Our Residential Leaders share their advice to Year 12’s for a successful first year at Deakin

With the countdown to Christmas now on, and a nervous wait before the release of ATAR scores, the Deakin Res team reached out to our volunteer student Residential Leaders to ask what advice they would provide to Year 12 students in preparation for life at Deakin in 2021. 

Find your passion

Heading off to university and living away from home for the first time can be a daunting prospect, but it’s a great opportunity to develop your independence, discover more about yourself and try something new! Eadie Garth-Lindsay, a graduate from Murtoa College, notes “…transitioning to university from high school is a time when you truly discover who you are and what you want to do. It’s also a place where you can step outside of your comfort zone to try a whole range of different and exciting things.” Isobelle Major, who graduated from Cathedral College Wangaratta, highlights that... 

Create exciting new memories

After a tough 2020, living on res and studying at Deakin in 2021 is all about making up for lost time. For Claudia Bui, it’s all about “…creating memories, cherishing every moment and having no regrets because whatever you do will either be a lesson for your future-self or one of the best experiences you’ll ever have.” It helps that Deakin Res has a pretty impressive calendar of events – both online and face-to-face – to keep you entertained and to provide those all-important insta-worthy photos. 

Be a part of a community and make lifelong friends

Choosing to live on campus at Deakin means you’re joining a diverse, supportive and welcoming community – not a bad way to start your first year of university studies. Alli Beks, a graduate of Emmanuel College Warrnambool highlights that you can “…look forward to meeting and sharing experiences with such a great range of people, who will make their time on res most memorable.” Indeed, research shows that students who live on residence form deeper and longer lasting connections. Todd White, also a graduate from Emmanuel notes that living on res is the perfect opportunity to “…meet people of all backgrounds and locations,” whilst Caitlin Bidstrup, a graduate of Birchip College, agrees... 

Seize the moment

Still not sure you’re ready to make your move to Deakin? Kyra Byrne, who studied at Catherine McAuley College Bendigo, understands your uncertainty but wants to reassure you it’s worth the leap of faith. “I know it’s scary to transition to university or to move out of home for the first time, but moving out of your comfort zone could be the best decision of your life. This was definitely the case for me! I almost didn’t move to Geelong for university but now I can’t imagine my life if I hadn’t taken that risk.” James Anderson, a graduate from the Hutchins School in Hobart, agrees, “…don’t be afraid to find that courage to give new things a crack and look forward to making plenty of new friendships along the way.” 

With plenty to look forward to in 2021, our Residential Leaders are ready to welcome you in the new year! Don’t miss your chance to make your move to Deakin Res!