Postgraduate Coursework Student Profile
Lidya Kusmanto
What are you studying in the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning?
I am studying Master of Urban Design. This semester is now my second semester. I am always enthusiastic to learn every subject offered in this University. Although some of the subjects are tough subjects, this becomes a great experience as well as a challeng to me. I have learned a lot by being a part of interesting classes, like the design studio. I have learned how to communicate with everyone (including the lecturers, the guest critics and the students) to explain my design through verbal and visual communication. I like the atmosphere of working in the studio.
What did you study before commencing your studies at the University of Melbourne, and at which institution?
I followed English Course at Hawthorn English Language Centre; then I finished my study of Graduate Diploma in English (International Language) in Melbourne University Private (MUP). Those have assisted me to develop my English, preparing my academic skills and language to study in the University of Melbourne.
What interested you in coming to the University of Melbourne? What attracted you to the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning?
Since my background was architecture, I was interested to further develop my knowledge in architecture by focusing more on the broader involvement project which is being realized in 'urban design'.
The University of Melbourne is the only University which provides the specific course that I want to study in Victoria. This University is very well-known in my home country, Indonesia. It is also reputed for its quality of teaching. Therefore, I am interested to experience a very useful education from this University.
How are you finding your experience at the University so far? What are the highlights?
It has been a great experience to study at the University of Melbourne. All the professors, the lecturers and the academic and administrative staff have helped me a lot in the process of my studying. They are very professional and very kind.
The library in the University of Melbourne is another aspect that becomes the major strength in this University. It is one of the largest university libraries in Australia and has many collections of books, research materials, maps, and so on. The library is also very convenient and has complete materials that are definitely useful for my studying.
Also, I have met many students from different countries around the world. It has been a good experience to study with different students coming from different countries because each will have and bring different perspectives; thus we can learn from each other.
What are you planning to do when you have completed your studies at Melbourne?
I will bring everything useful that I have learned in the University of Melbourne to my home country after finishing my studies at Melbourne. By learning and acknowledging different education methods and different cultures this will develop my perspective for seeing the world in a bigger scale.
What advice do you have for other students thinking of studying in the Faculty?
I really encourage students who are thinking to study in this Faculty to find useful information on this Faculty in your home country first. The University of Melbourne usually initiates an Education Expo in some countries, so that students can find information that they need to know. Indeed, some of the representatives from the Faculty can assist you with all your questions. All the information from the website is also very useful.
My significant advice for those who want to study in this Faculty is that studying in this Faculty would become the most useful experience for you to develop and widen your perspectives and knowledge, so do not have a doubt to study here.