OzTREKK Ambassadors: Is living on campus for you?

12 April 2021

OzTREKK Student Ambassador: Alex Maznic
University: James Cook University
Program: Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
Follow Alex on Instagram: @alexandramaznic

james cook university medical student
JCU medical student and OzTREKK Ambassador Alex

Living on Campus: Is it for you?

Hi! My name is Alex, and I’m in my first year of medical school at James Cook University in Townsville Australia. I am 19 going on 20 and have never lived on campus. My sister hadn’t either as she stayed close to home. So, here I was a few months ago making the decision to move into an unknown building notorious for providing you with best years of your life.

But how true is that? Honestly? I’m not sure, but I promise to give you the truth about my experience on what moving to campus is like.

Move-in Day
My situation is a little different. I have no nervous parents helping me carry my laundry basket up the stairs and no tears were shed as they left their youngest behind to start their year of studies. Instead, I volunteered my friends to carry my heavy suitcase up the stairs and they all said, “see you at dinner.”

I unpacked everything on my first day. There was just something about organizing the space to make it my own that was relaxing. I was able to set things up and even get my coffee machine running (fancy right?). Overall, I was ready. As I laid my head down to sleep in my new home, I found myself thinking, what will this year entail, who will I meet, and how will I balance all the expectations?

Orientation Week
I started my college experience with O-week. By “college” I mean res—that’s what they call student residences here. It had all kinds of events and activities like a university bar toga, a “bucks and hens” party, and sponsor night. It’s a great opportunity to go out with friends and meet new people as well. I met a bunch of new people staying in college and got to reconnect with friends I hadn’t see over the holidays. Overall it was great to see everyone again and hear all about their breaks and how excited they were to start the year.

Three Weeks Into Living on Campus
So here I am, a few weeks into living on college and honestly, it’s not like the movies, but not in a bad way. There is a sense of community among everyone who’s moved away from home and everyone understands what it feels like to be alone in a new city. You get to know your neighbours and build relationships with people outside of your degree and cohort.

Is the on-campus life for everyone? No, of course not. But is it worth trying? Definitely. You get the chance to live that once in a lifetime experience of being a “college kid.” Move away from home, meet new people, and all in all, you do something out of your comfort zone and try something new.

I might change my mind in a few months from now, so please, hold me accountable?

Until then!

Alex

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Do you have any questions about studying medicine at JCU? Please email medicine@oztrekk.com or call us toll free at 1-866-698-7355. We’re here to help!

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