Pavanya Hapuarachchi

About me

Hi there! I'm from the windy city of Wellington, but I've lived all over New Zealand. I know how daunting it can feel thinking about university when high school is already enough of a headache. I graduated last December and jumped straight into my Masters, so university has basically been my home for the past four years! I'm always happy to chat about anything from course advice and campus life to the best coffee spots and where to find cheap food around town. No question is too small or silly. Any questions you have, we can talk them out and figure it out together.

My uni experience

The MSc workload is definitely more self-directed than undergrad. Unlike undergraduate papers where you usually have regular assignments and deadlines throughout the semester, a lot of Masters study involves managing your own time and staying motivated without someone constantly checking in on you. It's more challenging than undergrad, but not in a scary way. The biggest surprise for me was how independent it is. That said, there's still plenty of support from supervisors, lecturers, and other students, so you definitely aren't doing it alone. I stayed at University College (Unicol) in my first year and had a really positive experience. It's a great way to transition into university life. The social side is huge, the food was generally pretty good, and having meals provided takes a lot of stress off during your first year. Hall life can be busy and sometimes a little chaotic, but that's all part of the experience! The social side of uni is honestly what you make of it. There are heaps of clubs, events, and opportunities to meet people, but you definitely don't have to be out partying every night to have a good social life. One thing nobody really tells you is that everyone is nervous and looking for friends, even if they don't seem like it. It can take time to find your people, and that's completely normal.

Hobbies

I love creative writing and poetry, and you'll usually find me with a notebook full of half-finished ideas! I also love reading and cafe hopping. When I'm not studying, I enjoy spending time with friends over board games, quiz nights, or coffee. I'm also passionate about volunteering and getting involved in the community.