It also provided an introduction to uni life and helped make that first day a little less daunting.
However, since then she has watched on as new, and prospective, students have taken part in Swintopia — the university's online open day.
In 2020 the university piloted the concept, which it describes as a gamified, virtual campus in the form of an interactive open-world experience — a virtual university world accessible to all prospective students, anytime and anywhere.
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With COVID-19 limiting travel, and the university's ability to host open days, Swintopia has become a valuable tool for it, and a great way for regional students to explore the campus, meet other prospective students and make a decision on where they want to study.
“It really piqued my interest when I heard Swinburne had a virtual open day,” Angelika said.
“I had a go on it and thought it was very cute, and it appeals completely to my generation.
“Even at the start when you fill in your details, it has a launch screen like you're playing a video game.
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“It's so interactive, you can even choose a character so you feel like you're actually at Swinburne.
“You can walk around and the campus, and it was very accurate.
“As I had already been here a year, when I walked around the digital world I knew the layout,” she said.
“I've spoken to students who came from regional Victoria and they said it was super-helpful and gave them a feel for the campus.”
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Angelika is studying a Biomedical Engineering degree at Swinburne University and said that while she would recommend it to other regional students, thanks to Swintopia she didn't need to.
“Definitely check out Swintopia,” she said.
“It offers so much information. When students get here for the first time they already know a few people and can navigate the campus.
“All the staff are really friendly. And even if you can't actually come and talk in person you can still shoot them an email and ask them questions, or even call them.
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“And when you do get here you can already find your way around and can put a face to some of the people you have spoken to on the phone or email.
“I am really glad I chose Swinburne and I cannot recommend Swintopia enough. If you are considering uni, jump on and give it a go.”
You can access Swintopia via swintopia.swinburne.edu.au
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