Humanitarian student’s career started with a phone call
For Western Sydney University student and Student Services Hub team member, Yulita Bassilious, her education journey has been one of finding her niche.
After enjoying the Human Rights section of her HSC subject, Legal Studies, Yulita initially pursued a degree at another university. After just a few weeks in the course, she could tell something was missing.
Despite family and friends encouraging Yulita to ‘wait it out’, she started searching online in pursuit of finding her dream course.
After searching the Western Sydney University website, she found what she thought could be a great match, a Bachelor of Humanitarian and Development Studies with a double major in Human Rights, Protection and Development and Humanitarian Preparedness and Response.
Reflecting on the pivotal moment, Yulita said she can recall her next steps exactly.
“I called the number on the website to have a chat with someone about the course and by the time the phone call ended, I was applying,” said Yulita.
“Now I’m in my final year, I am so glad I made that decision. The course is specific to what I was looking for and it was the only degree of its kind in Australia.”
The option to start the course mid-year allowed Yulita to dive right in, starting as soon as she could.
“I was nervous about starting in the middle of the year, but I am glad I took the chance instead of waiting until March the following year.”
“Starting University or changing degrees can be daunting, whether you are starting right from high school or as a non-current school leaver, change is scary. However, the support I have received from the University made a tangible difference during the transition.”
Nearing completion of her degree, Yulita has her sights set on working in women’s health education in developing countries, after being inspired by a recent guest lecturer.
“I can also see myself completing postgraduate studies in Development after working for some time,” she said.
“Studying has challenged me to dive into conversations and topics that I might find a bit out of my comfort zone, but that is the beauty of learning. The degree and overall experience at the University has impacted me on both an academic, professional and personal level.”
To learn more about the University’s mid-year entry, register here (opens in a new window) for the Campus Tours running from 3-8 June.
Getting a head start: top tips for starting uni mid-year
As a non-current school leaver herself, Western Sydney University student Yulita Bassilious knows that deciding to start university can sometimes be a daunting experience – but help is right there, whenever you need it. A member of the University’s Student Services Hub team, Yulita gives her top 5 reasons for starting university mid-year, and where to go to find help with the transition.
I’m thinking about university study and have lots of questions. Where do I go to for help?
Western’s Student Services Hub is a very helpful service that gives prospective students the opportunity to speak to current students in real time and ask any questions they may have about uni. I started as non-current school leaver and when I saw the degree I was interested in on the Western website, I spoke to someone at the Student Services Hub who talked to me about the degree and the process of applying. They explained to me that as a non-current school leaver you don’t just have your ATAR or equivalent to put in your application, so having someone explain that process to me was insightful.
How can I manage being a studying parent and juggling my work commitments?
These are some of the most common questions about how to juggle uni study with life and work. There’s lots of help available. One of the most common questions we get is about childcare facilities, which is a service offered at six of our campuses. Childcare service fees are by the hour, so if you need your child to be looked after only for two hours while you go to class, you won’t need to pay for the full day.
I haven’t studied in a long time, what if I need help with my writing and study skills?
This is a very common question and students are often relieved to hear of study resources including academic literacy programs, library assistance and study sessions available to all students. Throughout my degree academics have always been supportive responding swiftly to any questions, offering phone calls or zoom calls to ensure I was getting the best support. The peer-to-peer study programs are very helpful as well.
I don’t always have a quiet place at home, how do I study and work on assignments?
The University’s library and study spaces, including communal study halls, on campus are adequately equipped with power outlets to charge your device and provide you with a quiet space to revise notes or catch up on assignments. On campus Western Wi-Fi is free, meaning that you don’t have to worry about using mobile data during class or your time at the library.
I think I will need additional support to complete my degree, where do I find this?
There is a variety of welfare support services available for students including free counselling services and disability support to ensure students with a disability feel more confident in starting university and supported throughout their journey. It is important to note that our welfare and disability services can support students as early as once they make an application and speak to them at that stage about any concerns. Another great benefit is the free student breakfast which helps with rushed mornings and saving money.
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