Hayley's study journey
Choosing a Direction
Hayley's career path wasn't always clear.
While she was at school, she imagined a future in sports journalism. As a passionate sports fan, it seemed like a natural fit. But as she learned more about the industry, she realised it wasn't the right path for her.
The turning point came when she began working as a teaching assistant at a local dance school.
“This experience taught me the art of patience and helped me develop a deeper understanding that everyone is unique,” she says. “Watching students persevere through challenges and experience success at the end makes it all worthwhile and rewarding.”
The experience sparked a passion for helping young people learn and grow, ultimately leading her to teaching. Now 23, Hayley is studying a Bachelor of Primary Education (Honours) at Adelaide University while balancing work, study and life on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Finding Balance
Like many university students, Hayley initially found herself fitting study into every spare moment. After finishing work each afternoon, she’d head straight to the library with her study materials already packed in the car. Evenings and weekends were often spent catching up on readings, assignments and preparation for classes. “I felt like I was just always doing uni work,” she says.
After repeatedly seeing posts about the Fleurieu Study Hub on Facebook, Hayley decided to take a look for herself following a teaching placement in Port Pirie. With support from Student Support Officer Emma, she quickly got started and made the hub part of her weekly routine.
Creating Structure and Routine
Access to the hub’s 24/7 study spaces changed the way Hayley approached university. Instead of trying to squeeze study into whatever time was available, she was able to set aside dedicated study sessions in a space designed for focus and productivity. “I make myself a to-do list of what I want to get done and make sure I get it done,” she says.
That sense of structure became especially important during a semester in which she undertook three online courses simultaneously. “I don’t think I would have been able to do three courses online without the study hub,” she reflects. “I wouldn’t have been able to maintain a structured routine.”
Perhaps the biggest benefit has been the ability to separate university life from home life. “When I’m down here, I’m studying and doing what I need to do. When I’m home, that’s my time.”
More Than a Study Space
For Hayley, the hub is more than just a quiet place to work.
She describes the team as approachable, supportive and genuinely interested in helping students succeed. Having staff who regularly check in and take an interest in her progress has made a real difference throughout her degree. She’s also enjoyed getting to know Site Coordinator Heidi, who joined the team earlier this year. With a teaching background of her own, Heidi and Hayley have shared plenty of conversations about education and life in the profession.
Hayley's Advice for Students
As she approaches the final stages of what she describes as “the biggest thing I’m ever going to do,” Hayley has some practical advice for anyone considering study or already on their own education journey.
- "It can be hard at times. Lean on people, vent if you need to, have a cry and then reset."
- "Have a planner, diary or something to write down due dates. They do creep up on you."
- "Having a routine helps you stay on top of everything and not feel like you are always studying."
- "Have things to look forward to. This is something I neglected in my first two years of uni. Even a coffee with a friend to break up the workload can help your wellbeing."
- "You have to be proactive, have good time management, be passionate and self-motivated."
- "Don't do something for the sake of it. You do eventually have to pay your HECS debt!"
Looking Ahead
As she works towards a career in primary education, Hayley’s journey is a reminder that success at university isn’t just about working hard. It’s about finding the right support, creating sustainable habits and building a routine that allows study to fit alongside life’s other commitments.
For Hayley, the Fleurieu Study Hub has helped provide that balance, giving her a place to focus, stay motivated and keep moving towards her goal of becoming a teacher. After years of balancing work, study and everything in between, Hayley says finding the right study environment has made all the difference.
“Having a dedicated place to study helped me create a routine, stay focused and still have time for life outside of uni.”
If you’re looking for a place to study, connect and stay on track with your goals, find out more about the Fleurieu Study Hub
