Kiara McAlpine

Why did you choose to study at UQ?

I choose to study at UQ because I attended a law excursion to UQ during my last year of high school. I instantly fell in love with the campus, and how friendly everyone was. I felt so at ease and comfortable, where these feelings continued into my first year.

What is the best thing about studying at UQ?

It is hard to narrow the best thing about UQ down to a singular factor. UQ has many factors which make it a stand out university within Australia. To start with UQ has teachers and tutors who actually care and want you to succeed. All the teachers I have come in contact with over the last 12 months, are more than happy to sit down with students who have questions and concerns, whether that be during lecture breaks or in their own time. Additionally, UQ provides an exciting campus lifestyle, where there really is more to do than just study. They are a ton of societies to get involved in , alongside social supports. However, I think one of my most favourite things is the student support network. I know that if I am struggling there are numerous different avenues to turn to, just at the St Lucia campus.

What is the best thing about your program at UQ?

Every time someone asks me if I like my course, I instantly respond with I love it. The Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice (Honours), encourages a strong connection within the cohort. Since this particular degree is considerably new the cohort size is under 100, unlike degrees such as business. Therefore, it is so easy to make friends and get involved. Additionally, all teachers and tutors I have come into contact with seem to really care, and are invested in providing the best education possible.

What advice would you give to starting students in your course?

If I were to give one piece of advice to students starting in the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice (Honours), it would simply to get involved as much as possible. The university lifestyle is so much more than just attending lectures and tutorials. Join societies and social supports, make friends in different degrees, attend activities within the Great Court.  However,  I would explain that university is a giant leap from high school, so there is a place and time for partying while also balancing a work and student lifestyle.

What challenges have you came across in your study? How did you overcome them?

The main challenge I came across in my study is actually attending lectures and being present within the course. I found that attendance is key to actually succeeding in university. Not only does attending the lectures and tutorials help you succeed within the degree, it also helps to make you feel less stressed during exam time. I overcame this challenge of attending lectures, by setting myself a routine that I had to stick to. I kept a habit tracker so that I could stay on top of attending lectures. Whereby, if i didn't attend all my university classes, I would not let myself go out that weekend.

What do you hope your study leads to?

I hope my study leads myself into a career within counter terrorism, particularly a role within the United Kingdom.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice (Honours)
2022