I have a few questions for current unsw student that would help the newcomers
1) What is your most memorable moment from first year?
2) Do you have any regrets looking back?
3) What would be your single most valuable piece of advice for those starting this year?
4) How are you finding uni (and unsw) compared to what you anticipated/expected before actually starting?
1) Went to Step Up (an international student orientation program). Sat down while waiting to get permission to enter the lecture hall at the CLB. While waiting, this girl randomly introduced herself to me and we started talking. Turns out, she lived in the same dormitory as me. Fast forward seven months later, and we're still good friends and hanging out all the time.
2) Should've studied harder, put more effort, that sort of thing. I was busy adjusting to living alone, getting a part time job for the first time, that sort of stuff, but I still should've worked harder and not been such a procrastinator and a lazy butt.
3) Put in the effort! Don't expect that because you were brilliant in high school, that you'd be brilliant in university. It doesn't work like that. I learned that the hard way, and so did everyone else. Lower your standards, get your books (and laptop) out, and get studying if you want anything above a credit!
4) Well, going to class sucks. Studying boring/theoretical/dry content sucks. I thought what I learned at university would be interesting, practical even, but turns out that it's just a repeat of high school, using more advanced terminology. On the bright side, the social life is much better than what I expected. I'm glad I entered UNSW for that reason alone. Everyone's friendlier than I expected and the diversity of the backgrounds of everyone is just amazing. I don't regret choosing UNSW, haha.