Studying towards a Bachelor of Commerce in Strategy and Entrepreneurship, and Marketing
What led you to UC, coming from Australia?
I had heard great things about UC, in particular the Business school, and its reputation amongst universities. I also felt there was a good balance between academic and social aspects. I’m really excited to explore the South Island and the beautiful parts of Christchurch I’m yet to see.
Was that why you also chose to live in Ilam Student Accommodation on campus?
Meeting new people and making friends was definitely the biggest factor. Being within close walking distance to campus and all my lectures is really convenient and eliminates the need for a car. The option to have academic support from tutors and personal support from our Taurima is something I would not have had if I had chosen an alternative to living in a hall of residence.
How have you gone about meeting people in the halls?
UC offers a variety of opportunities to meet people; I’ve joined Ilam’s social volleyball and netball team, which has been great to provide some balance to studying and another avenue to meet similar people who are also into sport. I’ve made some really great friends both at Ilam and other halls.
Are there any challenges to living in a hall? Especially coming from overseas?
I didn’t receive an offer for the hall I initially applied for. I was waitlisted, but coming from overseas I needed some certainty about where I would be living. I was offered a place at Ilam Apartments, which in hindsight I am so glad I took. I was worried that I would struggle to meet people as I felt I might be more isolated in apartment-style living. This hasn’t been the case at all, I have met heaps of friends both in Ilam and other halls.
So what would you recommend for anyone else going into Ilam and worried about finding friends?
Joining sport teams and clubs is something I couldn’t recommend more. It enables you to do the things you love, helps you build connections with a variety of people, and makes the process of settling into uni a whole lot easier.
Tell us about your studies – what inspired your double major choices?
If you had asked me a couple of years ago what I wanted to study at university, I would have said medicine. It was a Facebook marketing course that I completed during high school which showed me I had more of a passion for business than I had realised. I then took an interest in improving the website for my Dad’s business, and from there decided I wanted to pursue this further.
And how’s it been so far?
I love the flexibility and independence I have with creating my own timetable and selecting the lecture times I want to go to. I’m very happy with the lecturers I have and, although there are large class sizes, have a very personal approach to lecturing, always making themselves available for you to go see them with any course questions you may have. The wide range of support offered to UC students is great.
Do you have any advice about how best to use that support?
Talk to as many people as you can who work in the field of your degree, or have done or are completing the degree you are interested in. Ask lots of questions because you will get really valuable insight to see whether you would actually enjoy studying that degree and the content that is covered.
Additionally, it makes all the difference knowing how you personally work best, in regards to note-taking, working through assignments, revising for tests, whether you’re more of a visual or auditory learner, etc; it saves a lot of time and energy in the long run.
Speaking of the long-run, what do you plan to go on to after your degree?
After graduating I hope to enter into the corporate sector of business, either in marketing or management, whilst developing my knowledge and understanding of the business environment. Further into my career path, I plan to implement these skills first hand by branching out and creating my own business.
