First Year Diaries

Our Magic Student ID Card (FOR VCA AND MCM STUDENTS)

So, we had a duo and duet pianists coming into one of our masterclass, who was students at the con.
They were pretty much performing their set lists for their recital, which they were last Friday.

It was all interesting, and great to hear... Until when she said,
"Did you know that you can use your student ID card to get discounts, or even go to MCM or VCA events for free?"

Please don't judge, but I was surprised, and excited.
I could've went to more recitals last semester, but that's okay!
I sure wished I knew this earlier, but hey, I'm first year, that's a perfect excuse. Hahaha.
*Usually, tickets costs from thirty-five to even hundreds of dollars (hundreds of dollars apply to prestigious recitals, the maximum costs of MCM/VCA tickets is around hundred to hundred-fifty dollars).*


How to get free tickets, or awesome discounts?

Ask, and email them.

They would send you the promo code, and tah dah! Free ticket(s), or discounted ticket(s) for you. :)

Sometimes, they do a student ticket rush, which means we can get awesome discounts!
There's one performance coming up, and the student rush tickets are $10!
How great is that! A massive win for 'broke' uni students. Haha!

Student rush tickets work as, you need to go to the recital hall at approximately half hour, before the event,
or typing in the promo code that is presented on the poster, or email that was sent to you online.
I haven't been to a student rush quite yet at a recital hall, but I had asked what is the promo code for certain MCM/VCA Events, if tickets needed to be purchased online!
I was suppose to go last Friday at Melba, to purchase student rush tickets, but I had to finish my Baroque and Classical assignment... last minute... again. Hahahahaha.


It is sure a good day being a MCM student.
Take advantage of this opportunity guys, go see as many as possible before we graduate!
Get inspired from many performers, and events for music performance!

My exact thoughts when I heard about this?
"I WON'T GO BROKE ANYMORE!"
"IT'S FOR FREE! I'll devos go if it's for free, or heavily discounted"
"More things to absorb in my performances, and as a musician."

- Nicole <3

Music suggestion for this post? Bass in Pocket by The Pretenders


Organisation Level One Billion ;)

So in this post, I'll be sharing my secrets on how I keep myself organised in uni, life, and other things.
I hope you can get something out from it. :)

This post will be laid out simply, and short. So, it will be easier to understand.


ORGANISING SCHEDULE

  1. Layout your weekly timetable on paper, iCal or any other device
  2. In your spare time slots, you put your practise slots, studying
  3. When putting a studying/practise slots in, please be specific. It's so you can know what you are doing
  • Sometimes, it is better to start early, and end early daily, as we are more alert in the morning.
  • Do what works for you. Know what energises you in which time of the day, when you're hungry, and so on.
  • Organising your time when to get on/off public transport is also pretty important. So, PTV is your best friend.
  • Organise your assignments and tasks as well. Have a dead line for things.

HOW TO USE YOUR TIME WISELY?

  • Do readings/homework/assignments on the train
  • Tell yourself that you need to get something done = 80 to 100% effort.
  • Spare time = studying time, but make sure you give yourself a break, which are lunch times.

ALWAYS RUSHING?

  • Organise your outfit for the entire week
  • Pack your bag the night before
  • Pack your lunch, snacks, breakie the night before
  • Know how much time you need to get ready, if you're rushing.
  • Night showers save time in the morning (for winter season)
  • Had a night shower = not showering in the morning = deodorant, wash your face, and etc.
  • Remind yourself on what you need to do when rushing. It helps when you don't want to forget anything.

HAVE SO MANY ASSIGNMENTS/LECTURES TO CATCH UP?
GOING TO BE BUSY FOR A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF PERIOD?

  1. Make a list on what needs to be done
  2. Rack them from 1 (needs to be done ASAP) from whatever (least important)
  3. Fit them in your schedule, and be firm and strict with yourself

HOW TO KNOW YOUR SUBJECTS WELL FOR EACH TUTORIAL/LECTURES?

  • LMS, Subject Guide and Subject Handbook is your BIBLE (under lining a million times)
  • Location, look in the lost on campus app, or simply on the my unimelb app in the calendar section [you need to click the subject in your scheduled day, then your class location. Boom, problem solved. :)]
  • Try not to ditch your lectures, because you're lazy/can't be bothered. Catching up would be a pain in the future. If you're sick, or have an unavoidable personal event you can't reschedule out of your timetable, you can watch it on the way to uni, instead of wasting your study blocks later on in the day.

HOW TO BE STRICT/NEED TO HAVE IT DONE, BUT STRUGGLING WITH YOUR SCHEDULE?

  • Self talk to yourself on getting things done
  • Caffeine works to be more alert.
  • Not a coffee person? Have a power nap. Take a 15 minute nap to boost your energy, or go get some vitamin D and fresh air.
  • Or Exercise. Do a quick dance 5 minute dance, 20 push ups, or whatever to keep you hyped up.
  • Missed that scheduled thing you were suppose to do, at that particular time? It's okay. Be flexible, but get the things you need to get it done for that day. Haha.
  • Turn off your technology to get things done
  • Have some sort of reward system: One task done = have a cookie.

Don't worry, I haven't picked myself up yet for Baroque and Classical and Psychology studies, but I have been very consistent with my Aural Studies assignments and Music Performance studies! I really do need to get on with my history and psychology! Haha!

Happy studying and organising,
Nicole <3


Audition Experience/Expectations

August - the time of when applications open to apply for music courses.
The time when you get anxious of applying.
The time when things get intense.
Oh, Nicole remembers. 

YES! It is that time of the year! Future first year/transfer music students, here me out! Auditions can be nerve whacking, and that's okay! If you can show them your talents, your passion, your determination to get into our, or any music course, they would be more than happy to have you here. First impressions is a must! Dress like you're performing, be very polite and respectful to your examiners, and think twice before you say in your interview. Every minute counts. 15 minutes of your time and theirs is crucial. Give it your all. I know it's scary and all, but I swear, if you know your stuff, and you're confident about your pieces and answers, you'll be flying with soaring colours. 

Here's some more advice/expectations you'll be facing if you're auditioning at Melbourne:

  • If they ask you, "any other questions?", just leave it. You can ask questions later, if you get accepted into our uni. If you want to ask when they would tell you if you are a successful applicant, they will be released in December. Boom, your questioned is being asked. If you want to ask simple questions about our music course, ask during open day, or google it. The examiners have a lot of applicants to get through. So, please don't ask simple questions that can be answered during open day, or simply researching on our MCM page.
  • Be prepared when they ask you questions. Fortunately, I didn't get asked any questions at Melbourne. But my friends did. Some of them were intense, and some of them were easy to say, if you know what you're going to say.
  • It will be intimidating. The examiners will be tuff cookies, which makes the atmosphere feel scary. A few examiners will be chilled, but the others, 100% INTIMIDATING, and I mean it. I am overreacting, but it sure felt like I was in an intense scene, but in a music situation.
  • They will ask you scales, arpeggios, contrary motion, and even sight-read (not for pianists, win!).
  • There will be two examiners, sitting either in front or behind you (for pianists). 
  • There will be practise rooms to warm up. 15 minutes is the maximum you can warm up. There will be no one to knock at your door, saying you have to go to your auditions. You have to be independent and responsible with yourself.
  • Having someone there with you is always great. I always have somebody there with me to calm me down, or to give a pep talk for encouragement before going to an audition.
  • If they ask you, "how many hours should you practise a day?" The answer is three hours. Three is the magic number. Remember that advice. They'll probably tell you off on the spot if you incorrectly answer that simple question. Hahaha.
  • They will hear snippets of your three pieces. Or even the whole entire three pieces if they're eager. They'll know the pieces. They always know how it ends. Please don't expect they will stop you halfway from my advice. Just play it the whole piece until they say stop.
  • Caffeine is a no before auditions. Not a really good idea, bud. Nor drinking a lot of water before your audition.
  • Be calm and collected before and during your audition
  • If you had a bad audition, don't worry. I had a horrible experience in my UoM audition, and I turned out to be fine in the end. Hahaha.
  • MUSICIANSHIP TESTING - just try your best. It will be hard, and crazy. Just like the GAT. Before your musicianship test, try talking to other musicians! You never know who you'll be hanging in the next three years at Melbourne!
  • They are looking at how you perform your pieces, and how you can handle mistakes. Mistake, but made a good recovery = good musician.
  • Play like you mean it. Give it your all. 
  • Deep breaths. Try to control your nerves
  • Dress to impress. Wear performance gear. Just wear blacks, or a nice attire. I wore a red dress for my Melbourne Uni audition, because it looked nice and elegant, and that worked pretty well. Hahaha.
  • Don't be intimidated by what the other applicants are playing. You is you. Them is them. Focus on yourself. You have a different repertoire, and it's okay.
  • 15 minutes will go by fast. So make use your and their time like your telly is high quality - good and nice. 
  • Be very polite, and greet them before and after your audition. No matter how intense or horrible it was during your audition, remember to thank your examiners, and wish them a nice day. Oh, and remember to smile!
  • Be yourself, but please do show them that you're worth it. Good impressions = more likely it is to get in.
  • Please be waiting outside your allocated room 5 minutes before auditioning
  • Getting there early is a good thing. 30 minutes early is a great thing to do.
  • Have fun, and feel the music.
  • Celebrate after your audition! No matter how bad, or good you went, go celebrate your ass off. You worked hard for it. I think you should go out and celebrate.
  • In every audition, the examiners will be the head of your instrument, and one of your instrumental teachers of the con. 

My thoughts when I had my audition at the con?

BEFORE my audition

"HAHAHAHAA. I'm not going to get into Melbourne."
"This place doesn't feel right to me. Why is that? I think Monash is perfect for me." (Present Nicole - I was sure wrong. Melbourne is a perfect University for a pianist. HAHAHA. No further comments.)
"I feel like I'm being pressured into playing for my piano teacher, not for me."
"These baby grand pianos - WOW."
"Practise, practise, practise."
"5 minutes till audition time, better wait outside."
"HI, other pianist!"
"Should I say hi? They look serious, better not. LOLLOLLOL"
"That pianist looks lost, better help them direct."
"THEY PLAY SO GOOD. *worries*"
*When they call you up* "It's my time to shine. OKAY! I shall perform for myself. No one else. Although, my mum however"

AFTER my audition

"Well... that was fun."
"I feel embarrassed. Let's go home. Actually, let's go shopping."
^This is when I purchased my performance dresses. Hahhahhahhaa

WEEKS after my audition

"What? What? WHAT? I GOT ACCEPTED INTO MELBOURNE. HAHAHAHHAAHAHA WHAT? OH MY GOD. OH MY GOD. OH MY GOD. OH MY GOD."

Yeap.


Music suggestion for this post? All to myself by Guy Sebastian ;)

- Nicole


My first 2 Weeks Back (Bella)

Wow, as if we are approaching the start of Week 3. Time really flies at unimelb!

I hope everyone is enjoying their classes so far - I know I am! Here's a quick summary.

Class 1: Mind, Brain and Behaviour 2

I am so looking forward to this whole subject! We are studying developmental psychology at the moment, and a few things coming up are social psychology, clinical psychology and conducting an experiment. I am quite excited to write the lab report for said experiment - even though it will be challenging, it's going to be awesome to say at the end "hey, I just conducted a study and wrote my own report!" Haha.

Class 2: French 6

After surviving French 5, which I found so difficult at first, I am feeling a lot more confident now in French 6. We get to learn about conversation, and how it's evolved over time in France (and also in other parts of the world!). There is an upcoming trip to the Ian Potter Gallery on campus for this class. It will be great to go there as I've never been, and also to practise analysing art... in French!

Class 3: Law in Society

I wasn't really sure what to expect in this subject, but it's great! Definitely provokes some great discussions. We get to learn about how people interact with the law, what it's boundaries are, and how people belonging to various sub groups interact with the law in different ways.

Class 4: Spontaneous Drama: Improv and Communities

This is my breadth subject this semester, run by the MGSE (Melbourne Graduate School of Education). I love the impro games we play, and it was super interesting learning about the history and principles of 'Commedia dell'Arte'. This is a style of improvisation developed in Italy. There are several set characters (each has their own mask which assists in expressing their personality) and set storylines - but no script! And the characters have pretty cool names, like Arlecchino. To me, that sounds a bit like a type of coffee, but apparently it means 'harlequin', haha!

Enjoy the rest of second semester!

- Bella :)


A Cyclist's Perspective

This semester, I had an interesting start to uni. In first week, I popped a pretty bad blister during my Netball match, that I couldn't even walk properly for first week of uni. So, I had to use crutches, because it was that bad. Hahaha. Then in the second week of uni, I recently was involved in a cycling accident. Please don't freak out. I came out with minor injuries luckily (bruises and whiplash), and my bike was perfectly fine... with a tiny scratch (phew).

My advice when you get into an accident is to remember to get their details! Adrenaline is shooting up in your system, and you have totally have no idea whether your injuries is major or minor. But at that time, I knew it was minor injuries (surprisingly).

Before the accident, I remember the traffic was so heavy (two-way traffic), and I had to use the roundabout. Sure, I should've used the pedestrian pathway, but it's against the law (even though we all do this occasionally when we need to), and plus I was already on the road. So, I couldn't just get off the road by getting off my bike, and drivers get really angry if I did this.

When I got to the roundabout, I signalled, annnnddd the driver didn't see me. So we crashed; I couldn't brake as quickly as I can. Luckily, my bike was perfectly fine, and I came out with minor injuries (bruises) and whiplash (after effect of a crash).

Now, on that day I needed to get my ankle braces from my physio, and I needed to get back home quickly to study and practise. So, I said, "I'm all good,"  after a couple of minutes, and I went off. Boy, I was really in a rush, and dear lord, I totally forgot to get their details! Hahahahhahahahaa. I had too many things going in my mind.

So lesson learnt, get their details, put on front headlights (flashing), wear reflective vest (which I haven't got into quite yet), and drink your afternoon coffee (I forgot to do that, because I didn't have time; I had to leave uni early after I had lunch at uni - I had a driving lesson that day).

ALSO, please note that cyclists have to communicate with drivers, pedestrians other cyclists on the road. However, you need to be mindful that sometimes drivers don't see it sometimes (blind spot). During that day, it was just plain bad luck. Oh, I had numerous encounters with cars, and even a bus in my cycling life.

NOTE: Buses and cyclists are NOT FUN. I got beeped by the bus driver, because I was out of the way, even though the buses, or any other motorised vehicles should give way to cyclists in general. During at that time of year (back in Year 9), loud noises wasn't my cup of tea, so I almost lost balance (or supposedly almost flipping off my bike).

Whenever I'm at uni, (CBD Melbourne), NO ONE communicates on the road, and it makes me annoyed (sometimes) when they don't communicate to alert pedestrians, or other cyclists. It's so dangerous to see that no one communicates on the road, and there's jam packed of cyclists going down past uni so fast.

There's one time I had I collided with another cyclist on the road, because the cyclist didn't communicated with me behind. The cyclist should've said "slowing" (pulling the brakes slowly), then "stopping" (stopping at a safe distance). So instead, it was a sudden stop, and I tried to avoid the sudden stop, but ended up hitting the curve instead. It was damn scary when I collided with that cyclist. Apparently, I did a 360 with my bike and landed on the side. I couldn't remember what I did during the crash, but I certainly remember the before and after accident. After the accident, I had a permanent scar on my face, cuts and grazes on my left leg, mild concussion, and of course whiplash (a day after the accident). This was a week before my VCE Japanese exam, and I couldn't study for a few days. HAHHHAHHA.

So moral of this short story? Please use hand signals (non-verbal) and verbal communication on the road :)

Here's a link for the types of signs we have to use on the road:

http://cyclingtips.com.au/2009/09/verbal-and-non-verbal-communication/

I use verbal and non-verbal communication on the road always. It's so important to communicate on the road between drivers, pedestrian and cyclists!

You'll get used to it in the end. In Beach Road, these get used very often. If you don't, a few serious cyclists get really annoyed on beach road, or many on Great Vic Bike Ride. I got told off for not using my stopping/slowing sign properly one time. Hahahahaha.

NOTE: I haven't rode to uni quite yet, and I'll probably won't in the future, because I get on the train during the peak hour. Hahahaha. But I do ride occasionally around my place, if I can during uni days, and mostly during breaks. I hope this post really informs you about we (cyclists, drivers and pedestrian) need to be aware of in the future.

ANOTHER NOTE: I had to go to Netball training (the next day after the accident) with the after affects. Boy, running with a bruise on your left, bum cheek is like something is poking you as you run. :s
Even though I had to take it easy, I was sure glad to be back training, and I SURVIVED the entire session! Woo hoo!

For more further information about bike rules/laws/tips on the road...

https://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/general/policy-and-campaigns/2689/  or
https://www.bicyclenetwrk

You can search up on google for hand signals, ask me on campus about cycling, or just post down a question down below!

Music suggestion for this blog post? Bicycle Race by Queen ;)

Enjoy your weekend! Sunday is looking pretty mint!

- Nicole


HAPPY FIRST WEEK BACK!

New semester, new me
Seems legit to say that, isn't it? Hahaha.

But actually...
I hope I survive this semester. Hahaha!


Hey guys!
I hope you had a grouse, first week back!
My first week back wasn't too bad, but it was nice to be back in uni!

Surviving my first semester of uni was clearly a big achievement so far, and we probably all raised our bevs in the air like we just don't care. Hahaha. Now, we shall brace ourselves for another semester of uni. Don't worry guys, if we survived first semester, I personally think we can survive the next.

From what I can tell you, surviving is not the only thing you should do this semester. So, here's some tips, or suggestions you could imply in your second semester!

1. If you still don't know where's your classes/tutorials, check out in 'my unimelb' app, or lost on campus! 

They are your best friends. Luckily, I installed my unimelb app on my phone in first semester from my friends, and I've been using it when I need to. Using my unimelb app is useful for finding locations from your timetable, checking notices, etc.

2. ORGANISE yourself ASAP! 

Doing MBB2? Organise your REP now! In week 3, I'll be finished with my REP credits, which is sweet!
Have an intense timetable, or assignments ahead? Schedule yourself. It's easier that way.

Organising is a really good habit to get into, if you have a busy lifestyle!

3. If you feel like you're going to burn out, like I almost did in my first semester of uni, take a break once in a while. 

I'm planning to take a break on my Saturdays in Week 1, Week 5, Week 6, Week 10 and in Week 12. Everybody needs to have a break from uni and intense practising (if you're a muso). I'm planning to take a glimpse break, so I could catch up with my friends and family. A balance of social, exercising, work, studying is important to every day life.

4. If you had some faults that you regret, or simply wanting to change a habit, just change it. 

I had faults that I should've kept going, or should've studied hard for. So, I'm changing how I study in order to make things right for me. For instance, studying after each lecture? Hahahaha. I'm still finding the best way to study for me.

5. Balance is the key to life

To be honest, I have no idea how I'll be pulling this off this semester. I have two jobs (swimming instructor, and as a Student VIP ambassador). I'll be adding another job in as pool lifeguard, because I'm meaning to do that in a while! I'll somewhat pull it off. Hahahahahhaahahha.

I always refer to NPAG (National Physical Activity Guidelines) to have a healthy, lifestyle going on. Please do read it, if you can in your spare time!
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/health-pubhlth-strateg-phys-act-guidelines#apaadult

5. If you need help with your timetable, or anything in particular, you can refer to your student centre, or 13 MELB. 

Remember to look around firstly on the web. If you're still confused, ask around your friends. If you're still really confused, then refer to Student Centre or 13 MELB for general enquires. There's always the handbook, LMS, general discussion (in LMS), to help you out!

6. Don't be shy to make new friends!

Be optimistic, open minded. One of my friends said, to your left is your enemy, your right is your best friend, the back is the one who you would marry, and at the front (I forgot what it was). Hahahaha. First year is the time to mingle!

Well, that's all from me! These tips and suggestions are pretty common sense, but it's nice to revise what needs to be done this semester. Have a good one, and I'll see you guys next week!

Music suggestion? Time and Place by Last Dinosaurs
One of my favourite Australian Indie Band :)

- Nicole


Little Things to be Grateful for at Uni (Bella)

When trying to swim out of an ocean of assessments piling up, or are having trouble making friends, or just feeling down... here are some small, awesome things to remember about uni.

1. When you get an H1

Best feeling ever! Amazing validation for hard work.

2. When someone smiles at you

This makes anyone's day!

3. When you think you're going to be late, but you're on time!

(And also getting a great seat after this happens makes it even better)

4. Feeling like you aced an exam/assignment

No matter what the mark is, if you feel you did the best you possibly good, you can accept any mark graciously!

5. When you make a new friend

There are so many awesome folk at Unimelb to befriend :)

6. When you get a seat on the tram...

... and you feel like a King/Queen.

7. When a lecturer shares a joke/funny anecdote

It makes you feel like your whole cohort has a little inside joke.

8. When there's free food

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

9. Finishing a really long reading

Pat yourself on the back!

10. When you look around and realise what an amazing uni Unimelb is.

There are many amazing facilities, student-run activities, and more!


Take my Breadth Away (Mia)

Hi, guys! Yes, I know I haven't posted in a long time. No, I'm not dead. No, I'm not a zombie. And yes, I've missed you all.

So. What's up with my life? I have survived Semester 1. Yeay! I didn't do as well as I would've liked, but hey, I survived! So, anyway, after making the colossal mistake of taking four prerequisite-to-my-major, hardcore Science subjects in one semester, I have decided to give myself a break from all the medical mumbo-jumbo by taking a breadth subject in Semester 2 - Chinese.

So, I've decided to make this blog post about breadth subjects. One of the good things about the university is its flexibility - I can major in pathology but at the same time take Arts, Commerce or Law subjects on the side. Taking breadth subjects that, on the surface, seem drastically different to your chosen major may seem like a waste of time (and effort), but it actually puts things into a wider, more holistic perspective. The term "global citizen" ring a bell, anyone?

What breadth subjects would I recommend? Well, it's up to you and your interests, really. If you're a wine connoisseur, give Australia in the Wine World a try (wine tasting included - what's not to like?)! If music is more your thing (but you're not majoring in it), why not go for Glee Singing or African Music and Dance? If you love traveling, check out Going Places - Traveling Smarter. With such a wide array of subjects, you'd be hard-pressed not to find one that doesn't match your interests!

If you'd like a more in-depth approach, try the university breadth tracks, which give you a list of the subjects you can take over your degree to give you a deeper view on a chosen subject matter. Or really, just go try something new! University is all about trying new things and discovering yourself. So take a deep breath, and take the plunge! You'll love it!

Note: check the university handbook or 13 Melb for further details on breadth subjects.


How do I save money!? (Bella)

Life as a uni student can be difficult, money-wise.... all of a sudden you have an amazing freedom to go out with friends, but this can be expensive! Here are some tips I've found useful:

1. Dedicate money to spend and money to save

I have two jobs, so I (try to) use the money from my retail job for saving, and the money I receive from dance teaching for spending. It's good knowing exactly how much money you have to spend and not being in the mindless drawing money out from the ATM situation, selecting "Don't display balance" because you're too scared to find out (guilty)

2. Yearly Myki

It is worth consulting at your local train station if this would benefit you. If you use the train 5+ days a week, it's worth getting a yearly or monthly Myki to save money in the long run. Also, you don't need to worry about getting fined due to faulty Myki readers, as you pay upfront for the yearly so you've paid for all your travel - just let the Ticket Inspector know.

3. Pick and choose uni events

I know, guys. We want to go to EVERYTHING! However, O-camps + EOX parties + balls + club events + themed parties = no money. I try to pick out ahead of time which uni events I'd like to go to, and prioritise those from my faculty first. If you would like to go to many, maybe pick one expensive one (like a ball or a camp) and go to many cheaper ones, like SOUP/O-Week parties.

4. Check out what's free!

Who needs to buy stationery when you get 100s of free pens at O-Week!? There's also 'Free Fitness Fridays' at the Sports Centre, and great discounts for uni students at many shops.

 

Thanks for reading. This might be common knowledge, but it's easy to forget about saving money sometimes. Hope I could help you all out :)

- Bella


Leave of absence

Taking a leave of absence from University can happen for many reasons. In O-Week, I met a girl who had taken a year off to travel around South America and she said that it was the best thing that she ever did! However, I never considered I would do the same.

One week ago I was up at 5am to receive a Skype call telling me I had the job! In just one month's time I shall be moving to St. Petersburg, Russia to start said job and I am so excited!

A few months ago I began a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course and it has opened so many doors! My new job as an English teacher in Russia is hopefully the first of many and I am extremely excited for the future. I had always hoped to continue at UniMelb and do the Masters of Teaching, and I still can! Should things not go so well in Russia, the leave of absence means that I can return to University and continue my Bachelor after one year. You can choose between different lengths of absence, but 12 months is usually the maximum.

Of course I am very upset to be leaving such amazing friends and family behind, especially my new friends at University whom I have only known for a few months! But I believe that this opportunity is too good to miss! Not only will I be able to gain more experience teaching, I will also be able to continue learning languages, travelling and maturing.

Though I have not yet been, I would love to recommend the leave of absence for those that are thinking about taking a year off from study. Sometimes, opportunities present themselves and it can be better to take them and see where it takes you instead of feeling bound to something else. University is important, and I have definitely benefited from my time at UniMelb, and would love to return, but I know that this is going to be a very important and memorable time for me! Don't regret passing up on something wonderful!

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