Juggling sporting and study commitments whilst living regionally

My name is Madeleine Prizeman and I am a second-year student at CQU, studying a Bachelor of Science (Criminology and Psychology). I am also a CQUniCares North Queensland Sports Foundation Scholarship recipient currently playing Water Polo in Townsville and often travelling for State and National Carnivals.

My recent sporting achievements:

Earlier this year, I represented Queensland (QLD) in Canberra at the Australian Country Championships, where I achieved the Top Goal Scorer for my QLD Country Team. Previously, I have competed at the 2021 and 2022 Queensland Country State Championships. As a result, I made the Queensland Country Team to compete at the Australian Country Championships, whilst juggling my study commitments at CQU. I also recently competed at the North Queensland Games which was hosted in Townsville, as well as the Queensland State Championships where I competed and refereed.

Juggling study and sporting commitments:

I am finding my course very interesting and full of new information every class! The support from lecturers and CQU staff has been a really big help, especially during times when I have a lot of events on at once and must travel down south or even interstate. They are very understanding and show endless support to get me through my study commitments, whilst juggling training, travel and competitions. My scholarship has also helped me immensely, as it has taken some of the financial stress away as I have had to travel away for my meets in Term 1. It has also helped to pay for my training fees and equipment in order to make these State and National Teams.

I am forever thankful for the opportunities CQU and the CQUniCares North Queensland Sports Foundation have provided me.

Studying regionally in Townsville (North Queensland) has had some challenges with my water polo commitments, however CQU has been perfect and fully accommodating of this. With my Bachelor of Science (Criminology and Psychology) available online, it has allowed me to study from home whilst continuing my sport in Townsville. Living rurally as an athlete has meant I have had to travel south or even interstate for my competitions. The Australian Country Championships this year were hosted in Canberra (Australian Capital Territory) which meant I had to catch multiple flights to and from the event. I also had to take an extra day off from my casual job, either side of the competition for travel. However, with the help of the CQUniCares North Queensland Sports Foundation Scholarship, I was able to attend this event and others.

How my scholarship is making a difference and my advice to other athletes contemplating study at CQU:

My scholarship is giving me the greatest opportunity to develop my sporting career whilst advancing my education through CQU. This incredible scholarship is helping me to pay for things related to university and sport, such as textbooks, stationary, coaching fees, travel for sport and many other required needs. I would like to thank the North Queensland Sports Foundation for their constant support, as well as all the Criminology and Psychology Lecturers and Unit Coordinators.

If you are an athlete or coach considering study at CQU, I would highly recommend as they have been nothing but supportive and encouraging towards my study and sport commitments.

My top tips for studying online

As we continue to adjust to world changes, news updates and emotional and physical boundaries, our study life is becoming the last thing to receive our attention. Here I want to pass on my top tips for studying online.

Before I get started, I want you all to know a little bit about me. My name is Nikki Sweet and I am a mother of four young children, my partner and I both work full-time 12-hour shift work (whereby our shifts are worked in a way so that one of us is always home with the children – albeit sleep-deprived but present). I have previously completed a Diploma of Health Science, Certificate IV in Business, and a workplace-specific certificate III and IV in communications.

Continue reading My top tips for studying online

It’s Fast Mentoring Month! Fast track your career this August with alumni mentoring

CQUni Career Connection is an online mentoring tool that connects students and alumni (graduates) for one-on-one career conversations, feedback, and advice.

More than 350 professional industry mentors are waiting to hear from you. Keep reading for our top reasons why you should connect with a mentor this Fast Mentoring Month…

Continue reading It’s Fast Mentoring Month! Fast track your career this August with alumni mentoring

8 Weeks to Uni – Share your experience and help new students

If you could go back in time to when you started uni, what advice would you give yourself?​

8 Weeks to Uni is a CQUniversity project, delivered online, which aims to help students transition to university – and we need your help.

We’re developing content for the 8 Weeks to Uni course and we want to hear the real, raw and honest truth about what you think a new student should know.

To get this feedback, Project lead Malcolm Burt will be touring a number of CQUni campuses in August and September to interview current students.

This is your chance to give back and help new students in their transition to university life. The touring schedule is:

  • Mackay Ooralea campus – Monday, 12 August
  • Townsville campus – Wednesday, 14 August
  • Sydney campus – Monday, 19 August
  • Melbourne campus – Tuesday, 20 August
  • Perth Campus – Monday, 26 August
  • Bundaberg campus – Monday, 9 September

Contact Malcolm at m.burt@cqu.edu.au and organise a time for a quick interview.

Interviews should take no more than 5 minutes of your time, and you’ll be contributing to research to improve the new student experience at CQUniversity.

Can’t make it to a campus? Interviews can also be arranged online by contacting Malcolm at m.burt@cqu.edu.au.

Four reasons to download the CQUniMobile app

At CQUniversity, we’re dedicated to improving the student experience, and that extends to all our services, systems and applications – including our mobile app!

After an extensive student consultation process last year, we’ve made improvements based on your feedback. So everything you need to be a successful student is just one touch away.

Here are our top four reasons to download the CQUniMobile app…

Continue reading Four reasons to download the CQUniMobile app

Six reasons to love the ALC

During the first weeks of term, we often realise just how busy life at university can be. It’s normal to find yourself asking questions like ‘where do I start?’, ‘what does this all mean?’ or ‘can I even do this?’. Lucky for all of us, there is lots of support available.

The Academic Learning Centre (ALC) has a number of ways to help you find your feet, and stay on top of your studies. Keep reading for our top reasons why you’ll love the ALC this term…

Continue reading Six reasons to love the ALC

All the study help you need

It’s that time in the term when assessments are piling up and due dates are looming. Study is all about juggling and digging deep but it can get overwhelming if you have trouble with a task and can’t work through it on your own. Don’t stress! We have a range of services and resources for times like this.

Keep reading for our top picks for academic and study help.

Continue reading All the study help you need

Fashion and Teaching, My Dream Career

My name is Phoebe Hanau and I am entering my second year of study towards my Bachelor of Education (Secondary) with my discipline subject areas in Home Economics and English. I am a full-time student studying online from my hometown, the Gold Coast.

During my final year of school in 2014, I knew I wanted to either pursue a career in teaching or fashion design. Not knowing exactly which pathway to choose, I decided to take a ‘gap year’ where I was fortunate to be able to work as a Home Economics Teacher Aide. This excellent opportunity provided the reassurance and inspiration to pursue a career in textiles teaching. This career combines my passion for fashion and desire to inspire the next generation of young designers. Continue reading Fashion and Teaching, My Dream Career