Written by Yaleena Bridges
As a first-year uni student and only being a few months into my online studies the thought of flying over to Wagga Wagga for a week was definitely daunting. Whilst a bit tiring, I really enjoyed the experience from making new friends, to putting all my knowledge into practice.
Day 1
Unfortunately, my time started with a very early flight from Hobart to Sydney, then to Wagga Wagga. Luckily, I had my music and a book to read to pass the time.
I arrived at the airport in Wagga and booked an uber to take me to campus. It was easy to book, see the location and when it would arrive, the car was clean, and the driver was very nice!
I arrived on campus and realised how big it is! Luckily though I checked the map before I arrived, so I knew exactly where my accommodation was. I went for a walk around, navigating where my classes were, where to meet and where the food was.
After receiving my email with my building and room number at 12:00pm, I walked to the residence life office to hotspot my uni card so I could enter my room.
I spent the majority of the first day exploring the campus, getting some food at the food bowl, settling into my accommodation and preparing for the next day.
Day 2
Waking up nice and early, I wanted to allow some time for a nice and relaxing morning before class, going on a quick walk and gathering my things before headed to the meeting spot for my class.
At the meeting spot, I pretended to be confident and began to introduce myself to my fellow classmates. I was thrilled to find so many people with things in common.
After quick introductions in a lecture hall and meeting my lecturers, my new friends and I headed off to the lab to begin our practicals.
After a busy morning using our microscopes and diving into content, I enjoyed a nice quiet lunch break.
Class began again after an hour, and I was surprised by how quick the time was going. Class finished at 5:00pm and I said goodbye to my new friends as I headed back to my room.
After getting some dinner at ‘The Deck’, I headed back to my room for a quiet night watching a movie and going over today’s practicals.
Day 3 – 4
The next few days were still busy going over our experiments, collecting data and spending some time getting to know my new friends.
It was so helpful to be able to ask questions and talk to my teachers and classmates, as well as help to consolidate my learning. The dissections were exciting and interesting, and an experience I won’t forget.
Day 5
My last day of practicals was exciting and bittersweet. We created a group chat with my new friends to stay in touch and help each other out with the class.
After class, there was a market on at the Wagga showgrounds with food vans and activities. It was a fun way to end my time there and hang out with friends.
Day 6
I woke up early and packed my things before catching another uber to the airport.
I was very excited to get home and looking forward to a nice quiet week off. Reflecting on my time, I really enjoyed the whole experience and looking forward to meeting my new friends again soon.
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative.
