Being back on campus means you can get back involved with campus culture. Clubs and societies, gigs, parties and fun people are all still here, so get back involved for all the culture you need, then some!
When I was an undergraduate I spent a great deal of my time on campus. I had a part time job within a University department, I frequented campus bars and went to Uni gigs and events regularly. There were some really fun memories that stick out - seeing Tim Rogers (from You Am I) play a free lunch time gig, running as candidate in the University of Sydney Union’s Board election purely for a satirical documentary, and going to the extravagant Sydney Uni Law Society parties to look for the love of my life. Fundamentally, the amount of time I spent on campus directly translated to an enjoyable student experience, and whilst the experience of graduate studies places different pressures on students, there are still a lot of enjoyable events, activities and programs that you can get involved with.
As a graduate student, I’ve been involved in some really fun and interesting events around campus since returning to study. Things like seeing of Montreal play at Manning Bar (a band I thoroughly enjoy), listening to Justice Kirby and Kevin Rudd talk about student life and even going to Vege Soc’s weekly BBQ (some of the best food going around, and going cheap!). Whilst there is a common perception amongst postgraduate students that student life is targeted at undergrads, the variety of events on campus really means that there is something for everyone.
One event that I’m excited about is the upcoming Verge Arts Festival. Verge is a student arts festival run on campus over the first two weeks of September. Last year the festival was based out of a tent above the squash courts, and had some really sensational events. I saw a fantastic young comedian, Ben Jenkins (who, with his comedy group, is off to the Edinburgh Comedy Festival next year), do a 24 hour long stand up gig. Given the length there were numerous different stories and tangents that occurred, but fundamentally the energy and vibrancy of seeing young comedians learning their trade was really sensational. The festival has dozens of events like this then some, making it a really enjoyable event to get involved with. Check out the website at www.vergeartsfestival.com for more!
I know what you’re thinking. ‘Brendon, I have night class, I work during the day, there is no way I can get involved.’ It’s true that grad students are busy people, but Sydney University has a campus culture unlike any other. There are events on each night of the week during semester, both socially orientated but also via wonderful public lectures and seminars. What I would say to you is this; get on campus outside of class time to experiece our campus community. Sydney Uni is a great place that will enrich your life!
I don’t know how to make that resonate any more!