This blog has been written by Murdoch English and Creative Writing student, Chloe. She shares her experience of what it's like starting uni for the first time, and trying to find your place within it.
The change from high school to uni can be a daunting yet exciting one. Sometimes it can be hard to ignore the status quo or even feel comfortable being who you are around people who you don’t know yet.
For those of us who didn’t quite fit in in high school, the concept of extended social interaction can be especially intimidating. But have no fear! Uni is a wider and more interesting world than high school – one that gives you the opportunity to mix with a range of people you might not normally interact with.
One of the things I love most about Murdoch is that students are encouraged to embrace who they are and what makes them different. It's the kind of place where it is possible to be yourself and make friends.
Here’s how:
Introduce yourself to your peers
Having full choice over what degree you do and what units you take means more often than not you will be surrounded by like-minded people with similar interests. As a result, you will be introduced to, and be interacting with, people you already have at least one thing in common with. You could be lifelong friends in no time!
Branch out
Don’t be afraid to make an effort. Sit with people in class and introduce yourself to them. If you get on well with someone, add them on Facebook, invite them out or even go and have a chat at the tavern after class. A lot of good friendships come out of classroom interaction. But it’s always good to try and maintain them outside of a classroom environment.
Find people with similar interests
Clubs are a great way to meet new people and experience new things. Murdoch has a whole heap of clubs and societies, with interests ranging from saving the environment to sharing ideas and inventions. No matter what you like, I’m sure you can find something to suit your needs.
Get sporty
If sport is more your thing Murdoch has great sporting facilities and many different options to suit your interests. These range from social teams and sport clubs, to more serious teams that compete in UniSport Australia. Participating in a sport is a great way to meet new people while enjoying a mutual interest.
The exciting thing about uni is that there is something for everyone. Murdoch is home to a diverse range of people with different life experiences. With people from different backgrounds and from all walks of life, there really is no “in” to fit into – everybody is different and everyone is themselves.
After all my time at here at Murdoch I am unable to tell you what a typical Murdoch student is, and that’s a good thing. There’s not one best way to go about uni life, so do it your way.
