My First Class at Griffith University

Yesterday, I had my very first class at Griffith University. Since my class didn't start until 6:00 p.m., I had most of the day to relax, get ready, and mentally prepare myself for the experience.

My roommate had her first class before me, so I got some insight into what to expect. She told me she had gotten lost trying to find her classroom because Griffith University is much larger than the school I attend back home. Hearing that made me even more nervous. I was already anxious about attending a brand-new school in a different country, and not knowing what to expect only added to those feelings.

Before heading to campus, I spent the day talking with family and friends, doing some chores, relaxing by the pool, and getting ready for the evening. I decided to leave about an hour and fifteen minutes before class started. Even though the tram ride only takes around 20 minutes, I was worried I wouldn't be able to find my classroom in time since I didn't know the campus very well.

As I rode the tram to Griffith, I had a serious case of butterflies in my stomach. I kept thinking about all the things that could go wrong. Luckily, when I arrived on campus, I found my classroom almost immediately because it was located close to the tram stop. I definitely got lucky.

When I walked into the classroom, I quickly noticed that many of the students already knew one another. In Australia, it's common for students to attend universities close to home, unlike in the United States where many students travel farther away for college. Because of that, it seemed like most people already had established friend groups. Walking into a room full of strangers was a little awkward at first.

Thankfully, before class started, another student sat next to me, and I immediately felt more comfortable.

One of the biggest differences I noticed was the relationship between students and professors. The professors here seem much more relaxed and approachable. Rather than acting as authority figures, they interact with students almost like peers and genuinely want everyone to feel comfortable and supported. I really appreciated that atmosphere.

The biggest challenge for me was learning how to navigate the university's online system. Finding assignments, required readings, and course materials was a bit overwhelming because I wasn't familiar with the platform. Unlike my university back home, there doesn't seem to be much of an adjustment period. You dive right into the coursework from the very first class.

Although the experience was a little intimidating, it was also exciting. I'm sure it will take some time to adjust to a new campus, a new academic system, and life in a different country, but I'm looking forward to the challenge. Hopefully, I'll settle into a routine soon and get into the swing of things. I'm excited to see what Griffith University has to offer me this trimester and what experiences lie ahead.