Michelle Fortune - Indonesia, 11 October, 2023
Why QUT?
I chose to study at QUT because they offered a more practical approach to learning and with great industry connections. QUT also has a very welcoming and supportive atmosphere which started already from the day that I applied. The support I’ve received especially from HiQ has been amazing and there are many options of help if you need to. They are always ready to help you and my go to if I ever have any issues related to my studies, enrolment and QUT. If they don’t know the answer, they will point you in the right direction of who could. If you enjoy a more practical approach to learning and aim to form meaningful connections during your course, be it socially or with industry partners, then QUT is a perfect choice for you!
I also love the QUT location, it’s so conveniently located close to the city centre which makes catching up with friends after university so much easier.
Studying a double degree
Initially I was only going to do a single degree but when I found out that QUT Business school had triple accreditation, I thought that studying business would complement my design degree well. A double degree also provides me with more opportunities and pathways that I could pursue in the future. I really enjoy studying two degrees as you will never get bored and there are so much new things to learn. Studying a double degree provides me with more variety to what I study and the knowledge I gain. I feel that lots of the concepts and ideas I learn in one unit overlap or related to my other degree which is great.
I really enjoyed DYB121 (Introduction to Design Fabrication) because throughout the whole unit, we had the chance to work on various design briefs and materials to create prototypes. This was my first introduction to using design equipment’s such as 3D printing, laser cutting and hot wire foam cutter which was useful and fun. I became close friends with my group members and the tutors were all very supportive and easy to get along with which made my learning experience even more memorable.
Meeting new friends
I am part of several QUT clubs, but the most memorable club so far would the Indonesian Student Association Club. The club gave me a safe space that reminded me of home which was nice especially when I was starting university. I also had the opportunity to help them plan for events, where I met a lot of new friends.
I would recommend that you put yourself out there and be open to trying new experience and new things but remember to do so mindfully. Join clubs, events, study sessions, because you never know where you’ll meet your next best friend!
Living in Brisbane
The weather here is very ideal and is quite like my hometown. When I am not studying, I enjoy strolling around the City Botanical Gardens located besides the QUT Gardens Point campus. This is a great place to relax or have a picnic with friends.
It took me some time to adjust to the new environment and cultural differences but the people I’ve met in Brisbane have been friendly and welcoming so I could confidently say that my experience moving to Brisbane has been smooth so far.
I have visited several different suburbs across Brisbane. Although there isn’t a specific place that I would constantly visit. I enjoy visiting the various parks and markets that are usually open during the weekends. I went a road trip to Byron Bay with my friends which was a very exciting experience. We visited the famous lighthouse, went to the beach and I had lunch with my friends, it was such a memorable day.
My future
Whilst I’m living and studying in Australia, I like to explore Queensland and other cities in Australia, which would be very exciting. In terms of my career goals, my dream is to design medical products and other projects that could help the healthcare industry.
