What excited you most about coming to uni?
Meeting new people from diverse backgrounds, and further my education.
What scared you most about coming to uni?
I was scared at the size of a university and the number of students there are. I thought I would become just a number and lost in the system at uni, without any support from staff.
How were your expectations met?
My fears of going to uni turned out to be unfounded. It was not anywhere nearly as scary as I thought it would be. There are great support services to help you throughout your studies and activities run on campus, such as Clubs and Societies have proven to be a great way to meet new friends and cope with the transition from school to uni. I have definitely not become just a number the staff at UOW have been really friendly and supportive.
Why did you want to come to uni in the first place?
I didn’t. I was really scared of going to uni straight after school so I studied an Advanced Diploma in Business majoring in Marketing and Public Relations for one year. (Although once I arrived at uni I realised I could have coped and it was a lot better then I thought it would be). After that year I decided that I wanted to have a degree behind me when I enter work force so I chose to study Law and Commerce.
When did you know that you wanted to come to UOW?
I knew UOW was the uni I wanted to study when I looked the reputation UOW and I heard from friends how great it was to study at UOW.
What do you like best at UOW? Why?
If you had to give somebody one reason—and one only—to study at UOW, what would it be? The lecturers are friendly, supportive and genuinely interested in helping you learn.
Favourite thing about being at Uni?
Seeing my friends and learning.
What’s it like living on-campus/in a share house/by yourself?
I am currently renting an apartment near North Wollongong Beach with a friend. It’s a great experience and I like being so close to Uni, work and the beach.
What have you taken from the experience?
I have learnt how to cook, clean and wash my clothes. And what it is like to be responsible for bills.
Why did you choose your particular degree?
I already had a qualification in Marketing and I received a years worth of Advanced standing for a Commerce Degree. So I decided to take advantage of that and combine a Commerce degree with a Law degree to add variety to my education.
What kind of career might you like to pursue after graduation?
Commercial lawyer or Public Relations Specialist
What got you interested in this field?
I talked to people I met at Tertiary education recruitment events and those I found most interesting worked in these fields.
Do you think studying at UOW is preparing you for the future? If so, how?
Yes, It is giving me greater knowledge that is relevant to my chosen career path, while giving me opportunities to gain practical skills in these areas. I received a Work Integrated Learning Scholarship with the Illawarra Mercury in 2006 which allowed me to work in the Commercial Department of the Newspaper.
What have you learned about yourself while studying at UOW?
I can balance a number of things at a time. I balance university, work, horse riding and looking after myself out of home.
If you participate in any extracurricular activities, how have they impacted on your experience at UOW?
I participate in the Law Students’ Society. I have been involved in their mooting competitions, which allow me to develop my practical legal skills and also meet new people with similar interests.
In your opinion, what’s the biggest difference between studying at high school and studying at UOW?
It is self directed learning. No one is going to be on your back to make sure you understand a concept or that you are doing your readings – its up to you.
What about off-campus?
I work as the Marketing Coordinator for the Pony Club Association of NSW, as the PR Coordinator for a major International Equestrian Event in Sydney and I ride horses in the sport of Eventing.
