The Future Student Podcast14 Aug 2025

Making Friends, Changing Degrees and Keeping Your Balance: MJ’s Real Uni Experience

When MJ arrived at the University of New South Wales, she was full of optimism—and a touch of nerves.

Like many new students, she wondered: How do I actually make friends here?

(Spoiler alert: it wasn’t during lectures).

In this refreshingly honest and insightful conversation, MJ joins Rob to share the ups and downs of her uni experience so far, from the awkward first weeks to finding her groove through clubs, hobbies, and a surprise love of salsa dancing. Along the way, she opens up about what it’s really like to juggle part-time work, rent, study pressure, and a major change in her academic direction.

Some highlights from MJ’s journey:

- Why making friends at uni isn’t like high school, and what finally worked
- The unexpected ways hobbies like boxing and dancing helped her build community
- Changing from politics to marketing and psychology: what triggered the switch
- The hard truth about working while studying, and what she’d do differently
- Honest advice for students choosing a degree (hint: it’s about values, not just ATARs)
- Why finding your people takes time, but it’s absolutely worth it

MJ’s story is full of insight, heart, and humour, and it’s a must-listen for any student who’s wondering how to make uni work for them.

This episode is supported by Choosing Your Uni, Australia's unique, AI-powered platform that helps domestic and international students to find the right institution for them, and that helps Australian institutions to access new markets. For guest suggestions and feedback, email podcast@globalsociety.com.au

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