A week in the life of a Business student

Caitlin Farrelly is currently in her final year studying the Bachelor of Business (Logistics and Supply Chain Management). She’s active in various associations and has recently returned from Shanghai, China as part of the Student Ambassadors Program. She tells us what life is really like studying here at RMIT.

I start the morning with...

I’m usually working in the morning in one of my two part-time jobs; as a customer support officer at RMIT Connect which usually involves helping students with administration, support queries as well as work and study opportunities. I also work at the Co-Op Bookshop down the road. 

I found these jobs via Jobs on Campus, and the flexibility around work is amazing. Managers are so supportive and understanding - if you have exam on they’ll offer you time off with no questions asked!

One of the best things is that I’m on one tram line between work and uni, so it’s very convenient for me to get from work to class.

By lunchtime I would have done…

Classes!  I would have either had a lecture or tutorial and then I would usually meet up with my friends to study. 

Later in the afternoon I usually have some BSA group meetings or emails that I have to get to. It’s a big job having just taken over the President role but we are all really relaxed and we enjoy spending time working with other associations to help students during their time at Uni. 

Sometimes I head back to work, depending on how busy I am with study. I’m lucky that my work is really flexible so I am able to change my availability to suit my schedule each week.

Study time…

I really like studying in groups as it keeps me on track and helps me focus and not get distracted. Some subjects get quite hard at times so I turn to the Student Learning Advisor Mentors (SLAMS), who usually call you if you’re not doing so well. It was really nice to get advice from students who are on my level and not someone who’s senior and doesn’t understand what you’re going through.

There’s a drop in centre where SLAMs are available anytime and I’ve found them to be so helpful and supporting with tips and study notes. 

Time to relax…

I usually spend time with friends to relax and unwind. We are usually on campus hanging out, at Melbourne Central or eating some pasta on Lygon Street. It’s so convenient here at RMIT, we are so central to everything. 

I end the day with….

A movie. It helps me unwind and usually on the weekends I hit the gym and go for a run. And sleep - I can’t stress how a good night of sleep makes everything so much better!

What I’ve learnt… 

It’s never a straight road. 

I initially wanted to study Arts at Melbourne Uni and then at Change of Preference decided Business at RMIT was more suited to what I wanted to do after school.

Grades are important but it’s not the end of the world if you don’t get what you set out to achieve. I’ve struggled with some subjects during my course and I’ve learnt to work harder and to ask for help because there’s so much support out there.  There’s never just one way to get to where you want to go. I’m really enjoying my course and I’ve never looked back.

Story: Rita Truong