I’m winding up my two week Sydney voyage. The city is as picturesque as they come but dare I say it’s no Melbourne? I’m actually looking forward to going ‘home’; despite the menace that is winter Melbourne is lovable with rather endearing qualities. Her striking skyline shadows the city matrix, a grid-like structure that assembles all: overarching buildings that not only house offices and apartments but beautiful rooftop bars, charming cafes and all sorts of inviting shops as well. The lush greenery dotted throughout pleasantly garnishes the city. The trams, trains and buses eases ones journey within the grid. And Melbournians are as pleasant as they come, a really friendly lot. When doing my research on where I would prefer to attend university Melbourne was ranked as the second best student city in 2013 losing out to Paris as a result of the cost of living-as we all know Melbourne isn't exactly an economical place to live. Nonetheless I can wholeheartedly vouch for Melbourne’s recognition; she has certainly grown on me.
Though I am looking forward to heading back to Melbourne I anticipate the glamorous job of packing. I loth packing: the most tedious job ever. But it must get done, as I’m moving into College 9 days from today. To think I only arrived with a suitcase and a half, my belongings have since multiplied-greatly. I will no doubt procrastinate the packing but it shall indeed get done. I’m excited about moving into College though, as I’m hopeful that it shall be a good time. However I shall avoid romanticizing the occasion, as we know all to well what happened the last time I did so. Thus I shall simply await the experience and live it as it comes.
And I really need to finish up my resume when I’m back in Melbourne. Resume writing; I feel as if I’m auctioning myself on paper and whoever manages to sell themselves the best is somehow purchased? Oh well. Again this must get done, as I desperately need a job. I swipe my card far too much which isn’t a real problem seeing as I’m not on a student budget -I wish. Attempting to have a social life can be bleak only because it involves spending money and, I may possibly have a shopping addiction (diagnosis is still undergoing) nevertheless hence my hunting for a job to earn an extra dollar or two.
I’m midway through the official holiday and it is quite surreal how time has flown. Results are out and I won’t comment on how well I did or didn’t do but I will tell you that I’m ready to take on the coming semester with fresh eyes and a hearty spirit. My timetable is set (rookie mistakes were avoided) and I am now confidently savvy with the campus layout so I will no longer have to ask strangers where buildings are-it is a comforting feeling although, I may still be a jaffy, I am no longer a naïve jaffy.
This is a post with no real contention but rather a rambling of disconnected thoughts. This is where I bid you adieu until I ramble again.
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A full semester has past and I have regrettably posted a single blog post. Though I do have countless excuses no amount of them could rightly justify why this is so. Nonetheless I shall go ahead and excuse myself. The first and foremost reason is my first semester has been the opposite of what I thought it would be. An ambiguous statement I know but its simplicity sketches the whole story. Settling down has been challenging. Adjusting to the upbeat tempo of university took me by surprise. The independence that is reiterated time and time again is not a bunch of mambo jambo. You have yourself to account for – YOYO (you’re on your on). And by YOYO I mean if you don’t attend your lectures or listen to them online, if you don’t do the required readings, if you don’t attend your tutorials and if you don’t hand in your assignments, let’s just say every action has a reaction which I have experienced more than once. Secondly the University of Melbourne is huge and being a newbie to not only the university but Melbourne as well has had its challenges. Foreign environments can be daunting. You find yourself having once had a secure friendship group and knowing your way around to not having your ‘people’ with you and not knowing where anything is. In consequence I initially felt out of my element, just another face in a crowd. And lastly, my living arrangement failed to meet my idealized expectations. The romanticized picture I had conjured up was far from my reality. My flat mate and I are not the best of friends, I do not have weekly rendezvous with my neighbors and I do not use the gym as regularly. Rather; my flat mate and I quite possibly dislike each other – I can go days without seeing her (and to think we live in a shoe box), I only know one of my neighbor’s who simply put is an ******* (that’s a story for another day) and I use the gym as regularly as I was seen at my Monday 9am sociology lectures. My initial weeks in Melbourne were far from ideal, which as you can imagine did upset me a fair bit. At a point I did contemplate transferring universities, however I did what any reasonable sole would do: I stuck it out and can you imagine things did get better? I got a hang of the ‘independence thing’, which correlated greatly with me maturing a fair bit and just like that everything eventually did begin to fall into place, at a slower pace than I would have liked but it did happen nonetheless. I have faced growing up with mixed emotions but I like to think I’ve done it all right? The person that I am today isn’t who first arrived in Melbourne 4.5 months ago which is something I didn’t expect, well at least as fast as it did. That’s life isn’t it, it meanders all over the place and because of all the twists and turns that sweep you unexpectedly, who you were at the beginning of the journey isn’t entirely the same person when the meandering stops, it isn’t the same person at all... I apologize for my out-of-the blue attempted philosophical rant but what is a decent blog post without one? This new chapter of my life has consisted of a fair bit of philosophising like what is a future and do I have one - which unfortunately has resulted in me sitting in a puddle of tears more than once, as well as reflecting on who the **** am I and who do I actually want to be - you know the usual stuff. Is a Bachelor of Arts actually a Bachelor of ‘Anything’ like everyone deems it so? Or will it helpfully get me a job in a profession that I will adore like it’s supposed to? But then this got me thinking even more; will 21 year old me love what 18 year old me did? There’s just so much to think about you see, that’s why I have decided to live in the present, it won’t be possible all the time but I shall try my best to do so and ponder over a future when necessary. University is an interesting time in one’s life - interesting is a word I quite hate as it’s meaning is oh so vague, but I feel it fits best when attempting to describe the phenomena that is university. As I have found that the time that you spend in university is what you make it, it’s as simple as that. With that said, I bid you adieu, until I type again.
I promise I'm still alive! These past two months of life have just been more hectic than I imagined. However, I do have a valid excuse (sort of). I've been in the process of moving from my previous accommodation to new accommodation, and I hadn't really anticipated how much it would cost me both physically and emotionally. Sure it's exciting to move to a new place, but it's also incredibly stressful, draining and hard. No one can really prepare you for it, I guess it's because everyone's situation is inevitably different.
And here's the thing. It suddenly hits you in the midst of movement that all the little things you took for granted are absent or different now. And that a piece of you is still attached to the old place and the old way of life. Things will never be the same again because you chose to strike down this path, feet-first and heart-in-toy. There are things that sadden and gladden you in unexpected ways. And for me, this month, I think I came to value what I didn't value or appreciate before: the feelings of home and plain good planning.
But as the trees on campus turn to their brilliant golden hue and my pesky cold is clearing up, I think I've gained a brighter perspective of the everyday and of the future. My mind is sweeping off some of the cobwebs that lay hidden in the dark recesses. Still, I can't believe the semester's nearly at an end and it's May already. Time as a first year uni student has flown past, and I've realised within a blink of an eye that I'm already halfway through the academic year. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this first semester. There have certainly been moments when I wish I hadn't procrastinated and also moments when I wished I'd listened more carefully in that one part of the lecture. With my first round of Uni exams just around the corner, I admit I'm nervous and also shockingly unprepared. So much content, so little time. But I guess I'm going to have to tackle it somehow; as the generations have done before me. It's definitely crunch-time at this point.
For those of you still reading this, I want to wish you all the best for any upcoming assessment that you may have, or anything that life throws at you really. And if you have a chance, do go bask in this glorious Autumn sunshine. I guarantee the warmth, company and extra Vitamin D will be an instant refresher of the soul and mind for studying. I certainly felt that way this week.
(Juliet)
Is it bad that I already feel a little behind in all my subjects? Probably. Then again, Uni is kind of funny in that everything's a bit open-ended. It's the third week and I'm gazing at my subject notebooks, wondering what content I should tackle first, and to what degree of efficacy my studying will actually be. I'm telling you, almost three months of holiday has left me devoid of actual studying skills.
Another excuse to procrastinate would be to gratuitously list The Things I Could Be Doing. I could be looking over my biology worksheets and making sure I grasp the amounting content - irregardless of the niggling feeling that I should've taken biology in Years 11 and 12. I could be reviewing the integrated rate laws of first order and second order reactions and actually practising the chapter questions instead of glancing over them dismissively. Let's not mention the fact that most of the formulae in Experimental Design and Data Analysis kind of scare me. I mean, everything looks cryptic!
There is a point, however, to this incessant ranting, so I hope I can cover some ground before the free food calls (more on that later chums). All of this uncertainty and lack of direction and feeling-like-I'm-having-an-out-of-body-experience is reminding me that there is an Academic Skills Unit just a hop-skip-and-a-jump away. These wizards of the essay-drafting, efficiency-inducing, highly-proficient Mary Poppins variety have your back. I'll certainly be paying them a visit sometime this semester.
Another important point is that I could always go see my lecturers or tutors with questions I don't understand. My EDDA lecturer is probably, quote "the nicest guy you will ever meet," and provided I can find him during his consultation hours, he will likely explain away the cryptic-ism. Or I could go to the Chemistry Learning Centre which is based in a seemingly unassuming building with ridiculously groovy interiors (as Emily mentioned last time), and find someone that will explain that incorrigible question.
Let's just say, help is definitely there if you and I need it. And I'm definitely going to be hunting down some answers this afternoon and tomorrow. From now on, I think I just need to get my act together and really invest in my subjects. Ultimately, I'll be a happier human being if I do.
On that note, there is much I could say about the abundance of food on campus, but I will leave that to another time. I legit went through last week not having to use my wallet because I benefitted from free lunches at various club meetings and activities. This may not be the case once the post-O-Week highs have died down, but I'm enjoying it while I can. I've found the clubs and societies great, and the food is just an added bonus.
Did I mention that our EDDA lecturer also brought us Haigh's chocolate? I die.
Here's to a wholesome week you guys!
(Juliet)
Hello everyone I hope that you all survived week 2 of semester! I don't know about you but this was me Friday night:
Haha anyways the week for me consisted of a lot of firsts such as doing an assessed prac, attending the small grouped tutorials, trying out Egg Sake Bistro in the Underground of Union House and seeing the view from the 10th floor of the Redmond Barry building (which is absolutely spectacular by the way.)
As always pracs, like in high school, seem to have that rushed feeling especially at the climax when it's time to hand up your work. Picture this - you're anxiously filling out the cover sheet, looking through your microscope and trying to neatly draw that last chloroplast all whilst simultaneously listening to the demonstrator (yep that happened to me.) However unlike high school, there's a fair amount of pre and post prac work that also needs to be done. There's usually a specific timeframe for completion so make sure that you're well prepared and aware of what's required.
The tutorials were fantastic. It's great to be able to discuss ideas and do questions in a more classroom environment as opposed to having what seems like 500 people in a single Chem lecture theatre. Speaking of Chem, I have to say that the Chemistry building has become my favourite building at uni. The modern interior is such a surprise from the older looking exterior. I didn't really get a chance to see them while rushing to my tute but I'll definitely be back to sus out the really cool study areas.
So you're probably wondering when I'm going to actually start talking about sunglasses. It seems like our love for Herschel backpacks also includes wearing them. Whether it be hipster Ray Bans, mirrored aviators or oversized Pradas - at Melbourne, we wear sunglasses.
Have a great week 3!
Emily.
Needless to say my first blog post is long overdue and my sincerest apologies for this. Finding a moment to put ‘pen to paper’ has been rather tricky but at last the moment has been found.
My two and a half weeks have been a total whirlwind, where to even begin! I crossed over oceans in order to find myself in Melbourne - two flights, 24 hours later. The time difference between Melbourne and home is 8 hours, which explains why I felt somewhat drunk when the plane touched down. My body was telling me it was bedtime but the break of dawn that gently beat down on my back was telling me otherwise. However the excitement of being somewhere new is what kept me alive and kicking.
My name is Adikinyi (I’m sure you’re having a good go trying to say my name) but everyone calls me Adi and I’m a Kenyan gal – born and breed. Why I have chosen to leave charming Nairobi to attend university 20,000km or so away, well, that’s a very good question. A question I have been asked many of times but I answer differently every time. I am studying Arts hoping to major in Sociology and Media & Communication, then again a lot can change over a year. What’s so great about being an Arts first year is that you have the opportunity to dabble in any 4 subjects you are keen on each semester; two arts disciplines, an arts foundation subject and a breadth option so you don’t’ really need to make a solid decision on what you want to major in until your second year. It’s a week into the semester and I’m really excited about it all. There’s this unexplainable something that I feel and a great feeling it is.
Settling into the unimelb way of life isn’t as daunting as I thought it would be. O-week helped with that transition quite a bit. It was a jam packed Monday to Friday with seminars and events and BBQ’s meeting dozens and dozens of new faces. My feet were sore all through the week as I quite literally was always on the move. There was oh so much to take in. To sum it all up the year ahead seems promising with thrilling highs (lows cant be avoided either but I shall take them as they come). With that said I bid you adieu, as I must finish off reading one communist manifesto. A lengthier tell all blog shall come your way sometime next week. Until then, have a lovely labor day tomorrow!
Hi everyone! I just wanted to write up a quick post as you are probably enjoying your Sunday with this beautiful sunny weather that Melbourne has so kindly bestowed upon us. I'm sure that you are all well aware that tomorrow's the Labour Day public holiday but (as basically all the lecturers have informed us) we don't get the day off. Thus many of us will be taking public transport in as most of our other uni friends are enjoying their delicious Monday morning sleep ins...
Just a reminder that all trains, trams and most buses will be running on a Saturday timetable. However for those who catch the bus from North Melbourne, the 401 will be running from a normal weekly timetable. Apparently there are also going to be disruptions with the trams whilst the famous parade is taking place. Check the PTV website just incase you need to catch a different train/bus/tram.
Have a great week!
Emily.
Alright fellow first years I think we can all have a collective sigh of relief. All together now - it's finally Friday! I don't know about you, but this first week of uni has been extremely tiring. As soon as I'm home, I'm practically lounged across my couch with the Foxtel remote in my hand ready to go. Public transport has probably been the most draining thing and I think we can all relate to getting up early and trying to catch the train/tram/bus (yes I do arrive at lectures about 30 minutes early because that's how much I trust you Metro.)
Since tutorials start next week for all my subjects, this week consisted of mostly one hour lectures. They are so highly condensed with information, my energy stores become depleted so much so that my stomach is practically growling like a bear. My advice would be to pack a few snacks with you so that you can munch on between lecture changes. Speaking about food it's also hard to coordinate a timetable to have lunch with friends or hang out so there will be times where you are all by your lonesome. But here's a plus side - even though it may be a little bit out of your comfort zone, it gives you a chance to meet new people. I know it can be a little scary at first but it's a lot better than staying in a kind of eye-contact avoiding awkward silence.
Now I thought I might help you ease into your well deserved weekend with a little jaffy experience montage. Here we go:
- So the Redmond Barry building is not the Richard Berry building.
- The UMSU has free breakfasts at North Court, Union House. I repeat - free breakfasts (eggs, bacon, pancakes you name it.)
- I'm seriously questioning the entire complexity of the printing process.
- What additional readings!?
- We don't get the Labour Day holiday?
So week one has been a very important learning experience. I've learnt that uni is really based on self motivated work such as preparing for lectures, doing the ILTs before pracs and reviewing notes but I love it. Whether it be seeing the universtiy wake up when starting at 9am and saying goodnight at 6:15pm (yes those are my Tuesdays), I can't wait for the rest of Semester.
Have a good one guys!
Emily.
I'm writing this from the ambient surrounds of the Brownless Biomedical library, which is a place I'm sure you'll be frequenting if you study the health sciences. My first official week of Uni is coming to an end and I almost don't want to leave. Almost.
I think i've come to two main conclusions about Uni life that i'm going to list here in true jaffy fashion: a) Uni is like this awesome, chaotic, brilliant, mint (?) thing that exists for our edification and benefit - it has the resources, the people, the food, the everything. It's basically a double-edged sausage of meeting new friends and learning cool things about subjects you kinda care about. It's even better if you end up with lecturers of the groovy biol video variety. b) the distractions are plenty, the temptations are more tempting, and the procrastination is imminent. But that's all part of the package.
Indeed - you may find yourself browsing Facebook more than usual, as you surreptitiously join all the online communities for UMSU clubs, societies and events. You might be expanding your friends list or sharing updates as you meet more people and seek to keep in contact via instantaneous means.
I'm not saying that everything is completely glorious at Uni because that would be untrue and jumping to conclusions. There have been many times I've found myself teetering outside my comfort zone or wishing I had more sleep, or more eloquence, or more something. I'm also at this stage in friendship-making where the relationships are (dare I say) sort of tenuous. This is not to say that the friendships are unsatisfactory or poor, rather that the shift from acquaintance to friendship to long-term friendship is kind of fluid territory. You don't know what's going to happen, and you're not sure which ports your friends are docked at. You have different classes and busy lunch breaks and a lot going on from all directions. From here on out, it's navigation into uncharted waters. But I guess this is a normal part of university and of life in general.
It's definitely true what they say about Uni giving you the real world experience. In a lecture theatre of five hundred other heads all bobbing to the same intellectual beat, you suddenly realise that the Scope of Everything is much larger than your oyster. Every student and member of staff is on a mission, you could say - carrying with them a casket of individual and collective purposes. It's an admirable, wonderful, humbling thing. And I'm glad I'm a part of it. The atmosphere has me here to stay. For a while at least.
I just have to survive the 8am lectures, with friends and some coffee.
(Juliet)
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