The Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholar program was a great introduction to life at The University of Melbourne. Starting in Year 10, the program allowed me to experience University life from a young age. I got to meet current students and staff, while seeing the campus and understanding what lectures were like. It really helped to enhance my excitement about moving to university, and to make new friends as well.
I have always had a strong interest in maths and science, and I really wanted to pursue these into my tertiary education. I transferred from the Bachelor of Biomedicine into the Bachelor of Science at the beginning of my second year, pursuing a major in Electrical Systems. I can honestly say that this was one of the best decisions that I have made, as Science has been extremely rewarding, interesting, exciting and inspiring.
Studying at the University of Melbourne has meant that I get to be taught by, and interact with, some of the most brilliant minds in the country, and create friendships and networks where we can all teach and learn from each other and grow.
The abundance of intelligent and thoughtful stuff throughout the University makes the place even more welcoming and friendly than it already is. Lecturers and tutors are clever and considerate, and really care about students doing well. The many academic services that are also available are wonderfully useful, and really help make the university experience much less demanding.
Subjects are incredibly challenging, yet rewarding at the same time, and really explore the potential of each student. The University of Melbourne also fosters a wonderful environment to make and deepen friendships, and is definitely an important highlight for me.
The change from a school routine, where everything sort of flows, to life at university, where everything is a little more dynamic, can be quite a challenge to adjust to. It is easy, and probably normal, to feel drained after devoting so much of yourself to studies in Year 12, that it can be hard to maintain that work ethic through your first year at uni.
In my experience, the fact that I had so much more freedom meant that it was easy to go out with new friends, and play pool, or go out for lunch regularly, rather than to go to a library to sit down and study. Furthermore, it was still so new trying to adjust to how assignments, lectures, and tutorials worked, that I didn’t do as well in my subjects as I had expected.
I would advise students considering applying for the Bachelor of Science to look within themselves, think of what you have learnt already, maybe if there’s one subject or area that you feel extra fondly of, and really consider it. Try to talk to people, and get an understanding of the course structure, and the experiences of current students. Of course, this is difficult for many people, but I would suggest really taking the time to try and understand yourself.
It is okay to feel a little overwhelmed at everything, which is normal, but there are many services at the university, career counsellors, the internet, and people who are there to help you. Listen to advice, but in the end, make the choice that you are happiest with, strive towards your goal, and you will do extremely well!