Participants' Stories three
Harry - Post-Graduate Student - Student on a low Income
"I've become a bit of a bower bird. I found someone had thrown out a style guide the other day so I grabbed it - it was free to me. Occasionally I'll have a $4 meal over at Wentworth, but a freebie suits me just fine."
Hugo - Post-Graduate Student - Student on a low Income
I found that after an 8 hour workday I was very tired and not really productive when it came to study. It got even worse towards the end of the week. Everybody's different but if you find that you are most productive in the morning try going to bed early and then do some early morning study. Working out my best study time was a strategy that really worked to my advantage
Jack - Undergraduate student Non-English speaking background
Initially I found it a little hard but I soon learned to keep up and take some notes. It's better to try and get a general understanding of the concepts and skip over words that I don't understand. I can also underline words and ask my tutor for the meaning if it essential to understanding the context. Never hesitate to ask for help from those around you. People are generally quite friendly.
James - Undergraduate Student - Rural Student
When I request help people have been there for me. Lecturers have also been sympathetic when extensions are required.
Jane - Mature Age Student - Woman studying in a non-traditional area
Price here are higher here than in the city. I found that by going to the postgraduate womens room I can get an excellent coffee and chat at the same time. Many of the people going there are mature age students sharing the same issues as me.
Jenna - Post-Graduate Student - Student on a low Income
I found the postgraduate women's coffee room. It's good for me because I get a free cup of coffee and a chat.
Johnno - Undergraduate Student - Student on a low Income
I've had to compromise my study as my work commitments are inflexible. My tutors have been fabulous...so helpful. If I can't get things in on time they have been very reasonable and understanding about the fact I'm working. I'm part-time as well.
Judy - Undergraduate Student - International Student
"Generally, tutors and lecturers understand the difficulties facing international students. Most are willing to provide feedback and comments especially in your first year. I requested the marker proofread my essay so I could improve my writing style for future assignments. I also attended a short essay-writing course at The Learning Centre especially for non-English background students. This helped."