Getting the full Australian experience: Dennis Qian tells of his move from FS to RC

Upon completion of his Foundation Studies program, Dennis Qian decided his time at Trinity wasn’t over yet. Instead of moving into an apartment or share accommodation while completing his bachelor’s degree, he simply made the transition to Trinity’s Residential College.

‘I wanted to expand my experience of Australian culture and get to know and make friends with a wide variety of people. The convenience of being so close to the University of Melbourne was also a bonus,’ he says.

Dennis enjoyed his Residential College experience so much he stayed for three years – from 2017–19 – while studying a Bachelor of Science.

Dennis admits he was a little surprised by the number of parties held during O Week at the start of the year, but was reassured to find participation was optional and he could choose what to take part in.

Living within Trinity’s Residential College, Dennis appreciated the academic support, and was able to attend tutorials for all of his university subjects. Making the most of the extracurricular subjects that were offered, Dennis studied the Internet of Things (IOT) and took one-on-one lessons in piano, guitar and singing.

Clubs and societies provided plenty of added fun, and by joining the Film Society, Gaming Society, Wine Society and playing tennis and table tennis, Dennis was able to meet new people and make friends.

Dennis also became well known as a student photographer during his time at Trinity. When the call for student photographers went out in his first year of living on campus, Dennis was interested, but wasn’t sure how to best use his father’s camera, which he’d brought with him to college. Trinity offered to provide training, so Dennis spent a semester learning from a professional photographer and went on to capture lots of events, activities and special occasions at Trinity.

Dennis found the alumni and careers services valuable too. ‘The Career Connect program provided talks on engineering and other topics that I was interested in by experts in their field­. This helped me to understand more about my chosen field and to widen my professional networks,’ he says. Now studying a Master of Engineering, Dennis plans to work in the engineering sector.

Dennis’s advice to other Foundation Studies students thinking about joining the Residential College is: ‘Don’t be afraid to join in. I found it was a good experience – lifechanging, exciting, supportive and very friendly. It was one of the highlights of my time at uni – it’s not all about studying!’.

Apply now to live in Trinity's Residential College.