Meet Former Resident: Mackenzie Griffin

Despite Covid-19 dramatically impacting her studies at Deakin in 2020, Mackenzie Griffin knows that choosing to live on campus was still one of the best decisions she could have made. Heading into her third year of studying a double degree in Criminology and Psychological Sciences, Mackenzie first moved to Deakin Res in 2019 from her hometown of Shepparton, having studied at Goulburn Valley Grammar.  

“When Covid-19 hit, all of my subjects for the year went online. Living on campus during this time was both beneficial for my social life as well as for study requirements. Whilst there were restrictions in place [for our own and others’ safety], there was still the opportunity to engage with the res community. Events allowed me to also engage with residents living at other campuses (such as Warrnambool and Burwood) and this would not be possible if 2020 was a ‘normal’ year.” 

Mackenzie first chose to study at Deakin based on the excellent reputation of her course of study. “Living on campus made this possible and it wasn’t a hard decision for me to make as I had heard exceptional reviews from friends and family who had previously lived on res.” Meeting new people and making lasting friendships was also a top priority, and she relished the opportunity to engage with a wider diversity of people which simply wouldn’t have been possible or likely if she had lived off-campus. 

“Prior to moving onto campus, I knew a few people who would also be living on res from my high-school and hometown, however I was really keen to make new friends through the events hosted by Campus Life and the Residential Leaders.” Participating in the Residential Orientation program (known as ‘Get to Know You Week’ at the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus) was a great way to start the year, and further involvement in Res Netball, and other activities like ‘Girls Night In’ ensured she was able to engage and connect with other residents.  

Mackenzie highlights that by moving to campus she was also provided with the opportunity to “…learn basic everyday needs and skills, such as cooking, living with others, as well as learning new things about yourself.” With new students arriving in coming months, Mackenzie’s advice is to

 Are you interested in finding out more? Visit the Deakin Residential Services website to learn more and apply.