How Linh built friendships and explored student life in Melbourne as a Commerce Student

Hi everyone, I am Linh, a first-year student at Melbourne University, diving into a Bachelor
of Commerce with a major of Finance. Although this has already been my second semester,
the path from Vietnam to being an international student feels like a thrilling adventure that I
would love to share.

The beginning wasn't easy. Imagine landing in a new country, knowing no one, with the fear of
not finding your place. It's daunting, believe me. But the University of Melbourne had our backs
with an orientation week before classes started. That's where I met my closest friends, and my tip
for you is to soak up every event during that week. The Faculty of Business and Economics also
hosts an orientation day, a chance to meet future classmates. It's where our BCom Vietnamese
student group was born, a supportive group that I always cherish.

I was warned about UniMelb's demanding workload, especially in Commerce subjects, which felt
worlds apart from high school. But as I got into them, the material became fascinating. My
faculty’s lectures and tutorials are usually held in The Spot and FBE building, where I soon got
familiarized and became my go-to spots. Plus, we have the cozy Giblin Euson library right in the
building, perfect for assignments and study sessions.

Beyond academics, social life is key. I connected with many Vietnamese students through
International Vietnamese Students at the University of Melbourne (IVSUM) during orientation.
Some even hailed from my hometown or went to my high school—small world, right? Weekends
now often see us exploring Vietnamese hubs in Melbourne like Footscray or Sunshine for a
taste of home. And on weeknights, cooking and dining together keeps homesickness at bay.

UniMelb buzzes with activity. From academic to extracurricular, there's always something
happening. I make it a point to attend at least one event each week, whether it's movie nights,
expert coffee talks, or simply chilling at festivals and parties. IVSUM's weekly Tuesday lunch is a
highlight, a chance to seek advice from upperclassmen who are more than willing to help.

In essence, starting the Bachelor of Commerce journey at UniMelb is transformative. It requires
courage, resilience, and a readiness for new challenges. But remember, you're not alone. Lean on
the university and your peers for support. Embrace the growth opportunities, academically and
personally, and relish every moment. Your journey may have started in Vietnam, but at UniMelb,
the possibilities are endless. Welcome to a world of discovery, learning, and boundless opportunity.