Wingkei Chen

About me

My name is Wingkei and I'm in my final year of my Bachelor of Commerce at Otago, having completed my Bachelor of Science in 2025. I grew up in Auckland and am of Chinese-Malaysian descent. I was lucky enough to have older siblings who helped guide me through university life, and I know not everyone has that. With my younger sibling preparing to start university next year, I've seen firsthand how many questions and uncertainties students can have before they begin. I'd love to use my own experiences to help answer those questions, share practical advice, and make the transition feel less overwhelming. I'm approachable and empathetic, and I take the time to listen because I know everyone's background and experience is different.

My uni experience

During a normal week I study around six to eight hours a day Monday to Friday, including classes, tutorials, workshops, and independent study. During exam periods that goes up to eight to ten hours a day. It sounds like a lot, but university hours are super flexible and there is genuinely so much time left over for hobbies and interests. I flatted in my first year and lived with my sister, which I was lucky to have. I love cooking so food was never an issue. I would meal prep each week to budget and save time. Socially, semester one was tricky due to Covid restrictions moving classes online, but once things returned in person in semester two I made long-lasting friends through O-Week events and classes. Living in a student-oriented city like Dunedin makes it much less lonely and easier to meet people than you might expect. You also find yourself with a lot more flexibility to pick up new hobbies or get back into old ones.

Hobbies

Gym, hikes, and trying out new workouts. I've played the clarinet for ten years and performed in a concert band for seven of those. I also enjoy knitting, sewing, and thrifting.