Meet your 2025 Residential Leaders: Your Helpful Humans

We know that moving out of home is a *big* deal. Whether you’re buzzing with excitement or feeling a bit nervous (totally normal, by the way!), we promise you’re not alone. Everyone heading to Deakin Res for the first time is in the same boat, and we’re here to make sure you feel right at home!   

One of the best parts of the ‘moving to Res’ experience is the amazing support from our **Helpful Humans**—your friendly Residential Leaders (RLs)! These are Resi’s just like you, but they’ve been living the Res life for at least a year (or more!). They know exactly what it’s like to feel both excited *and* unsure about the big move, and now they’re all about helping you settle in, make new friends, and love every moment of the res experience.  

Our RLs come from all over the world—from Country Victoria to interstate and every corner of the globe. They’re warm, welcoming, and full of good vibes, helping create the inclusive and friendly atmosphere you’ll get to enjoy from the moment you step onto Res.  

They’re your go-to crew for *everything*; support during your transition, organising awesome events, and just being that familiar face when you need it. They’re trained in everything from mental health First Aid to respectful relationships, but what really sets them apart is how they live and breathe our RESPECT values every day. Our RL’s are a huge part of what sets Deakin Res apart. 

We caught up with two of our incoming Residential Leaders, Felicity from Waurn Ponds and Joshua from Burwood, right after their action-packed two-week training program to ask them some questions about their roles and how to make the most of Res life in 2025.   

What advice would you give to incoming students for 2025 to prepare for Uni and Res life, and to make the most of it when they get here?

"Remember, you’re not alone! There’s a whole community of residents and staff here to support you. Making friends and building connections can really transform your time on Res, so don’t miss out on events and socials. They're fantastic opportunities to meet others with similar interests, find study buddies, or just have a laugh after a long day. So, step out, be yourself, and embrace all the moments, big and small, that make the university experience truly unforgettable.” – Joshua  

"Be super open-minded and attend as many events as you can, because you'll meet so many more resi’s... but most importantly, keep an open mind!" – Felicity
 

How have you found living on campus so far? What are some of the highlights?

"I love it and it’s soooo much fun! A highlight for me has definitely been Res sport [a weekly friendly competition for all sporting levels], and another highlight was becoming an RL and attending RL camp!" – Felicity

"As an international student living away from my family for the first time, adjusting was definitely challenging at first. But the events on Res and around campus helped me meet new people and build friendships that felt like home. It’s the big *and* small moments that have made this experience unforgettable." – Joshua

What are you looking forward to in your role as an RL?

"I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone in my College (and all the resi’s in general!), increasing College pride, encouraging more event participation, and building that College spirit so everyone feels like they belong!" – Felicity   

"As an RL, I’m genuinely excited to help new students feel at home on Res and experience it as fully as I have. My goal is to create a welcoming environment where students feel part of a community. If I can make Res feel like a home away from home for them, then I’ll know I’ve done my job!"* – Joshua

In addition to our incredible Helpful Humans, our friendly 24/7 reception staff are always here to help! So whether you’re getting your thoughts and belongings ready and think of a random question, or whether you’re feeling nervous and need some clarification on something, don’t hesitate to reach out. They’ll assist you in a flash!   

We (our staff and incredible Helpful Humans) can’t wait to welcome you to Res soon and help you settle into your new home away from home.   

It’s been an incredible journey, one that’s given me friendships, support, and memories I’ll carry with me always." – **Joshua**