12 December 2023

Meet Simar, your 2024 DUSA President

Welcome Simar Bedi, your new Deakin University Student Association (DUSA) President!

Simar and the DUSA Student Council are your elected student representatives who are actively involved with the University on all matters relating to students. They are here to help create a welcoming and enjoyable culture for all students at Deakin.

Whether you realise it or not, your Student Council regularly advocates on your behalf to improve your uni experience. They have successfully lobbied for important changes to formal policies (such as changing the census, late withdrawal and international student withdrawal dates) and other amenities related to making your day-to-day life as a student easier (such as lobbying for parking permit refunds). 

Here, Simar tells us a little about himself.

I am an international student from India pursuing a Master of Business Analytics. I decided to apply to study at Deakin University and come to Australia for a few compelling reasons. Firstly, I was really impressed by the top-notch quality of education in Australia and Deakin’s innovative teaching methods, which perfectly align with my career aspirations. 

The idea of experiencing a diverse and welcoming society was a big draw for me. I felt Australia was the perfect place for that. The safe and friendly reputation of Australia, combined with its dynamic economy and global perspective, made it an ideal choice for my academic and personal growth. Additionally, the high quality of life, stunning natural landscapes, were too tempting to resist. 

I decided to join the DUSA for a bunch of good reasons. First off, as an international student, I wanted to make some great connections, not just with folks from Australia but from all around the world. It’s been a fantastic way to feel more at home and part of the Deakin community.

But joining DUSA is not just about socialising. The Student Association offers loads of opportunities for personal and professional growth. I’ve attended club events, workshops and leadership programs that have helped me grow and develop valuable skills that will come in handy in my studies and life beyond.

One thing I love about being part of DUSA? It gives you a say in what happens on campus. You get to be part of the change and work on projects that matter to you and your fellow students. It’s a great feeling to have a real impact.

So, for anyone thinking about joining in 2024, I’d say go for it. DUSA offers an awesome way to grow, meet people, and be an active part of the university community.

Joining DUSA is a chance to make the most of your time as a student, expand your horizons, and shape your university experience.

It’s been a fantastic journey for me, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking to make the most of their time at Deakin.

How did I get involved in DUSA? In the post-pandemic year of 2022, I took the initiative to establish the Indian Club at Burwood Campus. I was fortunate to have a dedicated team of friends working with me. Together, we organised a wide array of events, both on and off-campus, catering to both domestic and international Indian students. In just one year, our club has grown to become one of the largest and most active clubs at Deakin. As a result, I had the pleasure of meeting and collaborating with several student representatives from DUSA and gradually became actively involved in DUSA.

DUSA Crew (DC) is a great way to get involved in DUSA. It’ll help you meet new friends and enhance your university experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn a new skill you can use in your future career. DC plays a huge role in DUSA events that happen on campus. Without our volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to run the events that we do!

As a DUSA Crew member, you assist in planning and execution of all DUSA events that happen on campus and online. Opportunities include assisting with event set-up, running activities and event pack down. Other volunteer opportunities available throughout the year include Trip Leaders, Sport Ambassadors, OCamp and Virtual leaders.

If you’re keen to get involved, we look forward to welcoming you into DUSA Crew! DC is a volunteer position so you wouldn’t be paid, however you do earn points for each shift you work, which can then be redeemed for e-gift cards. Experienced Volunteers also receive a ‘Certificate of Recognition’ for their hard work and continued efforts.

What would I say to students who are new to Deakin this year? My advice to you is pretty simple: embrace every opportunity that comes your way. Explore the diverse clubs, societies, and events DUSA offers – they’re fantastic for making new friends, learning new things, and having a truly well-rounded university experience.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek help when you need it. Deakin is here to support you in all aspects of your student life – whether it’s with your studies, career goals, or personal challenges. Lean on academic advisors, form study groups, and take advantage of the wealth of resources.

Lastly, I encourage you to get involved in student leadership and volunteering opportunities. It’s not just a chance to give back but also a fantastic way to meet people who share your interests and leave a positive impact on our campus.

Deakin isn’t just about hitting the books. It’s also a place for personal growth, self-discovery, and making memories that will last a lifetime.

So, stay open to new experiences, stay curious, and most importantly, enjoy this incredible journey!

Thanks, Simar! You can find out more about your 2024 Student Representatives on the DUSA website, and you can also contact your student representatives through [email protected].

Join DUSA in 2024!

Everything we do at DUSA goes straight back into creating the best possible student experience for you. DUSA Membership packages will be available from 1 January 2024, and we encourage you to sign up for a Gold membership to kick off an amazing year of opportunities and score yourself a DUSA crewneck! In the meantime, stay up-to-date on the latest student action by following @yourdusa on Instagram and Facebook.