Meet Tom, the 2024 Cromwell College Fresher of the Year! Discover how his passion for getting involved and fully embracing college life set him apart and inspired his peers. Join us in celebrating the journey of a student who proves that engagement makes all the difference!
Hometown: Cairns, Far North Queensland
Degree of Study: Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology at UQ.
When I initially came to Cromwell, I had no idea what to expect: I didn’t know anyone from Cairns and was worried that I would struggle with making friends and connecting to new people. This was so far from reality, with my new room becoming my home and my newly made friends becoming family. Even when feeling homesick, there’s many available support systems that we were encouraged to use whenever possible: such as talking to your RA, reaching out to the college counsellor and of course the people around you. The college also provides academic support in the form of academic mentors who check in with you either weekly or fortnightly to check your progress in your subjects, which created a friendly face of someone studying in your faculty who’s already acquired the experience of studying while at college away from home. There are also tutorials available upon request, for whatever subject that you need assistance or help with.
Some of the most memorable days of my fresher year were in O-week, being able to find new people and learn their story while telling your own was an experience every incoming fresher should look forward to. I also loved getting involved with college sports, regardless of if you’ve played or not, you’ll be supported and encouraged to have a crack! From trainings after study sessions to playing a game against another college, being supported by the Crommie family, it’s something that I can’t recommend enough to the freshers and returners of next year.
Although maybe a bit bias, I can confidently say that Cromwell has the best food around: with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergy options available at every meal. Not to mention the late meal system, making sure that even if you miss the designated dinner time, you can still get a meal made for you and not go hungry after a late class at university.
My key takeaway from my fresher year is that you should get involved as much as possible, because it will benefit you in every aspect of your new life. Learn who’s in your course and have study sessions, get out and try new sports with the people in your corridor, cheer on your new friends when they’re playing too. Keep study a priority and do as many new things as you can, talk to as many people as possible and don’t be afraid to lean on others for support.
Written by Thomas Hislam
