"We have had great lecturers and the pace of the course is pretty ideal for me. With a lot of freedom and self-directed learning in Biomedicine, I have developed a stronger sense of responsibility and discipline."
Qi Xu started the Bachelor of Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne in 2019, after completing high school at Raffles Institution back home in Singapore.
The University of Melbourne’s excellent reputation convinced Qi Xu to complete his tertiary studies in Australia.
"I chose the University of Melbourne due to its prestige and credibility as one of the top universities in the world. I have also visited Melbourne twice in the past and really liked the atmosphere and people.
"It certainly took a few months to get used to the new culture and environment I was thrust into, but it has been an enjoyable experience learning new things about Australia. The University of Melbourne has helped by giving many avenues to make friends and have a support system through student clubs and societies or union events."
For Qi Xu, staying at a residential college has added to his university experience.
"Moving away from home has its pros and cons. It is great to stay at Newman College – it has saved me a lot of travelling time. It is also good that I am staying with many friends as a result of moving out; it is easy to find things to do together. However, having stayed with my parents for twenty years, it definitely requires some getting used to staying on my own and it can get tough at times without the constant support of my family in person."
Although Qi Xu has not chosen his specialisation yet, the Bachelor of Biomedicine, he is able to pursue his passion for biology and chemistry.
"It would be great to develop this passion into a career, hopefully one that will be beneficial to society. I personally enjoy finding out more about the human body, so I have found biology to be rather fascinating. We have had great lecturers and the pace of the course is pretty ideal for me. With a lot of freedom and self-directed learning in Biomedicine, I have developed a stronger sense of responsibility and discipline."
The Melbourne Model allows students to pursue their interests outside of their specialisation and diversify their world view. So far Qi Xu has taken BLAW10001 Principles of Business Law.
"I found it interesting and applicable to daily life. For instance, we were taught about what constitutes a legally binding contract, and also our rights as consumers – information that I found would be useful in the future. I really enjoyed reading about various interesting cases that have been decided in the past."
Outside of class, Qi Xu enjoys an active social life, considering the new friends and experiences definite highlights of his Biomed journey so far.
"I had a great time with my friends at the Newman College ball, and the rowing regatta I was involved in was a novel experience for me. It was challenging both physically and mentally."
Qi Xu is inspired by his parents and doctors.
"It is amazing how my parents do so much not just for themselves but for me as well. I am also inspired by the doctors that have treated me in the past, as the gratitude they made me feel is something I would be most honoured to give to others."
After completing his Bachelor of Biomedicine, Qi Xu intends to complete his Doctor of Medicine at the University of Melbourne.
"Study something that you enjoy, or that would lead to a career you enjoy! It definitely makes studying easier."