Uni Stuff > The University Journey Journal

I would like to be a psychologist, thanks.

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JR_StudyEd:
6/3/20

As the lone VU student on the forums, I feel like I should give you a bit more background about what student life is like. Firstly, I live off-campus, about 1 hour and 20 minutes by public transport (because I am 95.5 hours short of 120 hours driving experience haha). Plus, I save a lot of money that could have been spent on nearby accommodation. And I don't have a job yet either.

You may also be interested in how the block model works. Having finished two whole weeks of university probably doesn't make me a qualified individual to give you sufficient information, but the way I understand it is:
- In general, three classes that generally run for three hours each, per week.
- Absolutely no pure, traditional lectures. The teaching style isn't too dissimilar to high school. All classes incorporate some form of activities in between the tutor speaking to us. We are encouraged to ask questions.
- No exams/SWOTVAC that I know of (I mean, our uni calendar has no set date for those things, unlike other universities)
- You study one subject at a time over the course of four weeks or so. This is called a block. Then you move on to the next subject, or block, completing four blocks for each semester (this is VU's biggest marketing tool with regards to the block model, I think)
- But assessments within each block still overlap, so you might be juggling multiple assessments, due within a few days of each other. With the limited time to study each unit, there's more pressure.

Whether or not you agree that this very radical approach to education actually makes us better off compared to other universities, I can only speak from my own experience, and I cannot pass judgement on the block model until at least my third year, I think. Then again, being a freshly graduated high school student who has no university experience aside from two weeks, I haven't really experienced anything else haha.

I am assuming the reader is currently attending a non-block model uni or thinking about enrolling in a non-block model uni (i.e. basically every other uni other than VU). What do you think? There is the argument that because there is less time to study each unit under the block model, long-term retention of the content taught will be inferior to other universities, which makes sense. But I like it so far. And at least I am studying something I have an interest in.

To be honest with you, I never, ever, ever feel motivated to do anything. Ever. I just get started somehow, push through the pain, and somehow get the work done. That's my way, don't know about you. Thank you so much for reading this all the way through. I appreciate your time. From my heart to yours, sending love and resilience.

JR_StudyEd:
9/3/20

So here's the deal: I only got one VTAC offer, and that was from VU. It was not my first preference. Since I went to their open days, I was set on ACU and potentially Swinburne as a backup. I decided not to go to the VU Open Day last year, I thought I wouldn't need to seeing as I wouldn't end up there anyway. Unfortunately, my ATAR fell short. The only reason I am at university at all is by virtue of the fact that my course does not require an ATAR, whereas ACU and Swinburne do. I do feel slightly incompetent, but not regretful of my choice to basically quit on my study routine before my VCE exams. I know I probably shouldn't care about it anymore, but it still lingers over my head because it was so recent. Long story short, I just did not want to study anymore and just wanted those exams to be over quickly.

When the calendar flipped to the year 2020, O-Week was a disappointment. Firstly, I was late to my course orientation. The activities offered were underwhelming to say the least. If things went my way, I would be studying Psychological Science at ACU right now. I am in a place where I really should not have ended up, and never anticipated ending up. But here I am. I suppose I'll make the most of life at VU for now. But the possibility of transfer is going to remain on the table.

yesh.weerakkody:
Reading this makes me slightly sad, even though I know you’ve already come to terms with this is how your life will be... Frankly speaking, I have a fear that I may never stop procrastinating and therefore not achieve my fullest potential or whatever that means. But, your journal reminds me that even if it happens that it’s ok and you can alway strive for whatever you want in life. Obviously, this may put you in a harder place to begin compared to others your age, but honestly the fact that we may all come to the same place in the end is really assuring...
okay that was a bit of rambling there and whatnot.... but all I want to say is that it’s really inspiring  to read about someone who’s coping with how everything is at the moment. I am definitely sure that you’ll achieve all your goals and rock that ONLY VU STUDENT ON DA FORMS LIFE!  8)
Anyways, the block approach sounds way better than the everything at once lifestyle ngl... also, do you guys have no exams per semester or is there another way of assessing all the knowledge, I’m curious?
Good luck with everything and can’t wait for the next update! ;D

JR_StudyEd:

--- Quote from: yesh.weerakkody on March 09, 2020, 07:24:21 pm ---I am definitely sure that you’ll achieve all your goals and rock that ONLY VU STUDENT ON DA FORMS LIFE!  8)

--- End quote ---

Aww, thanks very much! You don't know how much a message like that really lifts my spirits!


--- Quote ---Anyways, the block approach sounds way better than the everything at once lifestyle ngl... also, do you guys have no exams per semester or is there another way of assessing all the knowledge, I’m curious?
Good luck with everything and can’t wait for the next update! ;D

--- End quote ---

Looking at my units for this semester, well I can tell you that I have a test in block two and block three. I don't think they count as "exams"? Otherwise, my assessments are stuff like essays, summaries of readings, group presentations, literature reviews and lab reports.

JR_StudyEd:
14/3/20

No but seriously, I am procrastinating. Help. My motivation tank is running empty. I don't think I'm actually ready for uni. So, as you can probably tell, I'm not easily motivated, even when it comes to subjects I actually sort of enjoy. Maybe psychology is just something I'm "interested" in, not something I want to get a degree in or get a career in. I've attended every class, commuted to all of them, so my problem likely has its origins outside of class. I feel isolated on campus. My ability to motivate myself to do work is essentially non-existent. I think I will take a break after this unit is done. I simply cannot start my work. But I have to find a way. I still have an essay and my part of the group presentation.

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