Ivy from Hong Kong, Studying Actuarial Studies
During my stay at New College, I’ve learnt a lot of culture from Australia, and I also learnt a lot of slang. While I am away from my home, New College made me feel like I have a second home in Australia.
Ivy from Hong Kong, Studying Actuarial Studies
Ivy's Experience:
I’m Ivy, and I’m from Hong Kong. I’m an international student. I am currently living in college for my second year and I’m doing Actuarial Studies.
As I come from overseas, I wanted to look for a place very close to uni, so I don’t have to spend money on travelling and a lot of time on travelling. So when I was searching on the website, I found New College, and I sent an email to ask about how it looks like and how I apply, and then the receptionist replied in just a day. I found this really nice and encouraging. That’s why I chose New College.
What was important for me coming to college is that I really wanted to meet a lot of new friends and I wanted to improve my English skills, because in college, people speak in English daily, so I got a lot of chance to practice my English skills.
When I first arrived, I was really surprised that everyone here is so nice. When I first came to Sydney, my Residential Advisor helped me move my luggage into my room, and then she introduced me to places around college. I found it really nice and safe that someone would introduce me to things around college when my parents aren’t here with me.
I think the favourite part of college for me is that they have a badminton court, and a ping pong table, and even a pool table, so we can go and play different types of things when we’re stressed and play with friends.
When I first arrived as a first-year student, I found the tutors in college really helpful. They have tutors from different faculties, so no matter what courses you’re doing, they will cover your course and teach you, and then they will even have mini quizzes before final exams or midterms.
In college, we have a week called Assassins Week, which is a large-scale, RPG game-based competition for the whole of college to be involved in. During the week, other collegians will gather together to try and catch people out. If you get caught out, then you die, and the goal is to be the last one standing, then you live, and be the master of assassin.
During my stay at New College, I’ve learnt a lot of culture from Australia, and I also learnt a lot of slang. While I am away from my home, New College [has] made me feel like I have a second home in Australia.