From Malaysia to Geelong – meet one of our amazing RL’s Adeline.

Deakin Res made it possible for me to live out my dream of studying abroad. I knew from the beginning that this was where I’d grow—not just academically, but as a person.

Meet Adeline: born and raised in Bintulu, Sarawak Malaysia and now thriving at Deakin Res’ Waterfront Campus in Geelong as one of our unreal RL’s (aka Helpful Humans). She may have come to Australia for a Bachelor of Commerce, but what she found was a community that challenged, changed, and empowered her.

We caught up with Adeline and asked her all of the hard-hitting questions and boy oh boy did she share some gold – relevant for anyone thinking of calling Deakin Res home! So without further ado;

Can you tell us a bit about where you're from and what brought you to study at Deakin University?
“I chose Deakin University because it offered exactly what I was looking for, a strong Bachelor of Commerce program and the chance to experience life as an international student in Australia. I chose Deakin Res’ Waterfront Campus because my major is offered here, and the campus has the best view (!) And I felt like Deakin was the right place to grow both academically and personally, and it’s exciting to be part of such a diverse and dynamic community.”

During my time on Res, I noticed how important it was to have a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone felt valued. It’s all about creating a space where everyone feels heard, comfortable, and supported in their journey.

Adeline

What was the biggest challenge you faced when first moving to Australia, and how did you overcome it?
“One of the biggest challenges I faced when first moving to Australia was adjusting to a new culture and environment. As an international student, it was a big transition. Not just academically, but also socially. I had to navigate a different way of life, understand new cultural norms, and connect with people from various backgrounds. What helped me overcome this challenge was taking things one step at a time (believe us, this is such good advice!). I made a conscious effort to engage with others, join campus events, and connect with both local and international students. Deakin Res organises many amazing events (not just!) for international students, so I highly recommend joining these as they really help with adjusting to life here.”

And what are some of those cultural differences you have noticed, Adeline?
“Haha, well, one thing that really surprised me was eating rice with a fork! Back home, we either eat with our hands or with a spoon, so seeing people use a fork for rice was pretty funny to me. It’s just one of those little things that makes me go, “Wait, what? You do that here??” And back home, we tend to address professors or anyone in authority with more formal titles so when I called my lecturer "sir," and he was like, "No, no, just call me by my name”, it reminded me of just how casual things are here!”

Alright … now down to the business end of our chat! Tell us about all things RL!
What inspired you to become a Residential Leader?
“I was inspired to become an RL because I’ve always had a strong desire to make a positive impact on those around me. During my time on Res, I noticed how important it was to have a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone felt valued. It’s all about creating a space where everyone feels heard, comfortable, and supported in their journey and I wanted to play a role in fostering that kind of atmosphere, where residents could not only feel at home but also grow together as a community.” (Well take it from us Adeline, you’re absolutely smashing it!)

How has being a Residential Leader shaped your university experience?
“Being a Residential Leader has definitely shaped my university experience in many ways. The role has helped me develop strong leadership and communication skills. I’ve learned how to better support and guide my peers, and the responsibility has made me more proactive in addressing challenges that come up. And just when I thought I was already good at managing my time, this role showed me there was still room for improvement. Additionally, I’ve received positive feedback from my lecturers and tutors who’ve noticed a change in me and curious about what brought about this shift, and I told them that being a Residential Leader has really helped me. It’s boosted my confidence in class, during seminars, and in my overall approach to studying. Overall, this role has been a great learning experience and has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally.” 

What advice would you give to new international students thinking about living at Deakin Res or becoming an RL themselves?
“First of all, please, please, please don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! I was surprised by the person I’ve become since coming to Res and joining the RL Team. I can honestly say I’ve changed and grown a lot. If you get the chance to become a leader, go for it! It’s such a rewarding experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything. You never know what you could be missing out on if you don’t try. And a big shoutout to the awesome Campus Life team! They’re incredibly supportive and always there to guide you in your role. Their help makes everything smoother and way more enjoyable!” 

Deakin Res has given me the confidence and tools I need to thrive both academically and professionally.

If you’re thinking of calling Deakin Res home just like Adeline, we’d love to welcome you to our amazing community!

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