Remember how in High School we would have school assemblies, multicultural days, talent shows and other shindigs that made the students mingle and socialise? Have you ever realised that UWS has so many campuses across Western Sydney, and we haven’t had anything to unite all of the campuses together? As Joshua Crowley, one of the co-founder of Degree suggested, “There is no overall unity within the student body, the only points students converge are parking problems and the ‘Penis Tree’ in Parramatta”.

Personally, I could agree and disagree with this statement. I also noticed that there isn’t a bond with other students around the campuses. Fair enough, we are ‘adults’ but being in a learning environment with no friends just isn’t fun. What I love about UWS is that I get to meet amazing people – wouldn’t it be even more amazing to have a diverse range of friendships all over Western Sydney?

The amazing thing about Degree, is that it can open up discussion for all students from different campuses. The closest thing to having a discussion was only seen on “Only at UWS…” a Facebook page created by students discussing what’s so unique about UWS. Now that Degree is growing, students from different campuses get to connect with one another and discuss a range of topics with one another.

When I mentioned that we were ‘adults’, I thought we are now at university, we are no longer in High school – why would we need to converge with other students on/ off campus? Shouldn’t we just focus on ourselves and our studies? I have to admit I do miss High School when we united as one whole student body, then again, we should quit living in the past and move forward.

Here’s what some of the students had to say:

What are your thoughts on the state of UWS student body?

“I feel as if UWS is like a community, you can study with your peers and relate to them through your studies. They become more than just uni friends. Basically you can share the whole uni experience together – it’s like school on a whole new level”. Jamie Domecillo from Campbelltown.

“Interaction as a cohesion is important generally. The unique traits of UWS emphasises our community”. Sundip Chandra a Graduate from Parramatta Campus.

Do you think there’s a need for UWS campuses to converge with one another?

“When Students feel valued they perform better. Efforts made towards social cohesion and events that promote unity is always a positive set”. Sundip Chandra from Parramatta Campus.

“Yes, but i can also say no. Yes because it’ll be so good to have everyone as a campus united, no because it can also lose your focus on your studies”. Jamie D from Campbelltown.

-Laura Ranola-