Taking a leap with Deakin University

It was when student Aditi Mishra boarded the plane to Melbourne that reality really hit.

The Vice Chancellor’s Meritorious Scholar was leaving behind all that was familiar to her, to pursue a Bachelor of Psychological Science at Deakin University.

‘No family and friends, bank account or phone number and no idea of how things worked. It was overwhelming!’ she said.

‘But I was ready for the challenge.’

Aditi credits a few major factors that helped her settle life at Deakin. She connected with fellow Deakin scholars online before landing in Australia, so there were already friendly faces on campus when she arrived. Student Central was another key service she tapped into.

She also decided to live at Deakin Res.

‘Living on Deakin Res was a game-changer. It made adjusting to university life so much easier. I quickly learned how to navigate the challenges of an international student, and looking back, I see how much it strengthened my worldly skills.’

‘Every challenge became an opportunity to grow, and every obstacle I overcame made me more confident.’

Academic life at Deakin University

Academic life was completely different to what Aditi was used to in her home country of India. At Deakin, lectures were online while seminars focused on projects and discussions. One of the biggest surprises? Assignment extensions!

‘In India, a deadline was final. Here, there’s flexibility to study at your own pace, which took time to get used to but something I have come to appreciate a lot.’

‘Another unexpected difference was how approachable the professors were. When I struggled with an assignment, I emailed my professor, and she replied within 24 hours. She set up a meeting and patiently answered all my questions. It was a moment that showed me that the professors here, genuinely care.’

‘At Deakin, I’m part of a community where professors, mentors, and peers truly want me to thrive.’

Social life at Deakin University

Beyond studies, Aditi threw myself into university life. She ran for elections and became the Faculty of Health International Representative, advocating for international students. She also joined the Psychology Society as Secretary and took on a leadership role in the Deakin International Student Association.

‘These experiences have helped me grow as a leader while building meaningful connections… there’s so much that one can do, you just have to sign up for it. If you’re thinking about studying at Deakin, my biggest advice is to ‘go for it’.’

Moving to a new country is a huge step! Read more about how Deakin University supports international students adjust to life in Australia

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