Uni Life

Recently, my homie told me that she now understands what is meant by faculty life.

Firstly, let me give my dear readers a rundown on the difference between international college and faculty level. International college (IC) is meant for all first year international students to attend. It's similar to foundation studies @ pre-university @ diploma studies. IC is a very close knit place where all the students are made to feel at home. The lecturers, tutors and counsellors always have a smile on their faces, ready to help students with their assignments and be there to listen to your problems, if you're homesick etc. In short, IC is similar to that famous 80s U.S. hit sitcom, Cheers i.e. Where everybody knows your name ^-^

Now what about faculty level? It's meant for graduates of IC, local students meaning the Aussies and international students who've been given exemption from attending IC (meaning moi!). At faculty level, all the students are assumed to be matured and independent individuals. They are expected to be knowledgeable in using the computer to access their student email accounts and also their personal student account. Lecture halls are usually filled with around 200-300 students, if you're late, it can be rather intimidating having to look for an empty seat.

What about during tutorials? Well, it's when 20-25 students share a room. They're expected to have done their readings, assignments etc. No one will remind them about it and if they fail the assignment, it's really too bad because they have no one to blame but themselves. A lot of people hardly mix around during lectures because the place is too huge and during tutorials if you somehow get too friendly, people might give you a funny look. Let's just say a smile amongst tute mates would be more than enough to show you're nice and friendly. The only time people actually talk to each other would be during a project assignment. Other than that, people enter and leave lecture halls and tute rooms.

So at times, people do get the lonely feeling especially international students who're here all alone with no kin nor friends. Homie didn't really understand what I meant when I told her this previously. But I'm glad she does now. Next year I'll most probably not be here, but luckily homie has her other friends. I hope she'll make even more new friends this year ^-^