Before I decided to come to our beloved UniMelb, I was set on heading to Sydney to become a journo. During years nine and ten I literally spent thousands of dollars on magazines, both to fuel my journalistic dreams and to keep up with the Disney channel gossip (and plaster my room in hundreds of posters. Only the space behind furniture was spared). In the past few months I've sat in my room day in day out wondering what to do with all these magazines and I bit the bullet and decided to chuck them today.
I remember the only other time I've moved house, right before high school (interesting how my academic career coincide with my moving) and I cut draws full of TV Hits leaving only key issue of Girlfriend and DOLLY. I guess it's an end of an era thing, kind of therapeutic for me.
This week I've taken key steps in uni prep. Monday saw me sit nervously in bed until timetabling opened so I could get one as nice as that which I'd pre-planned. (The clash-free generator generated me a clashy, five day timetable, with 9am starts. I switched it to a lovely three day week of 11am starts.) I've organised a meeting to pick up my apartment key after making my Daddy pay the deposit. I had a final sleepover with the number one friend.
Now I just need to pack.
If you are a current first year University of Melbourne undergraduate student and you enjoy writing and feel that you are up to the task of blogging about your First year experience at UniMelb then becoming a First year blogger might be for you. We are seeking enthusiastic first year students to write weekly posts about Uni life and study. To apply simply email a 100-ish word mini-blog post to Ron Baird at rbaird@unimelb.edu.au.
I had a long few days at Destination Melbourne, but I had such a blast!
As fun as the intense, exhaustion fuelled camp was my memories are now shadowed by my tear-filled trip home. What should've been a simple journey to Southern Cross for my train turn into an hour and a half-long epic trek through the rain. I took the wrong tram and had to wait a ridiculous amount of time for the opposite tram. I literally sat on the tram sobbing for a good twenty minutes. Then when neither my sister or her boyfriend (who thankfully live in the suburbs, whereas I live a four-five hour train+bus journey away) answered their phones I nearly had a second meltdown in the middle of the station.
But I'm home and warm now my rain-dampened clothes (the ones soaked through the suitcase) are clean and dry and I can reflect on the positives. I played muggle quidditch (I was Keeper), got to dress up for a formal dinner (and successfully curled my hair), think I made some friends, played matchmaker for a couple who weren't even at DM and met one person who knew my hometown.
Also, the DM tees were super comfy and I'm keen to wear mine again.
I'm one of the new bloggers and thought I'd take this opportunity to introduce myself before I head off to Destination Melbourne tomorrow. I despise writing introductions about myself so I think I'll list anything and everything that comes to mind (under the jump) until I'm pleased with the result.
Continue reading "I am currently deciding whether to do one or two layers of fake tan for tomorrow. (Victoria)" →
Hello dear readers. We will have a brand new crop of first year bloggers for 2013. Stay tuned for more engaging stories about making the transition to University life and study.
Hello fine readers,
Alas our term on this blog has come to an end, not sure which of us shall be progressing to the second year blog, "Back for Seconds" however I would like to take this time to say it has been a real honour to have been allowed to participate in this blog. I would like to thank all the staff in the Transition and Orientation Department (Ron in particular), and of course to all my fellow bloggers (Ben, Adeshola, Emily, Jane, Mark and Monique) who I had the pleasure to read about every so often, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
Branching off that somewhat somber introduction, the year has come to end and what a fine fine year it has been! Being an Arts student I was fortunate to have to no sit down exams this semester, all take home assessments which I finished in the first week of the exam period! So safe to say, I have been living it up having already started my long (and well deserved) four month break!
This year has been filled with so much greatness, I cannot even begin to describe. I've made life long friends, participated in countless events and activities, broadened not only my mind but knowledge and even met that special someone. I think University is a daunting experience at first. I think you will ultimately be scared of what you don't know. However, even after only one year has passed, I feel as though University will be where I spend the best years of my life.
I have learnt many wonderful and amazing things during my time spent on campus this year and I shall take this time to share these things with you.
You will fit in no matter what kinds of things you like
Ultimately, the best thing about University is the variety. You will meet so many different people, and have the opportunity to be a part of so many different groups/clubs! If you have an interest it something, you'll be able to find someone who feels the exact same; the sheer amount of clubs in the university are an example of this (From the Cake Lovers Club to, as Adeshola mentioned, More Beer). At first it is hard, but if you persist I do not have a doubt in my mind, that you will be able to make lifelong friends.
This photo was the only way I could describe my next lesson, do everything...... and I mean ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING. I adore meeting new people, so this came easily to me - but as soon as there was an opportunity to participate in something I was there. I believe I have some formulated rights in this category, having attended four orientation camps, four University Balls and countless pub crawls and various other events (Boat Cruises, End of Exams Parties, Paint n Glow, etc). Participating means you can meet new people, you can tick that event off your to do list, you can further improve friendships you have already made and probably the thing about participating - YOU CAN HAVE FUN.
Intelligence is all hard work.
I have come to realise that just like VCE, University greatness is achieved by merely putting in the effort to achieve so. You will find the smartest kids you know failing their core subjects, and the ones who you thought scraped it in, getting 80% averages. Ultimately for me, this year has marked a great social year rather than an academic one however, this does not upset me in the slightest. This second semester, I have worked hard to achieve the results I am happy with while maintaining a great and fulfilling social life and I suggest you aim to do the same!
Anyway this blog post is getting fair too long and wordy, as always I shall leave you with some photos of what debauchery I got up to in my second semester!
Adieu,
Jessica Le
(Eating Contest at Aa's Semester 2 Free BBQ)
(
(With my favourite Linguistics girls at Arts (M-ASS) Paint n Glow)
(Just at Uni doing my beloved club table duty! I LOVE TABLE DUTY SO MUCH..)
(Aa's Oceanic Endeavour (Boat Cruise) )
(Commerce Ball with the lovely Yve)
(101 Dalmatians at Arts Ball)
(Memory of this photo is non existent)
(Flight themed Aa Ball - Australasian Airways)
<3
Hello everybody!
Hope everyone’s going well and that exams are going well, for both school and uni students :) I am so excited to have finally finished, it’s so surreal. It’s crazy to think that after all that work, sweat and lack of sleep, from the moment we are told, “Pens down please,” we are free for the next few months :D I walked out of Wilson Hall today to soak up the little sun that was peaking between broken clouds, a hint of the warm summer to come, and enjoyed one of those fantastic nutella ‘Congratulations for finishing exams’ crepes.
It’s unbelievable (the crepes) and finishing the year too ;) If I swing back 12 months, I would be eight days away from my French exam. It’s such a crazy thought! It seems so close yet so far away all the same.
In a lot of ways, I think that First Year University has been a big change in my life. It’s forced me to grow up so quickly and discover more about who I am as a human being. I know that sound ridiculously cheesy (Mozarella, with a hint of cheddar), but it’s so true. I may be an (im)mature age student, but Melbourne has helped direct me and allow me to take my first couple of steps into the big wide world. So much has happened in the course of the year and I’ve absolutely loved it, but that’s not to say that it has been easy. I’ve gone from the lows of the passing of my role model, my grandfather during the mid-semester swot vac. I’ve experienced the fear and anxiety and thinking that uni is not meant for me at all. I’ve had to learn to balance two jobs along with being a full time student. Yet, at the same time I’ve learned to grow passionate about that which I study, I’ve made the best friends anyone could hope for and I’ve only become more determined to achieve my dreams.
I’d like to thank Ron, Kathyrn and anyone else involved in the Transition and Orientation Department for running this blogging and allowing us students to voice our opinions and share to everyone the experience that is First Year University. :)
Thank you fellow bloggers: Adeshola, Jessica, Emily, Jane, Mark and Monique. Although I only really got to meet Adeshola and Jessica, it’s been a pleasure reading about your experiences and participating in this blog with you. Hopefully we get to meet up soon :)
Finally I’d like to thank you, the reader who makes doing what we do all the more enjoyable. Whether we’ve made you laugh in disbelief or sigh and press alt-f4, I hope that we’ve enlightened you about the university experience and given you a taste into what it’s like.
Life is like being a fish in a pond. You grow and grow until you think you know everything before you finally swim out into the big blue ocean and sea (see what I did there ;) ) what life is really like. It has been an adventure alright, but the journey is just beginning. I’m excited about what is still to come. Sure, a lot of it is unknown and not set in stone, but I walk forward a grown man ready to tackle the challenges that come my way.
Second year? Bring it on! :D
See you all next year on the Second Year Blog. I look forward to reading the stories of future students :)
This is Ben 10, signing off for the last time.
May the Force be with you,
Benjamin xx
Finishing exams always feels like a bit of an anti-climax. For weeks you're hidden away studying and let's be honest, procrastinating about how wonderful finishing exams will be. Then you finally finish the last exam, walk out and it's all over instantly. This was me on Friday as I penciled in my final answer for my Psychology exam. This time, it felt even more surreal given that I had just finished my first year at university. Thinking about how quickly the year has gone it's scary to think I'm 1/3 of the year way through my BA. So, for those of you entering university next year I thought why not sum up my first year experience in a list.
Here are my top five lessons learnt from my first year-
The importance of getting involved in uni life: When I think back over my first year it's not so much my academic journey that stands out the most, but the extracurricular activities I've thrown myself into. Melbourne University is a practically a sea of clubs and societies. Whatever your interests are, there's a club that will speak to you (from the 'More Beer' club to the 'Politically Interested Society'). This year I've gotten involved with the Arts Student Society, been elected the Secretary of the Media & Comm Society and written for the student publication Farrago. It's these experiences that have completely changed my university life. They've given me opportunities to meet like minded students, make new friends and make university more than just lectures and tutorials. So I insist that all new comers for 2013 choose something you're passionate about in uni life and just do it!
Talk to people from Day One: I still remember how anxious I was on the first day of Orientation week earlier this year. Walking up to my host group I had no idea what to expect- Would people be nice? Would I find friends at uni in such big campus? While the first ten minutes or so involved some awkward getting to know you games, we soon were chatting to each other an discovering how much we all had in common. Everyone is new and nervous during O-week, so take this time when you're all in the same boat to say 'hi' to someone, ask them where a room is (even if you know the answer), just start talking from the start and I assure you everything will be easier.
Go to your lectures, do your readings: I know, I sound like your lecturer. But seriously, go to lectures and do your readings regularly. As tempting as it may be to just continue lying in the sun on South Lawn, you will regret having to listen to all the missed lecturers in SWOT VAC. Future you will not be happy at all. Listening to the recordings of lectures is not the same as being there and often results in Facebook stalking and Youtube watching. So too does attempting to read your whole subject reader in Week 12. Just don't do it.
Go on an Orientation camp: I still tell people how different my University life would be if I hadn't gone on Arts Camp. Yes, it involved getting up at 5am to secure tickets but the friends you meet make it so worth it! So whatever Orientation camp you choose to go on, cancel your Grandma's birthday, take the weekend off work and go to a camp!
Take advantage of free stuff: Melbourne University is a gold mind for free stuff. If you join enough clubs you could definitely get by never having to pack or buy your lunch. Free food and drinks can range from souvlakis and burgers to sausages, ciders and beer. You'd be foolish to not take advantage of it all!
They would definitely be my top five lessons of First Year. Jump right into uni life and take up any opportunity that interests you even if you're not sure if you're good enough or how it will turn out. Smile and talk to people and don't be afraid to ask for help. At such a big campus it's not uncommon to feel overwhelmed, but be assured there are numerous places to seek help if needed.
Thanks so much to all the readers of this blog for allowing me and the other bloggers to share our first year experiences with you. Hopefully it's been useful! I'm looking forward to continue blogging next year at the 'Back for Seconds' blog which can be found here: https://airport.unimelb.edu.au/seconds
Adeshola
Apologies for my lack of blog presence over the last couple of weeks. The blog has been looking pretty empty lately as we head towards final assessment panic, the much dreaded SWOT VAC and exams.
It's quite scary to think of how quickly these year has gone. It does not feel like that long ago as I walked towards my O-week group, scared and worried of what university would be like. Now, like most other first years we find our way around campus easily (although Redmond Barry and Richard Berry still poses confusion at times), bump into friends we've made and feel like the transition to uni has been well and truly made.
I've now got two final assessments and two exams to prepare in before the glorious holidays begin. Hoping to change some of my study habits from last SWOT VAC to make sure I really utilise my time.
Here's to a final week of classes as we prepare for exams and the holidays just around the corner!
Adeshola
Heya people!
It’s been a while, I know. Essentially the reason why I have not posted recently is due to the fact that I have been pretty busy, finishing off those last pesky assignments, and other fun* things. I also realise I have used this excuse a lot. Ah well :D
I guess that’s the reason why I’m writing this now. I won’t be here for another month until my exams are all finished, and I thought that I should try being polite by saying so. Ktnxbai.
Just kidding :P Got a bit more to say.
I’m not sure how many people actually read our blog, but if you do I’d like to say a big ‘Cheers’ on behalf of us bloggers. It makes the whole experience much more enjoyable :)
I think I’m still maintaining my sense of sanity at this busy time. I mean, apart from spraying cologne in my eye this morning, things have generally been ok. Although, come to think of it, my cat managed to give me a static electricity shock when I was playing with him on the carpet… I did get rather catty with him too. But yeah, apart from animal adventures and fantastic hand eye coordination, things are going well.
It’s crazy to think uni is almost over, with exams only weeks away now. I know that this is a similar case with many other students in school, as I well remember this time last year and all that pressure and stress. To anyone in this situation, I recommend you keep on at it, don’t give up you’re almost there! Don’t let the pressure get to you; if you are diligent and sensible about your approach to study you will be met only with success. Also, remember Year 12’s that the biggest break of your life is just around the corner. Yes, I know how boring and repetitive it can be just memorising formulas/dates/cases/grammatical rules/listening to Governor Romney, so try ameliorate the experience with sugar ;) Work hard now and that break will feel even more hard earned to you. :D Trust me, that break is so long, you actually get bored from doing nothing. So best of luck to you all.
Now go forth and kick ass! (Preferably not mine, it’s rather sore from sitting down for so long)
Benjamin xx
P.S. See ya on the other end ;)
*Purely speculative supposition
Number of posts found:
1327