DISA Cruise

Just as the Yarra River carries the cruise ship, it carries the laughter of those who enjoyed the night out in Melbourne.

On 11 July, the ‘DISA International Fusion Orientation Party’ allowed Deakin University and Swinburne University students to experience a night out on the Victoria Star in Melbourne.

Although it enabled students to engage with activities, the event’s primary goal was to foster relationships between different ethnic groups and new people.

Indian student Dinakar Pedapenki, who is studying a masters in Cybersecurity, expresses that “everyone is coming around and talking with each other, knowing about each other…it’s a great start before uni starts.”

While many students were present, they were able to enjoy the food, music and dancing as they gazed upon the beautiful city of Melbourne.

DISA Vice President Gabriel Lopez (Gab), who is Singaporean Indian, thinks, “it’s important to bring a community together…the community aspect is so important at Deakin… we’re paying to be here, but we’re paying for the experience too.”

Pulse Student Magazine photographer, Athea Saducas, says that, “Uni experience is not solely about studying and academics but about meeting new people —networking—forming new connections which may prove much more important and meaningful to our student lives and the years beyond than we initially think.”

Deakin International Students Association, alongside Geelong Social Club, Deakin Chinese Student Society, Deakin University Indian Club, Geelong Deakin University ASEAS, Swinburne Student Association and BuildHub created a memorable event for all students to build and develop friendships.

The event reminds university students that, despite having the responsibilities to study and the stressors of being a student, it is essential to take the time to enjoy events and create relationships with others.

Photography and journalism: Athea Saducas

Writing: Anonymous Pulse writer

Editing: Jemima Pathak