Moving to Melbourne from interstate to create a bright future

Sophie's road to Melbourne

Born and raised in Adelaide, Sophie wasn’t sure what she wanted to do when she graduated high school.

After a gap year, she found herself longing to meet new people and expand her horizons – a desire that spurred her to leap out of her Adelaide “pond” and study the Bachelor of Design at Melbourne.

“I decided on the Bachelor of Design because it gave me the room to explore my interests widely and discover my passions at my own pace,” says Sophie.

Design students at Melbourne can choose from 12 majors across the built environment, design, engineering and IT, and further their interdisciplinary exploration through minors, specialisations and breadth subjects – meaning they get to shape their own learning experience.

Adjusting to life in a new city

During her first year at Melbourne, adjusting to a new city and life on campus was a bit of a shock for Sophie. “I found it difficult in my first year,’ she admits. “But, once you learn the ropes of moving, it gets easier and you become more resilient.”

It was this positive attitude towards change, as well as the support of her family and new friends that helped her to overcome the challenges of living away from home.

“My family were a massive support for me. I actually became a lot closer to my mum, dad and my sisters when I was in Melbourne,” says Sophie.

“During my first year at Melbourne I lived on campus. It was a great opportunity. Everyone I was surrounded by was in a super open mindset to make new friends. I think because we were all from overseas and interstate, we all just bonded.”

Melbourne offers students a range of accommodation options, with many located on or close to campus.

Sophie’s friends and flatmates soon became her surrogate family while she was away from home.

“My flatmates, wherever I've lived, have become like family to me. They've been massive in helping me through any difficulties I’ve had.”

Broadening her horizons

Last year Sophie decided to push herself one step further and travel the globe on exchange at the University of Edinburgh.

As an exchange student she lived in a college with approximately 1500 international students. Excited to see Europe with new friends, she spent each weekend exploring a different country – including Germany, Italy and Spain.

“I did clay pigeon shooting in Fife, which is really far north in Scotland,” laughs Sophie, who ended her exchange with a European ski trip.

“I met some of my now closest friends and have gained so many valuable contacts whom I will definitely keep in touch with over the coming years.”

Like Sophie, students at Melbourne are supported to undertake part of their degree overseas through an exchange and or study abroad program, which can help cultivate a global perspective and extend their networks socially and professionally.

Diversifying her skillset

As a Bachelor of Design student, Sophie has taken the time to focus on her love of illustration and graphic design, while exploring different disciplines through the University’s breadth study tracks.

Breadth subjects are a part of Melbourne’s distinctive curriculum. Undergraduate students are empowered to discover their own path through education, combining their passions and strengths by choosing subjects from complementary or contrasting areas of study.

“I have loved taking subjects outside my specific discipline. The breadth tracks have allowed me to collaborate with a diverse cohort of students.”

For Sophie, breadth study “changes the lens by which you view your discipline”. She explains no study discipline exists in isolation and breadth tracks enable you to step outside of what you’re passionate about and see things from a different perspective.

“By third year, you’ve been exposed to so much, which is great because when you do attack subjects it’s like your mind has been opened and you can reference new areas that you have gained a bit of insight into.”

Throughout her studies, Sophie has pursued a Diploma of Languages in French and dipped her toe into Law and Commerce. Most recently, she enjoyed the breadth subject Entrepreneurship Principles and Tools. This is a topic that has proven highly relevant, as Sophie continues to manage her freelance illustration business via her own website and Instagram channel.

“Entrepreneurship Principles and Tools attracts a diverse cohort of students with big ideas. I met some amazing commerce students who I am now collaborating with on projects outside of university.”

Her advice for future students?

“Overall, studying at the University of Melbourne has been an exciting and eye-opening experience. It was challenging at times, but I have really enjoyed meeting students from all over Australia and the world throughout my time in Melbourne and abroad. That’s been one of the greatest things I felt my experience at the University has offered.

“Life and study don’t always have to follow a conventional path. I think even now coming to the end of my degree my view has changed so much, the world is your oyster for quite a long time – don’t stress!

“There will always be open doors. As long as you choose something that you're interested in to study, it will be fine. Everything I have done, I have been genuinely interested in and had an open mind toward. That in itself exposes you to so many opportunities. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself and keep doors open.”