Gryffin Blockley

About me

Kia ora, I'm Gryffin, a fourth-year student studying Genetics at Otago. Originally from Australia and raised in Palmerston North, making the step to university was something I was excited for, but I struggled with the transition. Through my time at Otago, I've gotten involved with Critic Te Arohi (Otago's student magazine), scientific research, and some volunteering. I'm passionate about getting out of your comfort zone and finding new interests and hobbies at university.

My uni experience

Uni for me is like a typical 9-to-5 in terms of workload, plus more when assignments are due! This has slowly increased year by year. In first year I was probably doing around 30 to 40 hours a week. You get eased in. I went to Carrington College in first year. I knew little about the hall and chose it pretty blindly, but I ended up having an amazing year. This is your go-to if you want your hall to be surrounded by nature! Keeping up your social life can definitely be a challenge with friends doing different degrees and balancing clubs and jobs. Sometimes you have to put your studies first. Work-life balance doesn't come easy, but I totally believe it's possible to get the typical Otago experience: be in a few clubs, work, and still do well in your degree. Biggest tip: don't compare your workload or circumstances to others. It's all unique, and therefore self-driven.

Hobbies

Scientific research, journalism, writing, tramping, travelling, the Dunedin music scene.