What is University like?

What inspired you to go to Uni? "University, at first didn't really cross my mind, I just wanted to play Rugby League. I knew one day anything could happen, injury or one day I am going to retire and I am going to need some kind of  background or education to help me with life after footy and that’s the reason why I came to University to study Commerce"

What support is available? "There is always plenty of help here. Whatever faculty you are in, everyone is willing to help you"

Describe your University experience... "I was a bit nervous it was like my first day at school when I first came to University. After a while if you put in the effort and put in the work in your classes and out of classes at home doing your study, its pretty easy. Everyone is in the same boat as you. There are very friendly people here and you make a lot of friends in class"

Is there more to do than study? "There is a fair bit to do. A lot of facilities here for food, cafes, coffee everything like that to catch up with friends. Plenty of clubs and associations at the University to get involved in"

What do you hope to do with your degree? "Either financial planning or banking"

What inspired you to go to Uni? " I was the first one in my generation of the family to go into University, so that was kind of a big deal.  I wanted to be a journalist from the very beginning. One person, a journalist by the name of Paul Barry when I was younger, said to me 'Why don't you think of doing a business degree instead of a Communications degree and get into Journalism that way?' 

Do you have any advice for future students? "If you persist and there is a bit of a sparkle in your eye and there is a bit of motivation you will get a bit of experience and a bit of a chance. But it is up to you to take that chance and take that experience to the next level. I have got a motto, it is perseverance and persistence"

What inspired you to go to Uni? "I've always wanted to better myself. I didn't really know what I wanted to do when I finished High School. I did struggle through High School, my friends didn't have any aspirations to go onto Uni"

Do you have any advice for future students? "Once you have finished you are given the toolbox to use for the rest of your life"

What was your pathway to University? "I came to University as a Mature Age student. My marks when I finished Year 12 weren't as high as some of my friends."

What inspired you to come to University? "Initially it was working in a job I absolutely hated, however I also saw the university as an opportunity to better myself and enhance my future job prospects. A few of my close friends were also attending university and had always emphasised the benefits of tertiary study which was a major influence on me."

Describe your University Experience… "University has been by far one of the best chances I have had to become involved with something I am actually interested in and passionate about. UOW is a real melting pot of ideas and cultures that I was able to dive head first into. I am actually returning to study again this year and really looking forward to that opportunity."

What do you hope to do with your degree? "I currently work full time at UniAdvice which is the enquiry/admissions office of the University of Wollongong. I am also studying part-time at the university towards a second degree. I would eventually like to work for the legal services/compliance/international unit for a company or education institution, possibly in an advisory role."

What is one piece of advice you could give High School students thinking about coming to University? "That there is always more than one pathway into university and not to get discouraged if you didn’t meet the ATAR requirements. Speaking from experience I was granted entry to UOW from TAFE, there are also some fantastic bridging courses available for high school students who do not directly meet the ATAR requirements. University is a great place to make new friends, enhance your education and ultimately learn more about yourself. Rise to the challenge!"

What is one piece of advice you could give High School students thinking about coming to University?

"Never ever give up. Always hang in there, try your hardest, never ever give up"

What inspired you to come to University? "My Family and Friends"

What obstacles did you face? "From being told you go to a disadvanatged High School is a bit of an obstacle in itself, but the teachers there are amazing. They really pushed for everyone to get into University, and it was a great thing when you did."

Describe your University Experience… "It was so scary, but it was excellent. Completely different from High School. Constantly meeting new people."

What do you hope to do with your degree? "I'm planning to undertake a Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) majoring in History and Society and Culture studies"

What is one piece of advice you could give High School students thinking about coming to University? “It’s a great opportunity”

What inspired you to go to Uni? "In High School, I did really poorly. I just scraped in my School Certificate. I ended up doing really well at TAFE so I thought I would give University a try”"

What obstacles did you face? "Learning difficulties. I've got dyslexia, so I kind of find it hard to read and keep up and finanical. I thought age would be a problem but it seems to be ok!"

What inspired you to go to Uni? "I have always been fascinated by the human body and how it works, so naturally I wanted to do further studies in Medical Science. I have also had an interest in business so I have combined my Medical Science degree with Commerce"

What do you hope to do with your degree? "I hope to continue my studies at the Graduate School of Medicine to eventually become a general practitioner"

What obstacles did you face? "My main obstacle was really myself, believing that I could get into Uni"

Describe your University Experience… “It has been greatly positive. I have met so many different people during my studies and being involved in different clubs on campus has allowed me to give back to the University and wider community”

What is one piece of advice you could give High School students thinking about coming to University? “Make as many friends as you can, whether it be in class or joining a club on campus”

What inspired you to come to University? “My father was a graduate in 1986 and encouraged me to follow suit”

Describe your University Experience… “A rush of new ideas, people and cultures. A great place to grow while studying to gain the qualifications to go out into the world as a productive member of society”

Describe your University Experience..."University is more about your own choices and what you want to do and what you want to get out of your course"

What do you hope to do with your degree? "I hope to either become a graphic designer or children's book illustrator"

What inspired you to go to Uni? "I kind of thought I would always come to University. I think my parents kind of pushed me towards it. Niether of them went to University, so they kind of wanted me and my brother to take that opportunity when we got it"

Describe your University experience..."We have the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre. If you are Aboriginal you tend to go there to do a lot of socialising.

What inspired you to go to Uni? "I wanted to leave and become a personal trainer and go to TAFE. A teacher that I had in High School inspired me to come to Uni. He suggested that I hang in there and get my HSC"

What was you pathway to Uni? "It was a little bit different for me. I didn't apply for a UAI. So when I got my HSC I had to do a special test through the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre and thenI was selected and I was able to come in the same way everyone else was."

What is some advice you could give to future students? "The way you learn at University is very different to school and you have to be much more self-directed"

What is one piece of advice you could give High School students thinking about coming to University? "You should think of it as an adventure. You will actually do well at University if you have  a good time at University"