my HONEST uni experience at UTS & thoughts as a graduate 🇦🇺🎓 What studying in Australia REALLY like!

Summary

In this heartfelt and reflective video, the speaker shares the emotional journey of graduating from university, highlighting personal struggles, including the loss of their father, financial challenges, and the process of moving to a new country. Despite their university's shortcomings in fostering a vibrant student life and culture, the speaker expresses gratitude for the educational experience, especially the support services during difficult times. The video concludes with an inspiring message about resilience, independence, and the significance of the degree as a symbol of overcoming adversity and growth.

Takeaways

• 😀 Graduation is a major milestone that represents overcoming personal struggles and achieving independence.
• 🎓 Despite the challenges faced, including the loss of a loved one and financial difficulties, the speaker feels proud of completing their degree.
• 💡 The university experience at UTS was underwhelming, with the speaker feeling disconnected from campus life and the lack of a strong university culture.
• 💔 The speaker faced personal hardships, such as losing their father, and had to manage the emotional and financial toll alone.
• 🏫 UTS's rushed graduation ceremony lacked the traditional celebratory moments, such as tassel turning or cap tossing, leaving the speaker disappointed.
• 💸 The cost of living in Sydney and paying for education was a significant burden, especially without a financial support system.
• 🔗 UTS did not facilitate strong networking opportunities within the university itself, and the speaker felt that it was up to students to create their own connections.
• 🧠 Despite frustrations with university life, the speaker acknowledges the importance of the counseling services offered, which helped during difficult personal times.
• 🌍 The speaker reflects on being the first woman in their family to graduate abroad, and the pride their family feels about this achievement.
• 🤔 The speaker expresses doubts about UTS's emphasis on education over student life and suggests that a more traditional, culturally rich university might have provided a better experience.
• 🎉 Graduation brought an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment, with the speaker feeling celebrated by others for the first time.

Q & A

What is the significance of the graduate's degree and graduation ceremony?

The degree signifies the completion of the graduate’s academic journey, particularly as the first girl in her family to graduate abroad. The ceremony, while a milestone, lacked the celebratory elements the graduate expected, leaving her somewhat disappointed despite the achievement.

What personal challenges did the graduate face during her academic journey?

The graduate faced multiple challenges, including moving to a new country, the passing of her father, and financial difficulties as she had to fund her education on her own without a financial support system.

What aspect of the graduation ceremony disappointed the graduate?

The graduate was disappointed by the simplicity of the ceremony. Despite receiving a cap and tassel, there was no traditional tassel-turning or celebratory actions, which diminished the significance of the event.

How does the graduate feel about the university's culture and student life?

The graduate feels that the university, UTS, failed to foster a meaningful student life or culture. She criticizes the lack of community-building activities, networking opportunities, and an engaging campus environment.

What did the graduate find valuable about her university experience?

The graduate values the quality of the teachers at UTS and appreciates the free counseling services, especially when she needed psychological support following her father’s death.

What specific service at UTS does the graduate commend, and why?

The graduate commends the university’s counseling service, which provides free access to psychologists for students. This support was crucial for her during difficult times, though the wait times for appointments were a challenge.

What are the graduate's thoughts on attending a more traditional university?

The graduate expresses that she might have had a better experience at a more traditional university, such as those in Adelaide or Tasmania, which might have offered a stronger sense of campus culture compared to UTS.

What does the graduate think about the value of her degree in terms of her future?

While the graduate feels that her degree will serve her well in the future, she emphasizes that it is a symbol of her perseverance, especially considering the hardships she faced during her academic journey.

How does the graduate's immigrant background influence her perspective on graduation?

As an immigrant, the graduate is particularly proud of her achievement because she is the first woman in her family to graduate abroad. This accomplishment not only reflects personal success but also represents a significant cultural milestone for her family.

What advice does the graduate offer to those considering university at UTS?

The graduate advises that while UTS may offer a good quality degree, those looking for an enriched university life should reconsider, as UTS does not provide the same campus culture and networking opportunities often found in other institutions, particularly in the U.S.