Why Deakin Res is the Best Place to Meet New People and Make Lifelong Friends

One of the most common questions asked when it comes to on-campus accommodation revolves around whether students can apply to live with their friends. Whilst we understand that it’s always nice to check in knowing that you’ve got a mate living next door or in the same apartment, part of the wonderful experience of living on campus at Deakin is meeting new people and making new friends from all walks of life. As such, our approach is to randomly allocate students (subject to any other nominated tailored living preferences which may include style of accommodation, gender specific, alcohol free etc). This might sound daunting at first, but bear in mind that all students are in the same position! We recently spoke to Kade Holland, current resident and one of our 2021 Residential Leaders at our Waterfront Campus, and Xue Rong Lee, an alumni of Deakin Res at our Burwood Campus, who shared their experiences in forming friendships as part of their time on campus.

Xue Rong lived at Deakin Res for three years (2015 – 2017) and studied a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Animation and Motion Capture). Originally from Hobart, Tasmania, Xue Rong applied to live on campus at Deakin because she was moving to a new city, wanted to meet new people, and was looking for a safe and comfortable place to stay whilst studying. “I didn’t know anyone prior to moving on campus and was nervous moving to Deakin but knew there were other residents in the same situation. I was also aware that there were second or later year returning residents to support my transition to living away from my parents.”

Xue Rong highlights that those first few weeks following arrival were critical in getting settled. “Everyone was so friendly, welcoming and really open to meeting new people and learning from each other’s experiences.” Now a graduate of Deakin, Xue Rong remains in contact with many of the residents with whom she lived during her time on residence.

Kade, a current resident, studies Architecture and Construction Management (Honours), and has been recently appointed as one of our Residential Leaders in 2021 at our Waterfront Campus. Kade applied to live on campus primarily for convenience and to avoid a long transit from his home on the Mornington Peninsula, however he was also eager for the opportunity to meet new people, particularly those studying a similar course of study.

Kade describes his first few weeks on res as being “…really fun and engaging. The activities organised by Campus Life during Ressie Orientation were really enjoyable and acted like ice breakers, so becoming familiar with other students was easy – it was an unreal experience overall.”

Kade notes that a few of his friends who didn’t choose to live on campus found it much harder to meet new people. “By building a great rapport with other residents (particularly those studying the same course), going to university is more enjoyable, less stressful and definitely easier to do group assignments!” Xue Rong had similar experiences, “…I had friends who lived off-site whilst studying. They were extremely jealous of my university experience and felt like they were missing out on opportunities and not making the most of their time. I would recommend living at Deakin Res, even if you are a local Melbourne student. You are exposed to a unique community and living experience, and the friendships you make will create unforgettable memories that would last for the rest of your life.”