Lilly turns up on the Choosing Your Uni podcast with a story you do not hear every day: she’s a UTAS student ambassador… who is not actually a student right now. She graduated with a Bachelor of Psychological Science, spent the year gearing up for a new allied health path, started it, and then made the call to withdraw in week one. Not because she “failed”, but because she realised it was not where she could see herself long-term.

Recording from a sparkling end-of-winter day in Launceston, Rob and Lilly unpack what it really feels like to change your mind, why that decision is often harder than the change itself, and how talking to people in the industry can completely reshape your view of what a career actually looks like day-to-day.

They also dive into what psychology is like at UTAS (including the surprise stats-heavy reality of the degree), the honours and masters pathway to becoming a psychologist, and why studying in Launceston can feel like a genuinely friendly, close-knit campus community.

This podcast is brought to you by ⁠⁠Choosing Your Uni⁠⁠ - our mission is to make choosing a subject area, and an institution, fun, easy and stress-free. Our AI-powered platform unearths fields of study and institutions that match your interests and goals, with detailed information helping you to dig into career options, day-in-the-life scenarios, Open Days, extracurricular options, support services and much much more. No more endless Google searches, ⁠⁠Choosing Your Uni⁠⁠ is your one-stop-shop for navigating the journey to university.

Since 2017, our independent, unbiased content has been viewed millions of times on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, and we've supported tens of thousands of students to make the right decision on which degree, and institution, is best suited to them.

You can contact us via email at ⁠⁠[email protected]

Canberra gets a weird rap. Too cold, too boring, too “public service-core”. So we took the Choosing Your Uni podcast somewhere we’ve never recorded before, a literal wine bar on campus at ANU, to test the myths in real time.

In this episode, Rob chats with Alyssa Ingham, who moved from Sydney at 18 chasing the closest thing Australia has to that classic “campus uni” vibe, where class is a short walk away and everything you need is basically on-site.

They unpack what surprised her most about ANU life, why double degrees are basically an ANU signature, and how the direct application process can lock in an offer before ATAR results land (plus scholarships and accommodation in the same hit).

And just when you think it’s a normal campus chat, it takes a turn into the kind of extracurriculars you’d never guess exist, including a uniquely ANU sport that starts with a blindfold and ends with a 100km navigation run.

This podcast is brought to you by ⁠⁠Choosing Your Uni⁠⁠ - our mission is to make choosing a subject area, and an institution, fun, easy and stress-free. Our AI-powered platform unearths fields of study and institutions that match your interests and goals, with detailed information helping you to dig into career options, day-in-the-life scenarios, Open Days, extracurricular options, support services and much much more. No more endless Google searches, ⁠⁠Choosing Your Uni⁠⁠ is your one-stop-shop for navigating the journey to university. Since 2017, our independent, unbiased content has been viewed millions of times on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, and we've supported tens of thousands of students to make the right decision on which degree, and institution, is best suited to them. You can contact us via email at ⁠⁠[email protected]

On the University of Notre Dame Australia’s Sydney campus, Rob Malicki sits down with Deanne (School of Nursing and Midwifery) and Maddie (final-year student) to unpack what nursing really looks like beyond the brochure.

They talk about the hands-on side of the degree (including a big focus on clinical placements and simulation training), what surprised Maddie most once she started learning real skills, and the kinds of students who tend to thrive in nursing. You’ll also hear about campus life and support, plus Maddie’s honest advice for Year 11 and 12 students who feel the pressure to “pick perfectly”.

If you’re considering nursing (or trying to help someone choose), this episode will give you the detail that actually matters, without the fluff.

This podcast is brought to you by ⁠⁠Choosing Your Uni⁠⁠ - our mission is to make choosing a subject area, and an institution, fun, easy and stress-free.

Our AI-powered platform unearths fields of study and institutions that match your interests and goals, with detailed information helping you to dig into career options, day-in-the-life scenarios, Open Days, extracurricular options, support services and much much more. No more endless Google searches, ⁠⁠Choosing Your Uni⁠⁠ is your one-stop-shop for navigating the journey to university.

Since 2017, our independent, unbiased content has been viewed millions of times on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, and we've supported tens of thousands of students to make the right decision on which degree, and institution, is best suited to them.

You can contact us via email at ⁠⁠[email protected]

Somewhere between the palm trees and the bright Gold Coast sun, a Bond University graduate drops a line of advice that sounds almost too simple to be real.

Say yes to everything.

Not in a hustle-culture way. More in a deeply human way. The kind of yes that feels awkward. The kind of yes that makes your stomach flip. The kind of yes that stops you from hiding in your room and instead pulls you into conversations, leadership roles, and opportunities you did not even know existed.

In this episode, Rob Malicki sits down with Saxon from Bond University, who has just finished a double degree in Law and International Relations, and is now completing his Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. What unfolds is a rapid-fire tour through what “making the most of uni” can actually look like when you lean into it, even when it’s scary.

Saxon takes us across the globe through the international experiences that shaped his time at Bond. Geneva in first year, where he found himself in the diplomatic hub of the world meeting humanitarian representatives and learning quickly how global systems really work. Japan, where he represented China in a Model UN setting and got a taste of how challenging it is to argue perspectives that are not your own. India, where a winter school in law and society turned into an immersive cultural experience, new friendships, and a very important Taj Mahal photo.

Then comes the moment that feels like it belongs in a movie.

Saxon applies to speak at the UN General Assembly podium, not expecting much, and gets selected. Suddenly, a dream he had been carrying since Year 11 becomes real. The nerves hit hard, until the night before, when he stands in Times Square with snow falling, the world rushing past, and practises the speech anyway. The next day, he steps up and does it for real.

But the story is not just about international travel and big stages.

It’s also about what Saxon says surprised him most about studying at Bond: access. Not just to resources, but to people. Doors opening. Conversations with senior leaders. A knock on a door in a student residence that turns into a connection with Bond’s Chief Integrity Officer, and before long, Saxon has a seat at the table contributing to policy review work. It’s a reminder that sometimes the biggest opportunities are not advertised. They happen because you put your hand up, introduce yourself, and follow the thread.

Rob and Saxon pull the lesson back to something every student can use, no matter the university: uni will present opportunities, but it’s on you to take them. Leadership roles. Internships. Overseas programs. Conferences. Conversations after class. The students who go far are often not the loudest or the most confident. They’re the ones who keep saying yes, one brave decision at a time.

This podcast is brought to you by ⁠⁠Choosing Your Uni⁠⁠ - our mission is to make choosing a subject area, and an institution, fun, easy and stress-free. Our AI-powered platform unearths fields of study and institutions that match your interests and goals, with detailed information helping you to dig into career options, day-in-the-life scenarios, Open Days, extracurricular options, support services and much much more. No more endless Google searches, ⁠⁠Choosing Your Uni⁠⁠ is your one-stop-shop for navigating the journey to university.

Since 2017, our independent, unbiased content has been viewed millions of times on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, and we've supported tens of thousands of students to make the right decision on which degree, and institution, is best suited to them.

You can contact us via email at [email protected]

In this episode, Ruby takes us through the moments that shaped her decision to study marine science in Tasmania. The careers expo poster that caught her eye. The legendary Maria Island Experience that helped put UTAS on the map for her (even though she applied three times and never got in). The serious comparison between James Cook University and UTAS, and why she ultimately chose to come south, not just for the course, but for the Southern Ocean, Antarctica, and the parts of marine science most people do not even realise exist.

From there, we go wide. Ruby unpacks what Hobart is actually like to live in, who it suits, how international students can find community, and why Tasmania has a “kindred spirit” energy that reminds her of home. We talk about the day-to-day reality of marine biology, including the balance between fieldwork and desk work, the myth that you’re diving 24/7, and the very real moment where you discover your new worst enemy is a programming platform called R.

Then things get properly interesting.

Ruby explains how marine science is increasingly a data game, including her honours project using machine learning to understand Australian sea lions through video, GPS and accelerometer data. We get into the “science-policy gap”, why evidence does not automatically turn into action, and how Ruby’s second major in governance has shaped her view of where real change happens. There’s also a sobering reminder of why this work matters, with discussion of major marine impacts hitting South Australia, and what it looks like when ecosystems, industries, and communities all feel the ripple effects at once.

Along the way, Ruby shares the part of uni life students often overlook, but later wish they hadn’t: leadership roles, student representation, internships (including CSIRO), industry placements, and the power of simply staying back after class, asking questions, and being willing to send the email. Not because you’re meant to do everything, but because opportunities appear when you are paying attention.

We finish with one of those deceptively simple reflections that lands hard: you change more than you think you will at uni. Ruby arrived as a shy 18-year-old. A few years later, she’s built a network, a skill set, and a sense of direction that would have sounded impossible back in high school.

If you’ve ever wondered what marine science actually looks like as a degree, a lifestyle, and a career path, Ruby’s story is the kind of “real” that helps you picture yourself in it.

This podcast is brought to you by ⁠⁠Choosing Your Uni⁠⁠ - our mission is to make choosing a subject area, and an institution, fun, easy and stress-free. Our AI-powered platform unearths fields of study and institutions that match your interests and goals, with detailed information helping you to dig into career options, day-in-the-life scenarios, Open Days, extracurricular options, support services and much much more. No more endless Google searches, ⁠⁠Choosing Your Uni⁠⁠ is your one-stop-shop for navigating the journey to university.

Since 2017, our independent, unbiased content has been viewed millions of times on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, and we've supported tens of thousands of students to make the right decision on which degree, and institution, is best suited to them. You can contact us via email at ⁠⁠[email protected]

Should you take a gap year after high school? It’s a question thousands of students ask every year, and the answer isn’t always clear.

In this podcast, Rob Malicki from Choosing Your Uni breaks down the real reasons to take a gap year (and the times you probably shouldn’t).

We cover:

✔ Why friends, independence, and travel can make a gap year life-changing

✔ Why you don’t have to fear “missing out”, uni itself has amazing travel opportunities

✔ When skipping the gap year makes sense (and how to know if it’s really YOUR choice)

✔ Why needing a break after Year 12 is completely okay

Whether you’re craving freedom, unsure of your next step, or considering going straight to uni, this video will give you the right questions to ask so you can make the best decision for your future.

When Aavash left Kathmandu, Nepal for Australia, he wasn’t just chasing a degree—he was chasing a feeling of home. In this conversation, he shares how Toowoomba’s crisp winters and breezy summers drew him to the University of Southern Queensland, and how a love of coding and community is shaping his future.

Highlights from our chat:

• Why USQ stood out – From its top-400 world ranking to Australian Computer Society accreditation, Aavash explains the practical reasons behind his choice.

• From web to software development – His plan to start in web development before moving into bigger software projects.

• Residential college life – How living on campus has built lifelong friendships and kept homesickness at bay.

• Sport and social connections – Football clubs, gym sessions and endless campus events that make student life vibrant.

• Weather that feels like home – Cool winters, warm summers and that famous Toowoomba breeze.

  
  

Small class sizes, hybrid learning options and supportive lecturers round out the experience, giving Aavash the flexibility to work and study while staying connected to family back in Nepal.

Global Horizons is a production of The Global Society, Australia’s Learning Abroad support company. Our editor is Len Zamora and our distribution specialist is Angelo Ablao. Rob Malicki is the executive editor and host.

The podcast wouldn’t be possible without The Koala News, Australia’s international education news website. This episode is supported by Choosing Your Uni, Australia's unique, AI-powered platform that helps domestic and international students to find the right institution for them, and that helps Australian institutions to access new markets.

For guest suggestions and feedback, email [email protected].

When Anita Van Rooyen tells you she used to be cripplingly shy, it’s hard to believe. Today she’s a dynamo of confidence—helping students everywhere discover their own courage and voice.

I met Anita at a conference and was instantly struck by her energy. In this conversation she shares the turning points that took her from saying “no” to everything to becoming a sought-after coach transforming student lives. We talk about why courage comes before confidence, why words like “mental health” can push students away, and how small acts—like never walking past a compliment—can change the world.

Episode Highlights:

• •Anita’s “lightning bolt” moment: If nothing changes, nothing changes.
• The “Courage Bucket” exercise and why action creates confidence.
• Why she refuses to use the words “mental health” in student programs—and what she says instead.
• Quick confidence boosts: 92-second dance breaks, posture shifts, and the art of dropping a “compliment bomb.”
• How universities can re-think orientation and prevention to truly support students.

From corporate fundraiser to confidence coach recognised by the Australian Government, Anita proves that a shy kid from Bright, Victoria can become a global advocate for student wellbeing—and have a lot of fun along the way.

This podcast is brought to you by ⁠⁠Choosing Your Uni⁠⁠ - our mission is to make choosing a subject area, and an institution, fun, easy and stress-free. Our AI-powered platform unearths fields of study and institutions that match your interests and goals, with detailed information helping you to dig into career options, day-in-the-life scenarios, Open Days, extracurricular options, support services and much much more. No more endless Google searches, ⁠⁠Choosing Your Uni⁠⁠ is your one-stop-shop for navigating the journey to university.

Since 2017, our independent, unbiased content has been viewed millions of times on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, and we've supported tens of thousands of students to make the right decision on which degree, and institution, is best suited to them.

You can contact us via email at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠.

Blue skies, budding trees and the buzz of Open Day set the scene as Rob chats with two students—both coincidentally named Maddy—who are thriving at the University of Notre Dame, Sydney.

Madi, a Bachelor of Arts student diving deep into philosophy and history, reveals how a teenage curiosity about “jobs for antisocial people” led her to archiving and, eventually, a love of big questions and academic life. Madison, a second-year nursing student, shares how Notre Dame’s supportive culture and practical pathways drew her in—and why the degree gives her options far beyond the hospital ward.

Together they talk about finding confidence, building community through the Student Association and Sonder, and the unexpected ways university can transform you. From late-teen nerves to a sense of purpose, their stories highlight Notre Dame’s unique, student-centred approach: a place where learning isn’t just about a degree, but about discovering who you are and what you can become.

This podcast is brought to you by ⁠⁠Choosing Your Uni⁠⁠ - our mission is to make choosing a subject area, and an institution, fun, easy and stress-free. Our AI-powered platform unearths fields of study and institutions that match your interests and goals, with detailed information helping you to dig into career options, day-in-the-life scenarios, Open Days, extracurricular options, support services and much much more. No more endless Google searches, ⁠⁠Choosing Your Uni⁠⁠ is your one-stop-shop for navigating the journey to university.

Since 2017, our independent, unbiased content has been viewed millions of times on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, and we've supported tens of thousands of students to make the right decision on which degree, and institution, is best suited to them.

You can contact us via email at ⁠⁠[email protected].

What happens when life doesn’t go according to the script? For Dani and Amy, two student ambassadors at Southern Cross University, the answer is resilience, discovery, and finding purpose in unexpected places.

In this episode, Rob sits down with Dani and Amy on the Gold Coast campus to hear their raw and inspiring journeys through uni. Dani’s story is one of second chances: after years in sales and marketing and overcoming serious health challenges, she returned to study social work in her late 20s. Now thriving, she shares how lived experience became her greatest strength and why rural placements have stolen her heart.

Amy’s path was equally unorthodox: after finishing school without a clear direction, she stumbled into a degree, realised it wasn’t for her, and had the courage to stop. That decision led her to nursing, where placements, labs, and hands-on learning lit the spark she’d been searching for.

Together, they reveal the behind-the-scenes life of being student ambassadors, from forklift mishaps at expos to the pressure of juggling study, work, and moving away from home.

They also give a candid look at Southern Cross University’s innovative six-week block model, explaining why it transformed their learning and boosted their results. From the sense of community across campuses to the unique Gold Coast lifestyle, Dani and Amy’s experiences shine a light on what makes SCU a distinctive choice.

Whether you’re a high school student feeling the weight of expectation, a parent trying to understand the uni landscape, or someone considering study later in life, their journeys are proof that there’s no single “right” way into university — and that sometimes the detours are where you find the most meaning.

This podcast is brought to you by ⁠⁠Choosing Your Uni⁠⁠ - our mission is to make choosing a subject area, and an institution, fun, easy and stress-free. Our AI-powered platform unearths fields of study and institutions that match your interests and goals, with detailed information helping you to dig into career options, day-in-the-life scenarios, Open Days, extracurricular options, support services and much more.

No more endless Google searches, ⁠⁠Choosing Your Uni⁠⁠ is your one-stop-shop for navigating the journey to university. Since 2017, our independent, unbiased content has been viewed millions of times on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, and we've supported tens of thousands of students to make the right decision on which degree, and institution, is best suited to them.

You can contact us via email at ⁠⁠[email protected]