Getting Connected in Person

Study Groups

Study groups are a great way to get to know your classmates better while working through difficult material. A typical group might meet once a week for an hour or two, with set readings to discuss. Some will set questions in advance, others might work more spontaneously in how they deal with the material each week. 4-6 people tends to be a workable group size, where you get enough ideas and discussion flowing without the group being so big that not all members have an opportunity to contribute.

The section on wikis will show you a great way to share your notes and collaborate on projects, whether for a class, a group project, or a study group.

Clubs

1. What is wushu?

   • The sound of the wind rushing under the Raymond Priestly Building.
   • The sound of deadlines passing.
   • A form of traditional Chinese martial art.

2. Is there a Nerd Society on campus?

   • No, nerds don't network.
   • Yes, but you have to be a rocket science student to join.
   • No, but I'd like to start one!

3. What is futsal?

   • Some kind of foot deodoriser.
   • A New Zealand platform shoe.
   • A format of five-a-side football that is played extensively throughout the world.

4. If the student group or club I'd like to join doesn't exist, I should:

   • Drop out of uni and never speak to anyone again.
   • Stage a protest on the South Lawn, wearing nothing but a sign with the name of the group I want.
   • Start my own group with help from UMPA.

Joining professional societies or clubs or sitting as a postgrad rep on departmental committees are other excellent ways of connecting to your scholarly community and getting to know how things work not only in your department, but in your discipline and across the University. It's worthwhile to join early in your degree to get the most out of the experience throughout your postgraduate studies. You can find listings of current clubs and societies through the Student Union and UMPA or via your department's website. Alternatively, start your own postgraduate club or group with the help of a little funding from UMPA.

Seminar series

Your department seminar series can be an interesting forum in which to find out about the most exciting projects and the latest research findings in your area, as well as another way of getting connected. Most departments advertise their seminars through their websites. You may also find other departments' seminars to be of interest, so check out their websites periodically. Seminars and other events are also advertised through the 'community' pages on many faculty websites, or even through the University home page. Finally, if in doubt, ask your department's administrative staff about the seminar series - they are often the best informed people around.

Industry lectures in your department

Attend attend attend! These can be one-off opportunities to meet people who may feature largely in your future. Not just the speakers, but the other people attending are likely to have interests that match yours. You can find details of future lectures through your department's website or on the Community Programs website.