Locals experience uni life

Prospective students from the Springfield Community had a taste of uni life at the University of Southern Queensland's (USQ) Student for a Day session on Tuesday, 21 August 2007.

A series of workshops and activities designed to introduce people to university and familiarise them with the concepts of life as a uni student ran throughout the day.

Student for a Day coordinator Nick Todd said although numbers were down on previous sessions, it was still a very worthwhile event.

'We had every indication that all of the people who came will join the uni,' Mr Todd said.

'The event is still in the formative stages. Those who come through for a sticky beak tend to really enjoy themselves and generally sign up. In terms of what it is meant to do it achieves that really well.'

Participants learnt of the expectations of students and staff, how to balance study and life and took part in a campus tour as part of the day's activities.

They also sat in on a lecture and learnt about the different pathways to study.

'Because most of the people who come to the days are mature age they can meet other learners of the same age and they can see assistance is there if they require it,' Mr Todd said.

'They get to see their profile matches our profile and see that their face would fit in.'

One such leaner was Sherwin Cecil who said she was very glad she attended the day.

'I was sent a letter to attend the day because I'm already in the Tertiary Preparation Program and dragged my niece along too.

'We both had a lovely day, it was really informative. Other people should go along.'

Ms Cecil said the day enabled her to meet similar people and find out more about services at USQ.

'I felt a bit overwhelmed at first but once I got into it and met a few other people it was really good.

'Seeing exactly what uni is about and how much help there is available, it gave me more incentive to fulfil my plans for next year.'

Ms Cecil said she plans to start further study in either Human Resources or Primary Education.

The next Student for a Day session will be run on Tuesday 16 October 2007 at the Springfield Campus.

Mr Todd said plans for the day are already underway.

'We are really looking forward to the final one of the year. We want to go out on a high note and make it a really memorable event,' he said.

For more information on the next Student for a Day session visit the website www.usq.edu.au/springfield or call (07) 3470 4400.

Media Contact: Jane Urquhart USQ Media +61 7 4631 2559