Hundreds of Year 12s get a taste of uni life
More than a thousand Year 12 students from 76 schools across six Queensland regions recently took part in CQUniversity’s annual University Experience events.
Held in Townsville, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Cairns, Bundaberg and Mackay, the free, one-day, on-campus events gave students the opportunity to explore their post-school study options, including higher education degrees and TAFE courses.
Future Student Coordinator Skye Calvert said the events play an important role in engaging prospective students, particularly in regional communities, by showing them that higher education is within reach.
“University Experience is our largest recruitment opportunity to engage with Year 12 students,” Ms Calvert said.
The full-day events provided students with a real ‘day in the life’ experience of a university or TAFE student at CQU.
Students participated in hands-on sessions led by academic staff, explored campus facilities, and learnt about the University’s wide range of support services.
Students received personalised timetables and took part in an in-depth, interactive program featuring activities tailored to their individual areas of interest.
Lecturers, support staff and current students all shared their insights about study and pathways into uni.
The enthusiastic attendees said they enjoyed the interactive sessions run by academic staff, and gained a better understanding of what university life is like after high school.
Many said they valued learning about important topics such as financial literacy and the range of support services available, and that higher education now feels far less intimidating. Students also appreciated discovering the variety of pathways available to access university.
Students praised the diversity of sessions on offer, with many saying the experience helped shape their future plans.
“I really enjoyed the activities and fellowship in the physio class. The teachers were very engaging and informative — overall, an amazing experience. The financial literacy session was also a great eye opener and super engaging,” one student said.
“Today’s session made me reconsider my future, as I learnt there are so many more course options than I thought,” another student said.
“I enjoyed the paramedicine workshop. I originally didn’t think it was for me, but after participating, it felt so right,” a third student said.
Ms Calvert said the immersive nature of the events gave students a realistic insight into university life.
“They attended classes with expert teaching staff, got a sneak peek into the social aspects of university life, and truly immersed themselves in the experience,” she said.
Lecturer in Engineering (Industrial Automation) and Campus Engagement Lead Diluka Moratuwage said the practical sessions allowed students to explore what studying engineering and science at university can look like.
“It was great to welcome Year 12 students to CQUniversity’s Gladstone campus and see them engaging with hands on activities in robotics and renewable energy, including solar technologies,” Mr Moratuwage said.
The Year 12 University Experience events are designed to inform, inspire and prepare students for life after school by providing a realistic and engaging introduction to university and TAFE study at CQUniversity.
