Riley

In 2025, I took part in Summer Start; the program at UOA which was a  recommendation by my high school biology teacher. As I had missed Level 3 Physics, this program was a great opportunity to prepare for my degree. It also gave me a chance to learn my way around campus during non-peak times and to experience university-style lectures, which are very different from high school.

Summer Start helped me connect with people from a wide range of backgrounds, making the transition into university life much easier. Throughout my first year, I have enjoyed all my courses, from exploring how the human body functions to understanding processes happening inside us at a cellular level. Finishing my first semester felt like an achievement. University is so different to high school but looking back, I know Summer Start played a big role in helping me adjust to this chapter.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that not everything goes perfectly; there will be challenges, but they shape who you are. I’ve also realised the importance of time management and sleep. At first, the flexible timetable made it feel like I had endless time, but in reality, balancing study and rest was key to success.

The highlights of Summer Start included meeting new people from all areas of life. Many of the friends I made during the six weeks I might never have met otherwise, due to our degrees being so different and unique. I also enjoyed the weekly sports evenings at the Rec Centre, which were a great way to stay active while studying.

Above all, living in Grafton Halls for the full six weeks was unforgettable. Moving out of home is a big step, but it gave me the privilege of experiencing life on campus from the very start. This is my story and could be yours too with Summer Start.

Riley (Ngāti Raukawa) was a Summer Start student in 2025 and is studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Science.