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Letters from our Desk
LETTERS FROM OUR DESK Things that help when you ' re feeling homesick
I came to Sydney from China to study for the Master of Laws at UNSW in February 2022, which is a new journey in my life. Facing a new language environment is undoubtedly difficult for me, especially since I had to deal with studying, trivia, and digesting negative emotions simultaneously. It seems a normal paradox that the enthusiasm for hugging a new life usually together with homesickness about parents and old friends, as well as insecurity of leaving the grown-up environment. I used to live close to the airport. Occasionally, I could see the planes take off, which would make me feel homesick the most. This is because that made me remind how I came here and how I will leave in the future. But we can’t look up into the sky all the time, and apparently, down to earth is more effective to gain a better life and a sense of security. People often say making a progress by moving out of your comfort zone. In the first month when I came here, even going outside my room could be challenging every day, it’s never been easier to out of my comfort zone…So I told myself: you are making progress every day! However, homesickness and bad mood can be “cured” by making friends. Being active to make new friends and joining uni workshops are helpful to establish connections with people and enlarge circles. Sydney is an inclusive and diverse city, I got a great deal of encouragement and a sense of identity from friends from different parts of the world. With more occasions of speaking and practising English, the barrier of language is reduced as well. I explored interesting places with friends and learned about the culture and lifestyle of the local society gradually. Making the first step is the hardest but definitely worthwhile.
ISLA SHAO
LETTERS FROM OUR DESK
Choosing to undertake a law degree is a huge and exciting step that opens a world of possibilities and opportunities for you. However, choosing to study an intellectually challenging degree in a foreign country while you navigate homesickness and building new social connections can be challenging. But fret not, it seems like a lot, but it is manageable!
So here is how you can succeed as an international student:
1.When you first arrive at UNSW, focus on building social connections with your peers. Get involved in the peer mentoring program, participate in various faculty competitions, attend social events. Try joining one of the Arc clubs and societies alongside UNSW Law Society based on your interests and hobbies. This will allow you to connect with people who share similar interests and feel less isolated while you navigate moving to a new country and studying in a new city.
2.Before you start your courses, think about what learning style suits you the most and will help you balance the combination of going through weekly readings, participating in class discussions, and managing any other expectations of a volunteering or paid opportunity. You may not know what learning style works for you as studying in high school or another undergraduate degree is not like studying in law. Learn to manage your expectations and be aware that it is completely normal to not perform up to your expectations immediately until you trial a few different methods that suit your learning style. You can find several resources on this from the UNSW Academic Skills Unit or through various other online resources.
3.Focus on your academics. While it is important to not place unrealistic expectations on yourself and burn yourself out, focus on studying smart and not get burnt out by studying hard. It is important to take account of how much workload you can manage alongside a full-time study load. Be careful not to take on too many extracurricular volunteering opportunities or paid working opportunities that detract from your ability to focus on completing your readings or other associated class work. Make detailed notes – write it down or type it to make sure you have thoroughly read your course materials. (Avoid using shared resources as your independent source of notes as they won’t be accurate or relevant and could also count as plagiarism). At the end of every term, you want to be able to compile your notes into succinct outlines that will allow you to complete your exams within the specified time frames.
LETTERS FROM OUR DESK
4. Take up a Work Integrated Learning Opportunity to gain insights into another area of specialisation in law through practical experiences while you also earn credits for this. UNSW Law & Justice offers a host of internship opportunities to students. Beyond this, participate in UNSW Law Society’s domestic and international competition opportunities as this allows you to gain additional skills and exposure to different practices.
5. Attend the different panels on information sessions, employment, practice, skills, and student support panels organised by the UNSW Law Students Society. Additionally, expand your network and join other legal networks after you have settled in for one term and join the Law Society of NSW, NSW Young Lawyers Subcommittees across various practice areas, AALA, DALA, DWL, MLN and so on. All of these fantastic organisations host several panels and opportunities for students. (Most memberships are free or are offered for a minimal amount!)
6. Avail the services offered by UNSW Employability to get feedback on your cover letter and resumes and other specialised 1:1 support with cover letter feedback, interviewing skills and so on if you are looking at applying for jobs and other paid opportunities. Several postings are made on the UNSW Law Jobs portal. Also reach out to UNSW Employability to know what your worker rights are as an international student. Last but not the least, have fun while you are studying at UNSW! You are in one of the most beautiful cities in the world and in one of the highest performing law schools across the world. Enjoy your experience, meet new people and build on a lifetime of opportunities that you will learn and grow from.
