Seeking the sun

Jessica Rayment explains how she chose to spend a semester at QUT in Queensland because of the university’s great fashion design programme and sunny location.

Jessica Rayment

Jessica

Why I chose my host uni:

I chose my university as I heard great things about the fashion course, and my friend had recommended it to me. I also wanted to go somewhere with sun as I was tired of New Zealand's winters and needed some Vitamin D.

How I found applying to my host uni:

The application process was pretty easy – I just needed to make sure I had all the information. I also needed to provide my current AUT transcript and my current portfolio.

Luckily enough I didn't need a visa.

How I found learning in a different academic system:

At first, I found that it was a lot of work as I was enrolled in more classes than at AUT, so I had a bigger workload. But as we went through the semester things became so much easier. The lecturers only want to help, so asking as many questions as possible helped the most.

What I gained from this experience:

I learned so much about myself in regards to living on my own and being in my own space. Making friends took me back to primary school days and trying to get out of my comfort zone. Academically I was pushed as some of my classes were new skills to me, so there were definitely some late nights in the library. But I learned so many new skills that I can bring forward.

Top tips for other students

  1. Say hello to everyone, go to all the exchange parties and join a sports team/club
  2. Save as much as you can beforehand
  3. Take public transport
  4. Pack your lunch – uni food is expensive
Jess abroad

About Jessica and her student exchange

AUT degree:
Bachelor of Design Te Tohu Paetahi mō te Hoahoa in Fashion Design

Host uni:
QUT

Host country:
Australia

5 favourite things

Favourite place in my host city:
South Bank parklands

Best dish/food I tried:
Late night takeaways from Zeus

Most useful thing I packed to take with me:
Sunglasses and sunscreen

Favourite thing about my host uni:
That the university was right next to the botanical gardens

Best trip I took outside of my host city:
The best trip I had outside of my city was heading to Noosa with exchange friends I had made through university