[Text：Trainee UM Reporter Katrina Cheong]

[Photo：Trainee UM Reporter Blue Chao] 

The residential college system implemented at the University of Macau aims to produce exemplary graduates. What is the residential college system like at the University of Newcastle? And what characteristics does it have? In order to answer these questions, a UM Reporter earlier interviewed Dr Lawrence Joseph Perry from the University of Newcastle, who was invited to give a speech in Lui Che Woo College (LCWC), on the residential college system at his university.

 

BBQ rather than High Table Dinner

Dr Perry grew up in an aboriginal town in New South Wales, and received a PhD degree in philosophy from the University of Newcastle, where he now works as a professor of aboriginal culture. According to Dr Perry, most of the students at his university cook meals by themselves or eat at restaurants because the university does not provide meals on a daily basis. ‘We do not have activities like UM’s High Table Dinner but student associations organise barbeques every week.’

 

Dr Perry thinks highly of the residential college system at UM. He said, ‘Students can get advice from their mentors and learn a lot in lectures organised by their colleges. They are also closer to each other. At the University of Newcastle, there are no mentors in the dormitory, but staff members organise activities for students on a regular basis with the help of the Students’ Union. Even though there are some differences in the residential college system between the two universities, with enough support from the universities, students from both universities can acquire various skills and achieve well-rounded development.’

 

Sports Activities Most popular

Dr Perry also said that at the University of Newcastle, there are a lot of activities organised by the various faculties, the Students’ Union, and student associations. Besides barbeques, Halloween parties, Christmas parties, and the sports meet organised by the community, are also very popular. During the interview, Dr Perry told us that the shirt he was wearing celebrates the championship of his university at one of the sports meets. ‘Sports activities help students to communicate with others in the community and build friendships. These activities can provide more opportunities for students to experience university life.’

 

Organising Activities to Strengthen Students’ Sense of Belonging

When asked about advice on how to enrich one’s college life, Dr Perry emphasised that college activities can help to increase students’ sense of belonging. He offered three pieces of advice for UM students. ‘First, stay curious because it can increase your interest in many things. Secondly, read more to enhance your ability to think and learn. Thirdly, listen before you talk and develop critical thinking.’   


Source: My UM