New Bond University student Jessica Cook can’t wait to get on campus.
While most universities start their second semester in a couple of months, Bond University will have some students returning to campus for their second semester which started today.
The Miami local will study a Bachelor of Business and Commerce after graduating from Somerset College last year.
Bond University’s orientation week may have been a little unique due to Covid-19, but Cook says all her fears about starting her degree online have been put to rest.
“It’s not how I thought I’d start Uni life, but the support is amazing,” Ms Cook said.
“I’m so excited to start, it isn’t the ideal situation, but it is still going to be great.
“I was scared, because I’m starting university and now I have to do it online, I thought ‘how am I going to do this’, but I’m actually not scared now because of all the support and help we’ve had.”
Cook enjoyed her first week in Bond’s new virtual world.
“I wasn’t expecting much with the online stuff and just sitting in my room on my computer, but they have been super helpful,” she said.
“I’ve learned everything about the campus and all the resources I can use, so it isn’t daunting at all.
“The way online has been done, being able to chat with your classmates and individual smaller groups for assignments, I was sceptical at first, but the way it is all setup is so amazing.”
The 18-year-old is hoping to return to campus life soon and throw herself into the social and sporting lifestyle on the Gold Coast campus.
“I’m so keen to get involved with the events, the sport, meeting people, the international students, I can’t wait,” she said.
“I played netball and AFL at school and hopefully we can get back into those soon.
“We won AFL the last two years with Somerset, the APS Summer season for open women – so I’m keen to get involved in all aspects of University life as soon as possible.”
The University has mapped a staged campus reactivation plan that is consistent with Government and Health advice. Libraries and student study areas will be open with social distancing protocols in operation. A limited number of sports facilities will be opened on a staged booking basis.