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They are among thousands of new students taking part in Welcome Week orientation activities from February 17 to 21 – and also among 105 students who enrolled for 2025 after attending the popular QUT Future You Summit for Year 11s and 12s.

The hands-on, industry-supported summit, along with other events like open days, gave them a taste of university life that they have now returned to embrace.

Kennedy is in the first cohort of the Diploma in Architectural Studies (a new course introduced this year), Jasmine is doing a Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) / Bachelor of Justice, and Zoe has embarked on a Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours) (Urban and Regional Planning) / Bachelor of Science.

We asked them to share their motivations, what they’re most looking forward to about uni and some tips for Queensland’s current Year 12s.
 

Kennedy – Diploma in Architectural Studies

St Benedict's College (Mango Hill) graduate

Why did you decide to study your course?

"In Year 10 I had a week-long work experience at an engineering firm and saw most sides of engineering but was still unsure. Eventually landing a job at the same firm, I got more experience and enjoyed drafting which solidified my interest in architecture. Once QTAC preferences were open, I put the Bachelor of Architectural Design as my first preference and the Diploma in Architectural Studies as my second. My offer for the diploma came before the bachelor and I took the offer, with the intention to transfer into the bachelor once my diploma is finished."

How did you choose QUT?

"Starting in Year 9, I attended every QUT Open Day and Career Expo and kept a close eye on events for high schools. I took part in the Power of Engineering day for young women wanting to study engineering or architecture. My favourite experience though was the Future You Summit. This week-long program gives you firsthand university experience with lectures, workshops and practical sessions from QUT alumni and industry leaders. The program made me work harder during Year 12 as I knew exactly what I wanted to study."

What are you most looking forward to about uni?

"I’m really excited to finally study what I want, unlike high school where subjects and topics were decided for me. In addition to my architecture course, I’m also taking classes in writing and entrepreneurship, which are areas I’m equally passionate about and eager to explore further."

Any tips for current Year 12s?

"The one piece of advice I’ve learnt first-hand is that there is always another way. It’s really hard to get the exact ATAR you’re aiming for, but I’m lucky to have had the option at QUT to enter a Diploma in Architectural Studies for my first year, then transition into the Bachelor of Architectural Design. Most universities will offer alternatives into highly competitive courses if you didn’t get the ATAR you were aiming for, or if the course was full."

 

Jasmine – Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) / Bachelor of Justice

Grace Lutheran College (Caboolture) graduate

Why did you decide to study your course?

"After a lot of indecision on where I wanted to go in life, I decided that psychology and justice were my calling as I have always been curious about how key life experiences cause different behaviours. I decided that the justice degree was a good pair to psychology as I am passionate about fixing the Queensland justice system and I believe that this double degree is a good first step into doing so."

How did you choose QUT?

"I chose to study at QUT because I had done the Future You Summit program and doing that gave me a sense of belonging that I don’t think I would have found at any other university.  I was involved in the Summit program in Year 11 and I have attended open days, and those experiences solidified my will to attend QUT."

What are you most looking forward to about uni?

"I am most excited to be involved in the student life and culture, meet new people and kickstart my career. I am excited to have many of my long-time questions finally answered."

Any tips for current Year 12s?

"One of my biggest tips for getting through Year 12 is to take some time for yourself between revisions/studying. ATAR isn’t the end of the world because we are lucky enough to have so many different pathways into uni. Still, study hard and study often but don't forget about your friends! They make life so much easier."

 

Zoe – Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours) (Urban and Regional Planning) / Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science)

Coolum State High School graduate

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!"
 

Pictured at top, left to right: First-year QUT students Kennedy Meddows, Jasmine Butler and Zoe Madden.
 

QUT Media contacts:
- Mechelle McMahon, media@qut.edu.au
- After hours, 0407 585 901 or media@qut.edu.au