Having people in your corner: how Nikita found confidence at Little Hall

As a Bachelor of Biomedicine student at the University of Melbourne, Nikita has experienced the highs and challenges that come with university life. Having access to academic guidance, dedicated study spaces and a supportive community at Little Hall has helped her build the confidence to navigate each stage of her degree.

"Having people who genuinely want to see you succeed has made university feel so much more manageable," she says.

Like many students, Nikita has faced moments when university felt particularly demanding. During a period of burnout in her second year, she turned to Little Hall’s academic team for guidance.

Rather than focusing only on marks and deadlines, the conversations centred on her wellbeing and long-term goals.

"I felt truly cared for," she says. "The academic team understood what I wanted to achieve, but they also helped me recognise the importance of looking after myself."

Together, they explored practical options, including reducing her study load and extending her degree by a semester.

"The team always made me feel supported and empowered," she says. "They helped me find a path that worked for me."

What surprised Nikita most was how personal the support felt.

"The support has truly felt like academic mentoring," she says. "It's not just about getting help with assignments. It's about having someone to talk to who understands university life and wants to see you succeed."

Whether she's discussing an upcoming assessment, planning future study options or simply seeking reassurance during a busy semester, Nikita knows there's always someone she can turn to.

While academic support has been a big part of her experience, it's only one piece of what has made Little Hall feel like home.

Through orientation activities, social events and everyday interactions, Nikita quickly found a community of people going through many of the same experiences.

One of her favourite weekly traditions is Little Town Hall, where residents gather over dinner and catch up after a busy start to the week.

"It's such a nice opportunity to see people and connect," she says. "You can sit down, have a meal together and meet people you might not otherwise run into."

Those connections have become an important part of university life, providing moments of support, encouragement and friendship throughout the semester.

Nikita also makes regular use of the Academic Commons study spaces at Little Hall, often spending several days each week there.

"The study spaces are incredibly convenient and they have a really great atmosphere," she says. "Being able to study close to home has made it so much easier to stay focused and productive."

Looking back, Nikita believes having access to both academic support and a welcoming community has helped her approach university with greater confidence.

Her advice to other students is simple: don't be afraid to ask for help.

"When you're struggling, it can be easy to be hard on yourself," she says. "But university is a learning curve for everyone. Be kind to yourself and reach out for support when you need it."

For Nikita, that support has helped transform university from something that once felt overwhelming into an experience she feels equipped to navigate.

"Knowing there are people in your corner makes all the difference," she says. "It's helped me feel more confident, more supported and much more at home during my time at university."