Melissa Chitty

Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology

Why Deakin off-campus studies?
 I chose off-campus study because I was working as a bookkeeper and needed the flexibility.  My husband had been an off-campus student at Deakin and recommended it.  He enjoyed his time at Deakin and the off-campus Library service.

Challenges
My biggest challenge was learning to write essays. I left school in Year 10 and never learnt how to write essays. But after some invaluable assistance from the Language and Learning Advisers, I now receive high marks for my essays and this has been my biggest success.

It can be difficult studying off campus with the various demands on your time and energy – work, family and other commitments.  I haven’t mastered the art of juggling them, but I find keeping a diary and monthly planner essential.  

Successes and aspirations
Once I have completed my Bachelor of Arts, I hope to gain a place in the Honours program as my aspiration is to be a Forensic Psychologist.

Study tips and advice for new off-campus students
Every Sunday I look at the week and month ahead and plan my time. I have also found it useful to keep a ‘to do’ list of what I need to do to complete an assessment task.  This keeps me on track and hopefully on time!  

If you are a new student, you will find the staff and students at Deakin to be friendly and supportive.  There is a Language and Learning Adviser to assist off-campus students with study skills.  Also, the Deakin University Student Association (DUSA) has a website for off-campus students. So, use the resources and enjoy your achievements!