Business As Usual

What a crazy week it has been! As week 6 is approaching, we know it’s that time of the semester where every unit decides to make assessments due at the same time. I think setting smaller goals, good time management and having a balanced lifestyle is what has helped me cope with all the stress.

One thing that has helped shift my focus off all the assignments, quizzes and weekly tutorial tests is being a part of several programs and clubs. Being an ambassador in the PAL program at Monash not only involves volunteering at various events on and off campus, but also planning and meeting up with our mentees on a weekly basis.

I enjoy these weekly encounters a lot because it reminds me what it was like in my first year, and how much I appreciated all the help from fellow students. If you are starting university soon or are already in the here but can’t seem to find your ground, you should definitely reach out to programs like these.

On a more social note, I am also a member of the Multicultural Student Fellowships. This is a club that brings people together so that students can meet other Monash students (from outside of their faculty) and even students from other universities in Melbourne. Most recently, we held an event that was called “Running Man”. Each group had to complete a number of missions to win the race. I was placed in the ‘Orange’ group, and even though I didn’t know anyone in my group, it wasn’t strange because everyone else was in the same boat. Although the weather did not cooperate with us on the day, we made the most out of it and had the best time. I will definitely be signing up to do it again next year!

Just before the mid semester break started, I packed my bags, drove to the airport and flew to Queensland!

Though it was only four weeks into the semester, I was already looking forward to a good rest and a chance to sleep in. The weekly commute to and from campus is something I don’t think I’ll ever miss about being a uni student. As I live in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, it takes me a minimum of 1.5 hours to get to uni. My earliest class this semester is at 10am on a Monday, which doesn’t sound too bad, but it sure is when it means that I have to be awake by 7am!

The warm weather and friendly people I came across made my Queensland trip a lot better than expected. I stayed in Brisbane for five days and the remaining three on the Gold Coast. Most of my adventures happened in Gold Coast, where I visited Dreamworld, experienced the SkyPoint Climb and of course ate my way through the city. While I was in Brisbane, I didn’t get the opportunity to see or do much, but stumbled upon a library within one of their shopping centres. It looked like a retail store from the outside, so it really took me by surprise because that never happens in Melbourne. I picked out a book called ‘Monsters’ by Emerald Fennell and couldn't put it away. If you're into comic with some mystery and suspense, I highly recommend it!

Being away meant I got little work done. However, I did take my uni work with me because I knew I had a mid-semester test on the first Monday back, so studying for that was one of my top priorities. I also have an assignment due in Week 6 that I started, because from past experience, I find that I do so much better when I leave enough time to edit and go to more consultation times for advice.

My advice is to start at least three weeks before the due date, that way you can pick up mistakes that you won't be able to find if you decide to start the night before that deadline (which is NEVER a good idea, trust me).

Hi! I’m Cindy and currently in my second year of my double degree in the Bachelor of Business (Accounting)/Bachelor of Business (Banking and Finance). After high school, I was lost and the picture I had in mind of the future was still a blur, which may be why I changed courses three times in my first year! Besides the early mornings, lonely breaks and long train rides to and from campus, I enjoy the independence of being in uni more than ever!

I’ve reached out to multiple programs that Monash offers to ease my transition into uni, including the BusEco Ambassador Program and our Non-residential colleges. Not only was I able to enhance my leadership and interpersonal skills, I was lucky enough to meet some of the friendliest people and have made so many great memories from these programs.

When I’m not at uni, I try to relax by learning new songs on my guitar or by making plans with friends, because don’t we all need a social life? I also work a lot at my part-time job.