Abir H

• What are you studying?

  Bachelor of Arts – Film and Media

• Why did you choose to study in Australia?

  I was attracted towards life Down Under after a month-long vacation in March 2017. The quality of life seemed impeccable and the people were incredibly warm. I came back from that trip with enough dopamine in my nervous system to last me the entire year. But I really did miss being in Australia and instantly decided to go back for more once I had graduated from high school. Looking back, I thank my stars for that life-changing holiday.

• Why did you choose to study in Melbourne?

  While being one of the most liveable and student-friendly cities in the world, Melbourne also reminds me of my hometown in India. It’s miles outside my comfort zone but it still retains that warm touch of home. The massive sports and arts cultures of the city are also a huge bonus.

• What is your favourite thing about being a student?

  Definitely Concessions! Also, the wealth of time we think we possess.

• What is your favourite thing to do when you are not studying?

  Watching films (the good stuff), playing tennis, hiking across the state, exploring the foodie hotspots within and beyond the city, and clicking some weirdly abstract photographs.

• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

  Working in Melbourne’s creative industry and hugely missing my life at Iglu.

• Why did you decide to become a Resident Leader (RL)?

  I had the good fortune of spending my first year at Iglu with some super amiable RLs. They made the normally terrifying process of adjusting to life away from home easier and less painful through their exciting events and fun interactions. Those memories inclined me to give back to the Iglu Community in my own distinct way. I wanted to be involved in creating comfortable and interesting experiences for new and upcoming residents while also being someone they can open up to and trust.

• What is your favourite thing about being a Resident Leader (RL)?

  The role gives me the opportunity to interact with literally every single person staying in the building and the creative freedom to organise events at all scales.

• What is your favourite thing about Iglu?

  The fact that it is a melting pot of students from all around the world. The experience of living in a student accommodation is simply incomparable.

• What words of wisdom would you pass on to future Iglu residents?

  1. Attend as many events as you can because you’d make some lifelong friends through your interactions within the building.
  2. The role of the RL may seem daunting but it’s an experience of a lifetime. Super rewarding! Apply whenever you get the chance.
  3. Stay ahead of the mess in your apartment. Stress levels go down dramatically when the surroundings look the way they should.