On Wednesday morning, Year 13 split into groups to discuss questions about their experiences of Open Day 2023.

There is nothing quite like felt pens and coloured paper to brighten up a dull morning. Year 13 were buzzing with stories and experiences from their day at Otago University and Te Pūkenga Otago on Monday. Sharing experiences was a way to widen their understanding of what each has to offer and to explore even more subjects and opportunities that they may have missed on the open day. Here are responses to some of the questions they considered:

What lectures did you attend?

Law, BCom, Finance, Marketing, Languages, Nursing, OT, Communications, HR management, International Business, Health Science, Bio CHem, Bio Medical Science, Genetics, Economics, Accounting, Psychology, Zoology, Social Anthropology, Philosophy, Global Exchange, Geography, History, English, Sociology, Theatre Studies, Surveying, Physiotherapy, Linguistics, Microbiology & Immunology, Neurosicence, Sport & Exercise, Social and Community Work, Design, Marine Science... (and the list goes on).

Was there anything/anyone that you found really inspiring in the subjects?

Law was inspiring, particularly hearing from Columba alumni Lydia (fifth year of study), Gemma (second year) and Lucy (first year). Prof Jessica Palmer was interesting

There was an overwhelmingly positive response to the psychology lecture from many students who attended, 'it was very broad and wasn't all about science: it was also about the social side of psychology'

'The way that students shared their experiences in lectures was inspiring'

Has anyone decided to change direction in terms of subjects?

'I have decided not to do HSFY (Health Science First Year) as it is too competitive. I enjoyed the Med lecture and am now considering that instead'

'I am switching from applying for Nursing to Occupational Therapy as I found that talk far more interesting and got an idea of what it would involve'

'it has been very helpful to decide what I do not want to do now. I have ruled out pharmacy'

'I am now considering teaching and law, both of which I had not had on my radar before'

'I am switching from Occupational Therapy to Vet Nursing because I know more about both now and am no longer interested in OT'

What Halls of Residence did you visit and what did you think?

Selwyn 'the outdoor area was poppin''

'good vibe and rooms with a separate study building and location/

Carrington 'looks pretty. Best grounds! Roses and an archway. Peaceful as it is in the town belt'

 Studholme 'felt like a good community',

'good vibe, kind and feels homey'' 

Hayward 'nice rooms and good vibe', 'it felt a bit like a hospital but it had big rooms'

Salmond 'free merch', 'way nicer than I was expecting' 'good vibe, big living room and communal space. Big hall'

Cumberland 'good location, mean food. No meatless Mondays. needed more cushions'

Others visited were: Knox, St Marg's, Caroline Freeman, Arana, UniCol, Toroa,

One group said 'there are some halls we ruled out as they are too far away from campus'

What was interesting about being on campus?

It is a great environment, close to halls, with easy access. Very open. Great vibe. The grounds were cool. There was a huge range of people. Boys.

6. How do you feel about next year now?

Every group said 'EXCITED'!

also: nervous, scared, 'it's thrilling'

7. What was the best part of the day?

'going to one of the open lectures'

'talking to the students and hearing their experiences'

'getting a feel for next year'

'getting to experience a taste of uni life and it gave good insight into what to do next year'

For those students considering studying in other institutions across Aotearoa, I encourage them to attend the open day to get a feel for the campus and what is on offer as it can be life changing in terms of their future direction next year. If you have any questions about tertiary study next year, please feel free to contact me at careers@columbacollege.school.nz