Brody

ANU has an incredible reputation both domestically and around the world.  I chose ANU because I wanted to try somewhere different, a little further from my home in Brisbane.  The strength of the International Relations and Political Science program at ANU really impressed me.  I couldn't think of anywhere my logical to study these areas.

I decided to study a combined degree because I felt it gave me a greater scope and understanding.  I believe that if we are to be governed by a legal system, it is only fair that we understand it.  Furthermore, I think we can only truly comprehend our own political and legal systems after having studied others, gaining an invaluable sense of perspective.

I have found that the most suprising thing about my course is the real-life scenarios in the form of first-hand experiences with Politicians and Diplomats.  Canberra is the hub of domestic politics and it is also the home to Foreign Embassies and High Commissions.  I am so lucky to have had guest lecturers who are working at the forefront of politics both domestically and internationally.

My average day as a student involves rolling out of bed five minutes before class, eating breakfast as I race through the beautiful bushy campus. I start the morning in bustling Madrid, or sometimes South America, learning subtle nuances of Spanish culture and colloquialisms. Zip back to Canberra to hear the latest from the High Court, maybe even examining the legislation being drafted up across the lake. The afternoon hits and we’re off overseas again, talking policy of the European Union in Brussels, or perhaps examining the political institutions over in Washington D.C. A spot of basketball in the afternoon. Back to College for dinner, which is always the best part of the day. You sit down with 300 of your closest friends, and share stories about the day. Following dinner comes a few hours of study or procrastination later that night, before getting ready to do it all again tomorrow.

My advice to anyone thinking about coming to ANU is really consider it.  When you are here at ANU make sure you get involved in everything you possibly can.  My moto at Uni is "bite off more than you can chew and then chew like mad!" There is so much to see and do and so much to get involved in, and with a bit of planning you can maximize your University experience.  With the right balance, you will make so many new friends and have so many experiences (academic and otherwise) that you will never forget.

Brody has since graduated from the university.