I have been playing Lacrosse at the University of Adelaide for 2 months. I joined up during in Orientation week. I had never played the sport before but it seemed interesting so I thought I would give it a try. The training is twice a week and it is so much fun. It’s great because it doesn’t interrupt my studies at all, I still have plenty of time to study. It has also been beneficial to my English speaking skills as I socialise with my team mates. It has made me more confident in speaking English and improved my ability to study and my preparation for university. I decided to study at the College as it enables me to have direct access to the University of Adelaide next year and because the College’s teachers give me support with my study. My teachers are so friendly and lovely. They not only support me in my studies but also when I have any personal problems. They always give me good suggestions and provide help.

The University of Adelaide College is great because we learn about university life and the way of studying. There are a lot of international students experiencing the same new environment with you as well so it’s comforting to be around people in the same position as you. Of all the subjects I take, I am very proud to say I like my music subjects the most. The subjects teach us about music appreciation and practice, as well as music theory, allowing us to balance performing, conducting and composing while developing our skills in different ways. I feel so lucky to be chosen as one of the University of Adelaide’s Orchestra members. I have been part of the Orchestra for about 3 months. To get there I listened to the pieces every day and tried to practice as much as I can and all the hard work has paid off. Viola is my major instrument and I usually practice in my dorm or at the campus facilities.

The courses I had during my Degree Transfer Program were all really interesting and made me curious to continue learning. In India, the teachers are very strict whereas, at the College, they are compassionate and feel like your friends. Studying Computer Science, my favourite subject was Programming. Computing has been my passion since I was a child, and the College teachers really allowed me to excel in enhancing my knowledge and skills. Being Student Social Club President, I was responsible for ensuring all the Club’s events promoted student welfare and made life easier for students. Deciding what events to organise comes down to College student’s feedback.

My aunty had studied at the University of Adelaide previously and spoke very highly of her educational experience, saying that it was an excellent environment for international students. I didn’t study Law at the College, but now I am doing Law alongside Commerce, so I can really tell the differences between these two courses. The learning support at the College was extremely helpful, especially when it came to English. Every day during lunchtime, you can visit the Learning Support Drop-In Centre for complimentary workshops. The teacher in charge of the Student Social Club (Leanne) also taught me a lot of skills regarding responsibility and what it means to be a person who supports others.