Vanij Manikatalia on choosing Melbourne to learn about different cultures

Where are you from?

India.

Where are you studying?

Melbourne, Australia.

How is living in Melbourne different compared to your home city? 

Now getting to live in the city that has been frequently voted as the world’s most liveable city is an amazing experience. It has a plethora of differences from my home city of Delhi, India.

A few differences that I have noticed here:

• Melbourne is like a big pot of multiculturism where you get to learn about all different cultures by interacting with people.
• Due to the cultural diversity, there is an abundance of cuisines you can try.
• Melbourne has amazing scenery for people who like the metropolitan and coastal landform.
• Along with amazing scenery, appealing street art also contributes heavily to your pictures!
• Once living in Melbourne, you will surely have access to the best coffee in and around the world, making it the coffee capital.

Why did you choose Trinity? 

I chose Trinity to get to know people my age from different ethnicities and to learn about different cultures. Along with that, to have access to education from leading academics. This allowed me to smoothly matriculate to a university in Australia.

How would you describe your experience at Trinity?

At Trinity, I gathered new experiences every day, from talking to new people to learning and accomplishing new things. The experience at Trinity was rewarding, allowing me to build up my communication skills and improve my network. It chiefly enabled me to work in a team, helping me with gradually working up my teamwork skills.

What's your favourite thing about Trinity College?

My list of favourites at Trinity is extensive, but something vital for my survival was the wellbeing team. It gave me a sense of trust that the college is equally invested in me as much I am invested in the college. It provided support covering my physical and mental health.

What do you think of the teaching style at Trinity?

The teaching style at Trinity is a more practical and engaging way to attain knowledge that is favourable to adapt to the education environment at university, and also helps us develop skills and experience we require to set us apart.

It is different from my previous high school education environment, in which the classes were based more on taking copious notes and memorisation rather than understanding and developing necessary skills required in the future.

What do you think of your teachers? 

The teachers at Trinity are very professional, understanding, and respect students, creating a healthy learning environment for all. They also emphasise making the sessions more interactive so that there is an impact of their knowledge on students.

Teachers do not get frustrated, even when I asked the same question numerous times. Rather, they acknowledged it as class interaction and catered to me until I understood to my satisfaction.

What were your two favourite core subjects and why?

Drama and History of Ideas were my favourite core subjects, as drama helped me connect my expressions with my ideas and articulate my experiences and emotions.

History of Ideas made me understand the distinct ideas of our ancestors and the objections our generation might have with them if implied now. This also enabled me to know a lot about human behaviour and our response to a particular event.

What were your two favourite elective subjects and why?

Chemistry and Mathematics 1 were my favourite electives. These subjects allowed me to think extensively and solve questions for a long time span without being spiritless. Chemistry was one of my favourite subjects as it allowed us to study everything around us, as all are made up of atoms, which is the basic building blocks of matter.

How do you think Trinity College Foundation Studies prepared you for university studies and your career?

Trinity has accustomed me to a more practical way of obtaining knowledge that will act as a support during my tertiary education and my future. It did such by providing me an insight into university life and helped me get equipped with better communication skills, which will be a key factor for success in my chosen field. Trinity illuminated the importance of wellbeing in my life and that I can look after myself without losing productivity, which will be useful in all phases of life.

Were you able to make friends with other students?

Making friends was not an issue as there were many students in my intake, making it easy for me to find people with common interests. The onerous part of making friends was finding a way to initially meet people, but that was taken care of during the orientation by a group meeting, in which you can have a chat with everyone and exchange contacts.

Why did you want to go to the University of Melbourne? 

When I decided to study in Australia I wanted to matriculate to the University of Melbourne for many reasons. Predominantly because of a diverse population of students and the opportunities that are provided by the university for my desired course.

Would you recommend Trinity College to other students? 

Yes.

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