Daneika was fairly nervous about the prospect of moving to a residential college until she had her tour of Jane and fell in love with the place. Then came Welcome Week with 60 new people, team building exercises, and the forming of tight-knit friendships right off the bat. “We are one community, we’re roommates. Jane is a great place to make friends, you always have people to hang out with at the drop of a hat.”
Daneika was at Newstead College in Launceston when the school’s University coordinator helped her decide on Maths and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) with a major in Game Design. It was the balance of creative and programming that attracted her to this degree, and the thought that making games, particularly casual, creative games, could take you anywhere. “There weren’t a lot of opportunities for [game design] at high school, I was excited that this was available at Uni. So I thought I’d dive in and see where it goes”. The UTas Maths/ICT degree was only available in Hobart, so Danieka looked at a lot of Hobart options before her Jane tour, where she knew she had found her new home.
A scholarship, a support network, and not having to cook.
Daneika is on a Jane community scholarship, which is $10k per year, and that, along with the all inclusive aspect of Jane, made it the most economical place to live. Daneika is now in her second year at the college and a Senior Resident, and intends to stay at Jane for the full 3 years of her degree.
“[Living elsewhere I would have to pay] rent, cook my own meals, and deal with uni on my own – Jane is just more supportive, and it works out better for me. I don’t have to spend all day on assignments – then buy groceries and cook. I can just focus on getting good grades.”
In addition to being a drawcard for Daneika, the support network at Jane was also a huge positive for her family.
“Having the student club and senior residents get in on the activities – having them involved, helped break down the wall between existing residents and new students – you have this great connection from the start.”
Sarah, the Dean of Students, has also been someone Daneika has been able to rely on. Sarah is there to look out for residents and give support when needed. She also organises Wellness Week during swat vac, ensuring residents look after themselves during the stressful time of exams. Whether it is bringing in puppies for students to play with, organising an ice cream truck to visit, or just having an open door, Sarah is there to give residents any extra support they need.
“Sarah is incredible – having her is a big lifesaver – someone you can fall back on – anything you need, or for just a vent or chat, she is always there. You can always rely on senior residents after hours – Sarah has trained them so well.”
Daneika’s advice for new students – Go to Nick!
One of the major drawcards of Jane for Daneika is the Dean of Academics, Nick Brodie, PhD, a kind and experienced teacher and mentor who helps navigate university studies. If she had one piece of advice for a new student, it would be ‘Go to Nick!’
“I had some troubles at the end of first semester last year, meeting deadlines and getting overwhelmed, I went to Nick and he sorted it right out – he’s just amazing.”
Daneika says that for any residents who have any issues, Nick will always know in what direction to point you. He will get the extension, organise a Learning Access Plan and put it in place to help you if you need. The support provided by Jane helps students to get the best out of their university experience, while making it easier for them to thrive academically.
The great location, common rooms and your own little oasis
Daneika says Jane’s South Hobart location is really central, and within walking distance to both uni and the city. But quiet enough so there is no traffic noise when studying. “We meet for the brunch/lunch happy hour at the oyster place near IMAS, after the senior resident meetings on Friday mornings, we still catch up there with old residents too.”
While the South Hobart location is perfect, Daneika credits both the common areas and her room with what makes Jane feel so special. The combination of having friends all around you, and there always being company around, but also having the quiet sanctuary of her room, which is her own private space.
“The shared spaces are really important. In the common room, Asten, next to the dining hall, the fireplace is so cosy, it is always stoked by Peter, the groundsman. Having an open fire in a Tassie winter – toasting marshmallows in there on roasting sticks.”
“Getting out of your room into these common areas is one of the best parts of Jane. However, your room is your space in this community. You can decorate it however you like – there are all the common rooms to hang out with people – your room is your quiet, safe space.”