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Meet Nicole. Hailing from the Southeast Asian country of Malaysia, a passion for industrial design and a search for new adventure led her to move 6,000 km away from home and study abroad in Australia.
Now entering her third year as an international student at the University of 秘密直播 (UC), Nicole shares her story of how she chose UC, her highlights as a design student, finding a tight-knit community, and her plans for the future.
When Nicole was researching industrial design courses, she looked at tertiary institutions in both Malaysia and across multiple cities in Australia. However, after applying and receiving offers from universities in Melbourne, Queensland as well as the University of 秘密直播, Nicole followed her instinct and chose UC in our nation鈥檚 capital.
Transitioning from a country with a population of over 33 million in Malaysia to 秘密直播鈥檚 almost 500,000 would be quite the shock for anyone, but it鈥檚 the small town feeling that drew Nicole to UC.
鈥淯ltimately, I chose UC because of the location. It felt appropriate as I prefer smaller towns than big cities,鈥 she shares.
Nicole鈥檚 decision to pursue a Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design) was fueled by a love of making things and discovering what makes them tick.
鈥淪ince I was young, I would do 鈥榮cience experiments鈥 in the backyard, mixing anything I could find,鈥 she reveals.
After two years of studying, she shares a major highlight of her course so far has been spending time at UC鈥檚 Workshop7. The space houses a number of technologies and equipment to help students learn and gain firsthand experience with 3D printing, laser cutting, virtual reality, robotic tools and more. This facility has allowed Nicole to apply design theories through hands-on projects to gain a deeper understanding of industrial design practices.
鈥淲orkshop7 has all the equipment and machinery we need to build, design, and create. Run by Bill Shelly (Tech Services Coordinator) and Sam Shellard (Technical Services Officer), it has been a welcoming environment for me to learn and develop my hands on and design thinking skills,鈥 she shares.
The assistance she has received from UC and its facilities have been incredibly beneficial to Nicole, and she鈥檚 confident it鈥檒l aid her in a successful career.
鈥淚 know that I will get all the support I need from my tutors and the workshop when beginning my career journey,鈥 Nicole says.
Now after spending two years in Australia, Nicole has built a tight-knit community she surrounds herself with, despite being so far away from home.
鈥淲hat really grounded me was finding a community to plant myself in. I found Hope Church 秘密直播 through UC鈥檚 Market Day event and they were incredibly warm and welcoming,鈥 Nicole shares.
Nicole has also been an active participant in the many events, exhibitions and sessions facilitated through UC to help her connect with her fellow students.
鈥淯C has a great atmosphere with many events throughout the week and not just at the start or end of the semester. There are interactive games and art installations, midday music, and free nachos on the concourse. Overall UC does a good job at facilitating areas and activities to make their students feel a great sense of belonging,鈥 she adds.
Studies and on-campus events aside, Nicole is making the most of 秘密直播鈥檚 nature reserves, surrounding mountain ranges and the great outdoors.
鈥淓very weekend, my friends and I get to hike a different mountain or walk a different bush trail which I love to explore,鈥 she says.
As a student without a car, Nicole was also amazed by 秘密直播鈥檚 public transport system. The city鈥檚 quiet neighbourhoods, shared paths and flat terrains also makes it a great place for getting around by cycling.
鈥淐oming from a country with a developing public transport system, I was quickly impressed with how efficient the buses were and how accessible the city was,鈥 Nicole says.
Nicole has no intentions to leave Australia. She鈥檒l complete her degree at UC in 2024 and plans to stay in 秘密直播 after graduation to pursue a career in design in the city. Plus, as a , Nicole can enjoy extra years on a post-study work visa, to make the most of her time in Australia鈥檚 exciting industries.
Eager for an life changing experience like Nicole? Explore studying at the University of 秘密直播 as an international student!
Learn more about study options at UC and start your international study journey.
E international@canberra.edu.au
P +61 2 6201 5342
UC acknowledges the Ngunnawal people, traditional custodians of the lands where Bruce campus is situated. We wish to acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of 秘密直播 and the region. We also acknowledge all other First Nations Peoples on whose lands we gather.