From Res to Real World: Emily’s Life-Changing Journey

If you’ve ever wondered what life on Res really looks like, Emily’s story is one you’ll want to hear. 

From moving interstate during a global pandemic to building lifelong friendships and launching a meaningful career, her journey is a powerful reminder of just how transformative the Res experience can be. 

"I lived at the Waurn Ponds campus,” Emily shares. “I technically started living on campus during 2020 but COVID had other plans, so I didn’t really get to be there properly until 2021 (yay for border restrictions), and stayed until I finished my Masters at the end of 2024.

Originally from regional South Australia, the move to Geelong was a big one, but one she’ll never regret. 

"Geelong was a big change, but I am so glad I got to experience living somewhere else and even more so that that place was Deakin Res!"

Finding her path (and her people) 

During her time on Res, Emily completed not one, but two degrees. 

"I studied two degrees whilst on res - my Bachelor of Psychological Science, which I finished at the end of 2022, and my Master of Social Work at the end of 2024."

But like many residents, it wasn’t just about study, it was about stepping into something new. 

"I chose Res because as someone who had never lived away from home and was moving to an entirely new state, it made sense to be somewhere that was affordable and would enable me to have a community on my doorstep."

And that sense of community delivered in every way. 

"What stood out to me was the level of support, the community, the opportunities to engage with people from all walks of life and try things I might not have otherwise, and the convenience of being so close to campus!"

“Absolutely life changing” 

Ask Emily to sum up her experience in three words, and she doesn’t hesitate: 

"Absolutely life changing. I genuinely believe that. I wouldn’t be who I am today if I hadn’t lived on res. Nor would I have the people in my life that I do."

It’s a big statement - but one she backs up wholeheartedly. 

"How has res impacted my life? Where do I even begin? For starters, I met amazing people that are my closest friends even now, who I would not have met otherwise as we all studied different degrees."

But it went deeper than friendships. 

Res gave me so much more than just friendship. Res gave me independence, freedom, and the chance to grow. Living on res taught me resilience… something I need to have in spades for my career as a social worker, especially in child protection, where I currently work.

Amy Shay

A time of fun and growth  

When asked to think back to a core memory on Res, Emily lights up talking about her time as a Residential Leader (RL): 

"My RL year in 2022 was the best year of uni and one of the best of my life to date. I was exhausted and buried under third year psych studies, and yet I had so much fun. Being an RL was a truly magical experience that gave me all my best and most fond memories of Res."

It’s that balance - challenge, growth, and fun that defines the Res experience for so many students. 

Emily’s advice? Go all in. 

For anyone on the fence about moving onto Res, Emily’s message is simple and powerful: 

"Just do it. Even if you don’t think you can. I thought that too - that it was too far away from home and there were definitely days where I struggled with that. 

But Res taught me so much about the world and about myself."

Her advice? Make the most of every moment. 

"If you make the move, take it with both hands and run for your life, because it’s an experience not everyone gets to have. So, if you’re lucky enough to experience Res, take all the opportunities you can! 

Put yourself out there, make the connections, push your comfort zone, create memories you’ll still talk about when you’re eighty!" 

And in true Emily fashion, she leaves us with this: 

"As Taylor Swift said: make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it - you’ve got no reason to be afraid!"