Simple ways you can connect with other students this trimester
Are you new to Deakin in 2022 and looking to meet some uni pals? Maybe you’re returning to campus this year but you’re feeling a little shy following two years in and out of lockdowns. And how can you stay in touch with your peers if you’re taking classes exclusively online? Whatever your circumstances, here are some easy ways you can reach out to your fellow students and make some meaningful connections this study period.
Join a club
If you want to get involved in both online and face-to-face events and activities, consider joining DUSA, the Deakin University Student Association. They host many student clubs and societies and events based on a wide variety of interests, sports and demographics, so you’re sure to meet some like-minded friends this way.
Attend an event
Whether you’re looking to get creative, learn or refresh your academic study skills, improve your wellbeing and study strategies, or simply have a giggle with your fellow students, we’ve got an event to suit all interests! There’s heaps of face-to-face and online events, short courses, and webinars for you to browse on the Deakin Life Events calendar.
- Join us online on Thursday evening (17 March) for our free Battle of the Faculties trivia night. Meet and have a laugh with others in your area of study, and help to bring glory to your faculty!
- Make sure you stop by next week for Fusion Festival, our celebration of cultural diversity at Deakin! From Monday 21–Friday 25 March, we’ll be hosting a range of events across the Burwood, Waterfront, Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool campuses to recognise and honour the impressive mix of cultural backgrounds in our University community. Events and activities include our annual Colour Run/Walk, live music from Ganga Giri and street performers, Flying Wok cooking demonstrations, Author Talk hosted by Deakin Library, Deakin University Art Gallery’s ‘secret’ installation, delicious multicultural food, street art, crafternoon, henna tattoos and online sessions – just to name a few!
- If you’re based in Melbourne, don’t miss our upcoming Garden-to-Plate Cooking Masterclass event at the Burwood Community Garden on Monday 28 March. Mingle with your peers as you turn ingredients from the garden into a feast for you and other students to enjoy!
The Deakin Life Events calendar is regularly updated each week so make sure you continue to check in throughout the trimester for all the latest action on campus and online.
Participate in unit discussion boards
Make sure you regularly visit the discussion board on your unit site via DeakinSync. If you’re new to a unit discussion board, introduce yourself with a post. You can also ask a question to let everyone know you’re looking to chat with others about the subject. If you see that anyone else has posted in the discussion board, post a reply. Joining in with the discussion is a great way to make a connection and engage with your peers.
Take part in a Students Helping Students program
Are you new to Deakin this study period? Students Helping Students programs are run by peer mentors – experienced Deakin students who are trained to help new students find their way at university. Joining a peer mentor program is a great way to make friends who are studying the same units as you.
Follow us on social
Don’t forget to follow Deakin Life on Facebook or Instagram. No matter where you’re studying, you can also join one of Deakin’s Facebook groups to connect with other students and find plenty of hints and tips about succeeding in your studies. You can join any of the following Facebook groups that are relevant to you:
- Deakin’s 2022 new students (if you’ve commenced in 2022)
- Deakin’s International Students
- Cloud Campus Facebook group (if you’re an existing Cloud Campus student)
- Together@Deakin (created to provide you support while transitioning to blended/online study).
To get started, you could create a post and let everyone know what you’re studying and what you’re hoping to get from joining the group. There’ll be a lot of students in a similar situation who can share their experiences and provide advice. If you want, you can let everyone know what area you’re from and find some students who are studying close by. You can also use the ‘search this group’ function to search for course names, unit names and codes to find other classmates who are looking to make a connection.
Strike up a conversation on campus
If you’re coming to campus for a formal learning activity or you’re simply heading in to hit the books at the library, seize the opportunity to meet with friends old and new! Deakin has so many new and returning students on campus in Trimester 1/Semester 1 who will be looking to connect with you. University is a great time to forge lasting friendships so shake off any shyness and enjoy your time exploring our vibrant campuses – you never know who you might meet!