Young women standing among mangroves, gazing up with a hopeful expression

17 February, 2025 | Zoe Madden, Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours) (Urban and Regional Planning) / Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science)

Zoe Madden, a first-year student, begins her double degree at university with confidence, boosted by her early familiarity with QUT from high school.

She joins thousands of new students in QUT Welcome Week from 17-21 February and is one of 105 who enrolled for 2025 after attending the QUT Future You Summit. This industry-supported summit and other events offered a taste of university life, which she now embrace.

We asked Zoe about her motivations for choosing a double degree in Urban and Regional Planning and Environmental Science, her expectations for uni, and tips for current Year 12s in Queensland.

Why did you decide to study your course?

"I’ve always been interested in the environment, and how we can build better places without wrecking it. My built environment degree has a focus on designing communities that are functional and sustainable, while the science degree provides the technical side to support these decisions. In high school, I found biology really interesting, which made me want to explore science further. The double degree gives me the best of both worlds – practical problem-solving with a real-world impact."

How did you choose QUT?

"QUT stood out to me because of its practical, real-world approaches and strong industry connections, along with it offering the double degree I was looking for, which made it the perfect fit. I didn't have to choose between two things I really enjoy. As well as going to last year's open day, I also attended the Future You Summit, which really helped me get more of an understanding of the university's approach and the opportunities it offered."

What are you most looking forward to about uni?

"I’m really looking forward to studying subjects that I’m interested in and meeting people with similar interests and goals. The independence of uni is also exciting, as well as being able to focus on what I genuinely enjoy. I used to live in Coolum, but I’ve just moved to Brisbane for uni with my two friends (who are also QUT students!)."

Any tips for current Year 12s?

"Year 12 can be brutal, but it was also by far the best year of high school! My best advice is to try not to let the pressure get to you, as well as make time for things that keep you sane. It’s a tough year, but it goes by so fast!"

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This story was first published in QUT News. Read the original article.

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