on the adventure ¡hasta la próxima!
Well, I couldn't get back soon as I had promised. I'll admit, I was drowning in the sea called Assignments and it certainly wasn't pleasant. Furthermore, my first winter here has been too kind, so I decided to go on hibernation for a week, occasionally responding to my mom's messages letting her know I'm alive and breathing. Because we all know what happens if we don't do that. (⊙_⊙)
As you all may know by now, I procrastinate. Like a lot! I mean, I used to be a fairly organized person but I guess that part of me is on an indefinite hiatus for reasons unknown.
So, let me tell you a little bit about my emotional journey until now. Honestly, the UniMelb offer letter came knocking at my door just a few hours before I was going to send my acceptance to another university. And I'm glad I procrastinated responding to that college or, I would've totally blown away my chance at UniMelb. But hey, I'm pretty meticulous when it comes to 'adulting', I'm just trying to make my story sound a tad bit dramatic for some...flavor.
However, it is true that I almost accepted the offer from another college.
I was free for almost two months before my semester started at UniMelb and I was on Cloud 9. Although my life was in a state of pandemonium between 2017 and 2019, I felt some faith being restored after I received the offer from UniMelb.
28 days prior to flying to Melbourne I was losing my mind. Reality hit me like a firetruck. Like, I was going to miss my room, my bed, my music album collection, my library, the walls, the fan, the weather and most of all... my parents (yeah, I was getting there okay? (ﾒ` ﾛ ´) )
I wasn't ready. I knew I wouldn't be able to come home in another two years and at some point, I remember considering turning down the offer from college (real mature, huh?). I mean, I was freaking out okay? I hadn't been away from home; especially moving to another continent, as far as Australia hadn't even popped up in my wildest dreams. And most of all, I knew I was gonna have to face her.
Responsibilities. Ever heard of her? Oh, we don't see eye to eye. But we've come to a compromise now. No, I can hardly get along with her so we're not friends. Please don't misunderstand. But I'm trying. She's an annoying brat who starves for my attention. And I get yelled at by my parents because of her every.single.time.
Anyways, the next steps I had to follow after receiving my offer letter was enrolling and registering for classes, finding a place to stay, figuring out a way to earn a living and so on. And I had absolutely no clue where to start. Then, I came across Stop 1 on UniMelb website, a team catering to student services online. They really saved me. All I needed to do was drop queries and they got back to me with solutions to literally every single problem. Trust me when I emphasize on "every single problem". They'll help you with the matters that might seem trivial to you. So, if you want to shoot questions, just head to Stop 1 online on the university website and you'll thank me later.
And that's how I got Melbourne/UniMelb ready in a span of 28 days.
I had an early flight to Melbourne from Abu Dhabi (my home *sobs) and I remember it clear as a day how I was sitting on my bed, clutching onto my suitcase tightly, feeling anxious, excited and empty all at the same time about leaving home. I was travelling alone so this whole situation was overwhelming and I remember crying to my mom saying "Maybe, this was all a bad idea. I'm not going. I'm scared. Please let me stay".
Of course, she smacked me back to my senses.
Sometimes, chasing your dreams can be terrifying but it's okay. We're not alone. You'll soon realize that everyone who has chosen this path are a bunch of brave, scaredy-cats just like you and I. °˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°
Now we can all panic together and worry about the responsibilities lying ahead of us. Huehuehue!
I know that moving away from home can sound frightening at the moment. Let me tell you, it's just a matter of time. You will move on from the fears that you experience while making decisions and anticipating about the future. A piece of advise for all the small bubs out there is, don't let your fears come in the way of your dreams. The issues that you may consider as the first-world problem may not be as life-threatening as you imagine. And you'll know that only when you face it. Besides, you're not alone here. You'll find friends who'll become your family. UniMelb is not an intimidating place tbh. The uni really provides numerous services to help students feel at ease. They even help you with your assignments. This is not a paid promo, it's real.
Also, don't get influenced by random Google articles about Australia. I've major arachnophobia (I'm not sure if this is the right spelling but I'm not brave enough to google it. Basically, spiders and I can't stay in the same room). And those silly Buzzfeed articles said this place was infested with them and my friends shared terrifying posts about the serious case of those creepy crawlies on Instagram and I swear to God, I came here all equipped with spider-repellent sprays. And they're still waiting to be used in my closet. Touch wood. I don't want that sh** crawling up my legs at night.
ANYWAYS, come to Melbourne with an open mind, free from pre-determined stereotypes or assumptions. Let the place surprise you, okay?
Hello everyone, Lia here, your resident SpiderPig.
Congratulations! You made it through the first semester.
Or if you're starting mid-semester....
Congratulations! Welcome to Melbourne University!
Today marks 4 days since the last day of exams and let me just say, thank god it's over.
However, that being said, I've been on holidays for two weeks now. Why you ask? Because as a first-year science student I chose the worst combination of subjects; accounting (breadth), computing, biology and calculus 2. Unfortunately for me, the accounting and biology exam fell on the Tuesday the 11th, the computing on Wednesday the 12th and calculus 2 on Thursday the 13th. So you can only imagine what a freak I was during SWOTVAC.
Anyway exams are behind us now. We are officially moving forward to **drumroll**.... SEMESTER 2!!
So for this post, I thought I'd discuss two things. Firstly, my step-by-step method of choosing subjects and how I will avoid the mistake of an impossible workload for next semester. So without further ado, I give you:
Agenda item 1: STEPS FOR ENROLLING (most applicable for degrees that don't have many core subjects)
- Make a list of pathways for your course
- Hopefully, you did this in the first semester but if you didn't, start looking at which pathways you'd like to head in and what major you'd like to choose. It's important to have more than one pathway so that you are giving yourself options in case you decide you don't like something
- Look at the prereqs
- As stupid as it sounds, I went into university thinking I could be an engineer without taking math. After you figure out what pathways would suit you, look at what subjects are offered later on in the course to see if you need to take any subjects now as a pre-requisite
- Unimelb Student Handbook: https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/
- Look at subject reviews
- This is a really good tip for subjects you're on the fence about. It's good to find out what the work-load is like from past students to know if this subject will suit you this semester. My two favourite websites for reviews are:
- StudentVIP: https://studentvip.com.au/unimelb/subjects
- UMSU's Counter Course Handbook: https://umsu.unimelb.edu.au/counter-course-handbook/
- Think socially
- It's always a good idea to talk to any friends you have to see if they are taking any subjects you are, that way you can organise to be in the same lectures or tutes
- Also, have a look at the UMSU events on, if you're interested in attending the Bevs and Bands on Tuesdays/Thursdays it's a good idea to avoid lectures around that time
- Simulate a timetable
- Now that you've done the hard part and narrowed down your subjects, have a look at the different combinations of classes that you could be attending. This way you can have a timetable suited to your work/social life balance
- Timetable simulator: http://timetable.ruar.ai
Secondly, I'd like to discuss my brief opinion on each of my subjects. If you read the above steps you'd know that there are other places I could have expressed my opinion on the subjects but I figured it wouldn't hurt to give you a brief chat here. If you're interested in studying Acct10001, Comp10001, Biol10004 or Mast10006, please keep reading. If you aren't, scroll down to the picture of Spider Pig for the rest of the post.
Agenda item 2: MY SUBJECTS: REVIEWED
- Accounting Reports and Analysis
- Difficulty (without experience): 8/10 (with experience): 7/10
- Why: For someone who has never done accounting before it was a very content-heavy subject considering there were only 3 contact hours a week. There's a lot of places to get help and the consultations are helpful but be prepared for a horrifyingly long exam.
- Advice: Attend all the tutorials, they are extremely helpful in understanding the lecture content
- Foundations of Computing
- Difficulty (without experience): 6.5/10 (with experience): 4/10
- Why: People who have experience coding don't have a huge one up on those who haven't but knowing how to code and problem solve is a big part of this subject. The worksheets on Grok (10%) are fun and a quick way to learn how to code. The projects require a lot of time and effort. I ended up coding for 30 hours on each project if that's any indication.
- Advice: Although the Grok worksheets seem to cover the lectures, they should not be a substitute because the lectures cover small things that could be examinable.
- Biology of Cells and Organisms
- Difficulty (without experience): 7/10 (with experience): 3/10
- Why: Having done Biology in year 12 I found this subject only slightly challenging. I think the hardest challenge is memorising content. There are a lot of concepts to know off by heart and if you don't understand them there is a low chance you'll be able to apply them in the exam.
- Advice: As soon as you get stuck on a concept, seek out help. Don't leave it until SWOTVAC or else it will be harder to remember the concept when it comes to exams.
- Calculus 2
- Difficulty: 5/10 (I didn't put with/without experience because you need Specialist 3/4 as a pre-req anyway)
- Why: The lecturers for this subject are really thorough and the lecture notes make it so easy to follow along. There is a lot of resources available for help such as Math Space, the consultations, study groups, the lecturers, etc. This subject does take a bit of effort but the weekly assignments are really helpful for understanding the lecture content. Also, there are so many opportunities to set up study groups for this subject.
- Advice: Do the worked exercises and get yourself a study group.
Alright, that's it from me! Thanks for tuning in to this edition of Dear Diary. In the next Diary entry, you can expect to hear from me about the best ways to form relationships (friendships and romantic) on campus and through Melbourne University.
See you next time lovies,
xoxo SpiderPig
Hey guys!
Now that exams are finally over, I thought I’d get around to publishing my introductory post as a new member of the JD blog team.
My name is Sam and I’ve lived in Melbourne all my 18 years. I’m a first year Science student at UniMelb, currently enjoying my break after having to spend upwards of two hours on public transport getting to (and back from) uni five days a week during the semester 😢.
Besides whining about the pains of public transport, in my time as a writer for this blog, I plan to share my experiences as a jaffy in the hope that some of you might find benefit in my first year perspective of life at Melbourne Uni, and ultimately enjoy your time at UniMelb as thoroughly as I’ve enjoyed my first semester here.
~ Till next time 👋
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