Gloria L.

• Hi Gloria! What are you studying?

  Bachelor of Fine Arts – Painting

• Why did you choose to study in Melbourne?

  As an aspiring artist, it was a no-brainer to move to Melbourne and study at RMIT. It’s ranked number 1 for Fine Art in all of Australasia, and located in a city abundant in food, culture, and art galleries… Plus it’s only a 3 and a half hour flight from my home in New Zealand.

• Why did you choose to live at Iglu?

  The stunning facilities and super convenient location (only 3mins from RMIT) caught my eye when researching online. And of course, the free weekday breakfasts were an added bonus. But the regional scholarship really sealed the deal for me 🙂

• What is your favourite thing about being a student?

  Enjoy uni life, trying new things, joining clubs without having to work full-time and be burdened by full-adult responsibilities… yet. And student discounts are pretty sweet too.

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

  Aside from art for uni, I love drawing in my food diary of different things I’ve eaten in Melbourne. I also love doing all sorts of crafts, playing badminton and pickleball, and exploring the city with my friends.

• As an Iglu Regional Scholarship recipient, how did the scholarship help you?

  The scholarship gave me the confidence boost I needed to move overseas to study in Melbourne. It’s still quite surreal to me how I moved to a country I’ve never been without knowing anyone. But the regional scholarship significantly eased the financial stress of living in another country.

• So you’re a Resident Leader. What’s your favourite thing about being an RL?

  I enjoy organising social events and meeting new people from all over the world. This job gives me plenty of opportunities to organise activities I’m passionate about and connect with other people who do too. I also occasionally get to use my Duolingo ahaha.

• What’s your go-to spot for studying or relaxing at Iglu?

  Either the communal study area on level 1 with friends, or the private study room on my level for a more cosy late night study/art session.

• What is your favourite thing about Iglu?

  Definitely the warm community and all the social events. It helped me make friends in a country when I initially knew no one!

• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

  Hopefully I’ll still be making art in Melbourne either as a student or working. I’m still figuring it out and that’s okay, I have faith that things will work out 😀

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

  Take part in the events and come to brekkie! That’s how I got to make so many good friends and experience new things I never would’ve tried otherwise.