Lily Carson
Bachelor of Dance Studies student Lily shares what her first year at university was like.
"My first year out of high school, I decided to study law. I quickly realised that was not what I was meant to be doing and decided to take a year off. I am a dancer, and so went to dance in Los Angeles for two months. That is when I really rediscovered my passion for dance and decided to study what I love.
"At first, I felt nervous, because it was my second time around starting out at university. I remember thinking if this doesn’t work out, then I don’t know what I am going to do. But all of my fears and worries went away when I stepped into that first class. There was such a family feeling and I got to know my classmates really quickly.
"The biggest adjustment for me was getting into a routine and making myself go to class. Because dance is such a practical learning environment, if you don’t turn up you miss so much. It’s really important to keep to a routine and not let yourself fall behind, because that’s when things can get hectic.
"The biggest challenge for me was when the weeks would get quite busy leading up to assignment deadlines and exam time. But the best way to get through it is knowing that you’re not alone and that you can ask for help if you need it. Also just knowing that it’s going to be okay, and you’re going to get through.
"This year, I made university my number one priority, everything else had to fit in around my study. Whether it was rehearsals, work, or any other commitments, it was uni first and then everything else had to slot in around that. I managed to keep a good balance, which I was quite proud of.
"I feel really lucky to have had that second chance and am now studying what I love. The programme is even more than what I expected it to be. As a dancer, you might think you are restricted to certain pathways, but what the Dance Studies Programme has taught me is that there is so much to learn and so many different options open to us.
"My advice to new students is to talk to the people in your class - the sooner you form that connection with your classmates, the easier it’s going to be for you. Your classmates are what make it so enjoyable to turn up each day. So definitely form those connections early on and just go for it!"