Thank you for your enthusiasm, dedication, and hard work. You are truly the heart of RMC.
H O M E
H O L I D A Y S A W A Y F R O M
BY ADRIANA
Christmas and New Year's have always been my favorite times of the year. A break from school, time with family and friends, parties, and of course, tons of food. But this year was a bit different. I couldn’t make it back home, and as the days went by, I kept saying goodbye to friends heading back to their hometowns or countries to spend the holidays with their families.
What I didn’t expect, though, was the family I found here at RMC. Even though the dorms were almost empty, there were a few of us who decided to stay in Sydney for the holidays. And honestly, the best part was how everyone got so excited to make this time special together.
Christmas
Cooking for 15 people for the first time sounded kinda crazy, but it turned out to be way more fun than I thought. We gathered at the new house of an ex-RMC resident who had just graduated. There were current residents, former ones, and friends, so the table was packed with different cultures. It was so cool to see how it all came together—some brought dishes passed down from their grandmothers, we sang carols in a bunch of different languages, and just laughed and shared stories all night.
NewYear's
Sydney’s fireworks are famous, and they are honestly stunning. A few friends and I couldn’t make it into the city to see them, but that didn’t stop us from having an amazing time welcoming in 2025 We swapped traditions, ate grapes (seriously, we had enough for a whole month), celebrated the New Year under the table, watched the fireworks on the big screen in the common room, did some karaoke in the TV room, and even lit sparklers in the courtyard.
It was definitely a different kind of year, but one I’ll always remember. Big thanks to everyone who made these celebrations so special. I hope this new school year is amazing for all of you, may you crush your goals, reconnect with old friends and family, and don’t forget that you have a big family here in Sydney.
Summer at RMC for some meant movie every night, beach days every morning, late-night vending machine snacks, or random trips out back. It meant never having to worry about being bored, even it was just lying on hammocks, enjoying the sun Summer brought so many good times to RMC It’s always nice knowing there’s someone who’ll want to go out a do something, no matter what.
But a few days into the summer break, t halls in B Block started feeling really quie Most people had left, and it changed the whole atmosphere of the place The emp rooms made time feel like it was slipping away too fast. I arrived in the last weeks of September, so I didn’t get to spend as much time with my friends as I’d hoped. wish I’d gotten to know some of the former residents better, and I can only imagine how they must be feeling now. Even so, I made some great friends who always know how to make you smile, no matter where you are in the building.
I actually had the advantage of knowing one person when I came to RMC, but honestly, every table I sat at made me feel welcome. People were excited to get to know me, share their cultures, and just connect. Summer at RMC 2024 was the first Summer-Christmas I’ve ever had, and also the first Christmas and New Year away from my family.
It wasn’t the same as being at home, but spending the holidays here with friends who were like family made it special. Now, with Welcome Week getting closer, everyone’s gearing up for more fun, new memories, dances, and of course, new dance partners. Living at RMC is an experience you won’t forget.
I’m sure you’ll love it here, just like I did. See you in February!
BBQS, SPIDERS, & PANCAKES
BY ADRIANA
RMC without events? Not a chance! Even though most people were away, the awesome RAs, DOs, and anyone who just wanted to have a good time still made sure we had an amazing time.
BBQ
Who spoils us more than Sohrab? If you haven’t met him yet, he’s one of the RAs in N Block, and trust me, he’s got the biggest heart He’ll always make you smile, and when it comes to making tea and his famous Persian BBQ? Pure magic.
You know it’s going to be a good day when you see Sohrab heading out early to get the meat and everything else to fire up the BBQ By the afternoon, he’s got the coals ready, and before you know it, there’s a huge line of people ready to enjoy this RMC tradition.
This event always brings everyone together, and it’s definitely one of the most anticipated of the year It was honestly so nice to see so many familiar faces when we thought RMC was practically empty. And the best part? This happens every Welcome Week, so trust me, it’s something you won’t want to miss.
SPIDERS
So, mix soda and ice cream, and you ’ ve got a Spider… or at least that’s what I was told. Sydney summers can get crazy hot, reaching up to 40°C, so having a combo of soda and ice cream was the perfect way to cool off. The best part was mixing different flavors and finding the perfect combo It was one of those little things that made a hot summer afternoon feel way more fun, and way more refreshing
PANCAKES
I missed chicken with rice! The kitchen was closed for two weeks, and we all had to get a little creative with our meals. But to send off our time without the dining hall in the best way possible, RMC organized a pancake breakfast in the courtyard There’s just something about pancakes that makes everything feel cozy, and sharing them with friends made it even better It was the perfect moment to chill, laugh, and enjoy a simple, good meal before the kitchen opened back up.
Thehomeofallthenewsonarts,crafts& musichereatRMC!
BY MAZ
S U B T I T L
Welcome to The Cozy Corner! This will be the newest home of promotional material for art events at RMC, movie/book/game reviews, resident submitted art, and Maz’s Mixtape! Remember to leave your feedback for the next volume with the Voice team. All suggestions are welcome!
Intro Art Room + Events Maz’s Mixtape
T H E A R T R O O M
In the upstairs hallway leading to Meredith’s office and the Dining Hall here at RMC is the Art Room!
This room is the cozy home of all the art n ’ craft supplies you could need to unwind away from study with your fellow residents. Want to destress with a colour-by-number? Want to make matching bracelets? This is the spot for you!
Remember this is a space for everyone to use so please tidy up after yourself and make sure rubbish is discarded appropriately. Keep on the lookout for upcoming arts and craft events (such as painting and crochet) led by residents and our in house counsellor Meredith!
To start the year off loud, we ’ ve compiled previous O-Week dance-off classics for both new and returning residents to get your dancing shoes on + a personal compilation of high energy hits to hit the ground running! With both playlist covering over 5 genres there’s sure to be something for everyone!
Get hyped for a big year regarding new ways to get your recommendations heard through The Voice with new ideas coming your way! Been to an enthralling concert? Loved a new release? Need others to appreciate a nostalgic track? Let me know what you ’ ve been listening to this month via an upcoming suggestions box to have it appear in the next issue!
Remember to leave your feedback for the next volume with the Voice team. All suggestions are welcome!
Can’t wait to see you all around + Happy listening (: Maz
Welcome to the first volume of Maz’s Mixtape for 2025! The place where I review all things musical at RMC. Tune in to hear recommendations from your fellow residents and I, as we connect over shared (and differing) music tastes!
“Death By Glamour” & “Last Goodbye” from game Undertale. (10 year anniversary - would recommend a revisit for a wholesome time!)
J-POP&K-POP
RADWIMPS (ft. Toko Miura) (2019)
“Grand Escape” in film Weathering With You
JAM Project (2015)
“The Hero” in the series One Punch Man. (10 year anniversary too! Look out for the 3rd season dropping this year!)
BUMP OF CHICKEN (2024 & 2022)
“Sleep Walking Orchestra” & “Souvenir” in series Delicious in Dungeon & SpyxFamily
Stray Kids, Young Miko, Tom Morello (2024)
“Come Play” in series Arcane
“Shut Up and Dance” WALK THE MOON
“Uptown Funk” Mark Ronson “Levitating” Dua Lipa “Time of Our Lives” Ne-Yo & Pitbull
“TiK ToK” Kesha “Want To Want Me” Jason Derulo
POP
Twenty One Pilots (2018/2020)
“Smithereens” on album TRENCH & “Level of Concern” single
Lady Gaga (2024)
“Disease” single
Oingo Boingo (1985)
ROCK
“Weird Science” on album Dead Man’s Party
The Dandy Warhols (2016)
“STYGGO” on album Distortland
Mötley Crüe (1989)
“Kickstart My Heart” on album Dr Feelgood
Greta Van Fleet (2018)
“The New Day” on album Anthem Of The Peaceful Army
The Ghastly Ones (1998)
“Haulin’ Hearse” on album A-Haunting We Will Go-Go
George Harrison (1987)
“Got My Mind Set On You” single
FUNK
Curtis Harding (ft. Jazmine Sullivan) (2021)
“Our Love” in series Arcane
CHRISTMAS LUNCH
BECKY WITH
BY SEBASTIAN
This holiday season brought a warm and welcoming Christmas lunch at RMC, hosted by Becky. I had been looking forward to this event: good food, great company, and the perfect chance to celebrate together. But as the day arrived, I almost missed it.
I had completely forgotten I had made other plans, only to realize later that I had mixed up the dates So there I was, showing up a bit embarrassed, with nothing but a 3 AM response to the RSVP email as my saving grace. But despite my unexpected arrival, Becky greeted me with open arms, making me feel right at home. I made it just in time for Secret Santa, a fun and engaging way to connect with people I hadn’t really talked to before. At the end, we all received treat bags with heartfelt messages before heading straight for the food
Becky’s famous noodles? Absolutely sensational. The jelly pudding with fruit? Just as amazing. Add to that sweet bread, vanilla ice cream, and a variety of drinks—it was a delicious. And as if that wasn’t enough, we even got to take some food home, a thoughtful gesture considering many stores were closed for the holidays. It was little things like this that truly captured the meaning of the season.
But beyond the treats, the standout moment of the afternoon was simply being together. It wasn’t just about the gifts or the food—it was about celebrating our community and the kindness that makes RMC feel like home
A huge thank you to Becky for making it all possible!
3 SAYIN YES: NEW UNI EXPERIENCES
BY NATALIA
From getting stuck in the crowds at Vivid Sydney trying to see the drones, to watching a live AFL game (team song and all) to spotting kangaroos lounging at the zoo, my first experiences studying abroad have been nothing short of unexpected.
Whether this year you want to become the best version of yourself, focus on your studies, go to as many concerts as possible, find love, or simply survive, I can assure you that Sydney and Macquarie Uni have opportunities for all of it (though, unfortunately, they won’t pay for them).
3
Uni is a unique experience in that, suddenly, you realize you ’ re in charge of your own life, not in a rigid, authoritarian way, but in a “take what resonates, leave what doesn’t” kind of way. Adopting this mindset as my personal philosophy has led me to interesting places, some where I had to be warned, “Don’t touch that, it’s actually venomous. Like, for real.” And, of course, there were moments I proudly sent pictures home.
Embracing new experiences, saying yes to everything, and knowing when to run if things get weird has given me a true taste of fun and reality. And while you can’t exactly opt out of assignments (believe me, I’ve tried), you can make them bearable whether it’s buying a planner filled with reminders you can’t ignore or studying in a café with friends, offering each other silent moral support against the shared enemy: the dreaded 11:59 pm deadline.
Uni and living abroad teach you independence, but that doesn’t mean going it alone. It’s about finding connections, relying on others when you need to, and making space for new experiences. So here’s to saying yes, stepping outside your comfort zone, and making the most of every moment.
