Zedidiah Kiwai, 2 November, 2023
I came to Australia to complete grade 9-12 of high school with my brother. My parents wanted us to get a better-quality education and better opportunities, so Australia was an excellent choice they thought. In my final year of high school, I spoke to a career counsellor at school about my options for university as I was very keen to continue studying. She talked highly of QUT and explained that it was more practical based with a mix of theory which really appealed to me because I could learn actual skills that could be applied to real-world scenarios- so I decided to apply to QUT.
Choosing a degree
Initially I started studying an Architecture Bachelor as this was really something I was passionate about. After one semester I thought that I would like to pursue engineering. In school I enjoyed physics and maths and after a long chat with my dad he suggested that I should do engineering too as it’s a great field to get into. QUT allowed me to try engineering for one semester which was great. At the end of year one I realised that I really found both degrees very interesting, and it was hard to make a choice of what to study. QUT then offered me the option to do a double degree in Architecture and Civil Engineering. This was the best of two worlds and the best choice I ever made. I really enjoyed Architecture and struggled with Engineering at the start but now engineering is my favourite. I like the balance between the two as one is very creative whilst engineering is lots of maths. In Architecture there is no set answer and so many options of what you could do depending on your ideas and the client brief. With engineering on the other hand, it’s quite set in stone what you can do and how you use calculations to come up with your answers.
Studying at QUT
What I love with studying at QUT is that it’s very independent but incredibly supportive. You have your lecture and tutorial but then you are studying on your own. High school was so different as you felt like you very spoon fed lots of information, whilst university encourages you to think, take responsibility and become an independent learner.
The tutors and lecturers are great and so helpful. They get back to you very quickly and make themselves available if you need to have a chat. The highlights of studying at QUT have been the students I get to work with and my tutors. I used to go to an all-boys boarding school in high school so being at university and mixing with all types of people is great. I love group work, it’s really fun to identify the group strength and weaknesses and work together on a common goal. An example of this is one of my engineering units where we had to build a small-scale model of a bridge with other engineering students that studied in a different field such as electrical and mechanical. So, to solve this we created a 3D model of the bridge using a software and worked on the calculations by hand online. It was a great experience, and everyone worked really hard and contributed the final product.
I like all my design core units for architecture because you get provided with brief at the start of the semester and then you have work towards those requirements. You get given enough information about client, location, environment, and clarification of the requirements. After doing this you are to design independently and go through your own creative process, where the tutors check in with you in the studios held every week to give you feedback which helps you develop your design further or clarify details about the project.
I have most of my classes at Gardens Point campus and I really love it, especially P block, where the Engineering faculty is located. If I ever need help from my tutors and lectures, they have their offices here, so you can easily set up a meeting and have a chat. In between breaks I love to go for a coffee with my friends or take a walk in the Botanic Gardens.
Living in Brisbane
I’ve been living in Brisbane since 2015 as I studied high school here. It feels a bit like home, and it wasn’t too much of cultural shock moving here. I’ve been to Sydney, but I found it too busy, and I prefer Brisbane. People in Brisbane are great and very welcoming. I like that when you get on and off the bus you chat to the bus driver, and if you need any help people are very keen to help you.
When I’m not studying, I like to catch up with my friends and we enjoy watching the footy at Suncorp stadium or we’ll go to our local footy club. We also love to go out and eat especially Asian food, such as Korean and Chinese, I love spicy food. I also enjoy going down to the riverside at either West End, or at the Botanic Gardens to relax and feel the breeze, especially after my exams and assignments.
As I don’t have a car, I generally use public transport but occasionally me and my friends rent a car and we go to the beach such as the Gold Coast or Mooloolaba which is so nice. Also, I love to explore the countryside which is very relaxing break from your studies.
My future plans
I’m currently working at a small engineering firm where I do a lot of projects on older houses. After I graduate, I would like to continue working in this job as a Civil Engineer to gain further experience and then after a couple of years I like to work with new buildings and developments. My main goal is to become a Structural Engineer which I found fascinating as I really enjoy solving problems and designing structures such as bridges, buildings and other infrastructures.
Advice to future students
Australia is such an amazing place. I would suggest you give everything a go and sign up for lots of social events, clubs and volunteering. This is an opportunity for you to meet many new friends from different countries but also experience the Australian culture. University is only a brief period of your time but a fantastic experience that sets the foundation to your life. It can really shape you to the person you will become or want to be. So, I would say don’t hesitate, take the plunge and study overseas.
