How the Hansen Scholarship helped Lachlan move interstate to study his passion

Studying at university isn’t just about building a career, it’s an opportunity to discover and explore your passions. For Lachlan, this meant following his childhood enthusiasm for engineering all the way to Melbourne with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Mechanical Engineering.

“From a young age, I have been enthralled by engineering and its many disciplines within, inspired from motor mechanics where many days of my childhood were spent with my grandfather in his shed working on vehicles.”

Moving from Adelaide to pursue his passion in Melbourne was made possible through the support of the Hansen Scholarship Program, which Lachlan says has enabled him to fully focus on his studies and get involved in extracurricular activities on campus.

“Receiving the scholarship was a life-changing experience. It has been an integral part of my life at university, supporting me in living, but also in my personal and academic growth.”

Enjoying the adventure of moving out of home

Moving interstate to study at university is a big life step, but Lachlan was excited by the chance to move out of home and start this journey in a new city. Receiving the Hansen Scholarship, including generous financial support and three years of fully-funded accommodation at Little Hall, helped Lachlan take the leap.

“This decision was motivated by a desire to push myself beyond my comfort zone, learn how to live independently, and have a fresh start in an exciting city.”

“Melbourne is far bigger than Adelaide, so the opportunities associated with moving interstate were too good to miss, for my personal and professional growth.”

Between cookware and cleaning supplies, getting ready to be self-sufficient took a few days of preparation. But Lachlan has enjoyed every moment of building his newfound independence.

“What I love most about living in Melbourne is the freedom, in every facet of life I am entirely self-sufficient and it is an incredibly liberating feeling.”

“I love the opportunity to explore, Melbourne has so much to offer beyond university life, and getting out there and exploring is one of my most favourite experiences.”

At Little Hall, Hansen Scholars reside in four bedroom, two bathroom apartments. The chance to live and study alongside other students, many who have also moved from across Australia, is something Lachlan describes as invaluable.

“I love living with my fellow scholars, one of my roommates is my best mate and him and I get such value out of living with each other.”

Working towards his career

Set on a career path in aerospace engineering, Lachlan’s favourite subjects so far have involved hands-on, practical projects in his Mechanical Engineering major. He’s also had the opportunity to build industry ready skills through his involvement in the University’s ARES Rocketry team.

“Breadth subjects allow you to take a course that’s outside the scope of your degree. Some of the breadth subjects I’ve taken have been in education. While that may not be a career path for me, I find the subjects really interesting and I’ve gotten a lot out of it.”

“I think going into these different breadth subjects allows me to become a more well-rounded person, especially when I go into industry and they look for all these soft skills. It’s fantastic to have such a range of them that I may not necessarily find in my normal coursework.”

Lachlan says the Hansen Scholarship’s mentorship program has also given him a head start in working towards his future career.

As part of the Hansen Scholarship Program students have access to a tailored mentorship program, connecting them with industry leaders in their chosen field.

“I have a mentor who's in the Faculty of Engineering and IT. Having that opportunity to connect with an academic and meet with them is just fantastic.

“It's great to pick their brains on certain things you're studying, ask about different career prospects, or ask them to write you a letter of recommendation.”