International Student Story - Siddharth Srinivasan
Siddharth Srinivasan has recently completed a Master of Engineering(Civil & Structural). Siddharth tells us about what he's achieved during his time at the University, and what he misses most from home.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I come from the tenth largest Indian state, Tamil Nadu. I am very passionate about fitness, music and art. Over the past two years in Adelaide, I have created several art pieces, one of which was showcased as a part of the SALA Art Exhibition at the University in 2018. I also love playing in team sports. I have represented South Australia in both Division 1 and Division 2 national level tournaments in Ultimate Frisbee. I have also represented the University of Adelaide in Ultimate Frisbee State League tournaments, where I was awarded Most Valuable Player, and in SA Challenge Tournaments, in which we became champions in 2020.
I have also performed percussive instrumental guitar in competitions conducted by the Adelaide University Union such as Adelaide Uni’s Got Talent (AGT) - 2019 and UniVision - 2020. I was a finalist and won the People’s Choice Award in AGT and was a runner-up in the UniVision competition. I love curating music playlists for fun and discovering new places (ideally on my longboard and road trips). I also enjoy trying cuisines from around the world. The best way to get my attention is through hotpots, pancakes, cheesecakes and coffees (lots of them!).
What is your goal once you have completed your degree?
I am currently looking for a full-time job in construction. Other goals include becoming a certified personal trainer and to compete in world tournaments in Ultimate Frisbee.
How have you adapted to learning online?
Personally, online learning was an easy transition. By having online classes, I did not have to travel as much to the University, which gave me more time to prepare properly. I had to work on creating a home set-up for my computer, notebooks and headphones so that I can have my university life separate from my everyday life.
What support have you received from the University of Adelaide during the COVID-19 pandemic?
I was able to apply for the Student Support Package offered by the university. I also applied for Pass Non-Graded (PNG) for one of the courses that I thought I could have done better with face to face classes. I also availed a $150 Coles gift card for groceries. This was all really helpful.
Have you learnt any new skills from studying online in the past semester?
Studying online has taught me to be really patient. It has also taught me how to host and behave in a group online meeting. I was also able to improve my skills in effective time management, and basic technical, reading and writing skills.
Have you picked up any new hobbies since spending more time at home?
Digital drawing, discovering new music, reading books and cleaning the house more frequently than usual.
What do you miss about home?
Without a doubtt: Food! Of course, family and friends. But food that my parents make for me every single day is something I miss the most. Since I am a single child in my family, I have been pampered for almost 23 years. I miss that too. I can’t wait for the international borders to open so that I can go visit my parents.
Speed round!
Zoom or in-person?
Bit of both.
What's your go-to study music?
Under the Stars, a playlist I made.
Adelaide Hills or Adelaide's beaches?
Adelaide's beaches. How can you not love the sunrises and sunsets at these beautiful beaches?
Home delivery or home-cooked?
Home-cooked meals if I'm not the one cooking.
Reading books or streaming TV/movies?
I like Saturday Night Live and thriller/horror movies.
3 things you won't miss about COVID-19 restrictions?
- Staying home
- Not being able to play sports
- Travel restrictions
3 things you won't forget about COVID-19?
- How it had a huge impact on each and every one of us in one way or another
- People supported each other through such a tough time, even though they could not be there physically
- Going through a rollercoaster of emotions