Standing on the manicured lawns outside the dining hall at Jane, residents point to the big orange icebreaker making its way up the Derwent River. Neve is almost home.
Neve is a Marine and Antarctic Science student, Jane Distinguished Scholar and has been living at Jane for 4 years, except for the last 2 months, which she has spent in Antarctica.
Neve graduated last year with a Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science and is now studying Honours, looking at marine microscopic plants to learn about climate changes throughout time and whether we can predict future climate change. Learning from top scientists in the Antarctic field, meeting and working alongside wonderful people, Neve was the second youngest on the ship. Neve said she learnt so much from her fellow shipmates, and one of the other students, who was also a past resident of Jane.
“I love Antarctic science and how it can be applied to climate change scenarios. The sediment core samples from the bottom of the ocean are like a history book. The Kasten Core is 200,000 years old. We know more about the surface of the moon than our oceans. It’s so important to learn as much as we can to do preventative work.”
Neve’s 4th Year at Jane
Neve had her mind set on another college when she took a tour of all the campuses, but when she walked through Jane, and saw how people were spilling out into the corridors, talking to each other and were so chatty and welcoming to the people on the tour, she knew Jane was the place for her.
“Everyone seemed so happy and welcoming. They had all these great events, I thought - I’m sold – I have to come back and live here.”
Now, a Senior Resident, Neve also works for the college, giving back to students the way others helped her, in addition to being an academic mentor and tutor. Now in her 4th year as a Jane resident, Neve says she decided to stay on: “because I didn’t want to leave so soon, there is still so much to be part of, so many opportunities – personally and careerwise.”
Nick, the Dean of Academic Studies, as well as other tutors, mentors and fellows, have helped Neve thrive academically. Living at Jane with other students studying in the same areas has been integral to Neve’s success:
“There is more academic support, we’ve all been through the same units, there are tutors, mentors, fellows, contacts in the workforce from the same field, career events, career planning… you’re all going through the same thing, and that’s comforting. There are study groups where you work through stuff as a group. It helps you learn in a very different way. It’s confidence building. We get a step up in these fields, one friend got an internship from living and working here at Jane.”
Magnolias, roses, and natives along the driveway
As awe-inspiring as Neve describes the beauty of the Antarctic, she is so pleased to be back amongst the beautiful gardens of Jane, and to look up at kunanyi / Mount Wellington looming large behind the campus.
“The grounds are beautiful, it’s like living in a park. Down the bottom, there is an olive tree, where we often string lights up for events, it looks like a fairy garden. It’s such a picturesque spot to live.”
The close proximity to the city and the Uni campuses is also appealing, with South Hobart being convenient for so many reasons:
“Jane is between Sandy Bay, the city and the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS). It’s so easy to walk to different places, it’s not too hilly. I walk to IMAS every day, it only takes 20 minutes or a 5-minute run. The Jane bus is also reliable and regular – if you’re running late, they’ll pick you up.”
That first impression hasn’t changed; people still smile and say hello
When asked what is so special about Jane, Neve has much to say:
“It’s a place where you meet your future family in many ways. You come in not knowing anyone, and you leave with friends you will have all your life, connections for future careers, memories and experiences. Jane makes these things happen – it’s wonderful, warm, inviting and friendly. I’ve never experienced anything like this.”
“It made it less stressful and scary to leave home for the first time, and I am forever grateful for it. I knew a friend who went to a different college, and Jane completely outshone it. I didn’t know anyone at Jane when I came, and what impressed me is that that first impression hasn’t changed – people smile and say hello, they stop for a chat.”
The dining hall is one aspect of Jane that differs from other Hobart colleges. After a day of study, everyone comes together to eat and chat about their day. “When you eat together, you talk. I was introverted and was intimidated at first, but I didn’t need to worry.”
Dressing Up, Dancing and Steve the cat
While Neve speaks of the importance of the study groups and beautiful grounds at Jane, some of her favourite experiences of her 4 years at college come from the community events.
“Some of my best memories are from the Jane balls, getting dressed up, catching double-decker buses to the venue or a ferry, eating amazing food and dancing. So fun.”
Steve the cat, who lives next door to Jane but is a frequent visitor, has become a Jane icon and has a special place in Neve’s heart. “I have so many memories of sitting in a friend’s room, Steve comes in the window and hangs out on the bed. Jane has given me so many golden memories. It helps shape who you are as a person.”
Magical Sarah – Dean of Students
Jane also has a wellbeing program, and it is run by Sarah the Dean of Students, or Magical Sarah as Neve calls her.
“Sarah is the Mum of Jane, you can go for a serious or fun chat – she’ll point you in the right direction for anything from getting a doctor’s appointment to talking about Eurovision. If you are down or sad, chat to Sarah, she is so comforting and helpful. All the Jane staff are amazing – we’re so lucky to have them.”
Above all Neve describes Jane as home. A home away from home with Christmas trees, feasts and friends. “I don’t think I would have done as well at uni without it, I would say to people thinking about living at Jane: do it for yourself, your confidence and your personal growth.”