Dahlia Harden
2nd-year student, Bachelor of Communication Studies in Public Relations with minors in Advertising and Brand Creativity & Media and Power
Having always been interested in how current events and social trends shape the world, Dahlia Harden says she wanted a degree that feels relevant to today’s fast-paced media-driven society.
“A Bachelor of Communication Studies stood out to me as it not only deepens my understanding of how information and narratives influence people, but it also allows me to gain practical skills that can be applied across various sectors of life. This programme comes with the flexibility of pursuing opportunities in diverse industries, and what excites me the most was learning about how theory can be applied to real-world scenarios.”
She loves how flexible her degree is.
“What I’ve enjoyed most is the flexibility to explore issues I’m genuinely interested in, whether social, cultural or global. That has made my learning experience feel not only engaging but also deeply meaningful. I’ve enjoyed being challenged to think critically, question decisions, and approach problems from different perspectives. This has not only strengthened my academic skills but has also broadened my understanding of the world, giving me a sense of purpose in what I’m studying.
“As part of my degree, I’m studying PR, advertising, and media and power. What I’ve enjoyed the most is the variety and depth within these courses, particularly in my media and power courses. I find it fascinating to explore how the media influences politics, culture and society, and love learning how to connect these ideas to what we see happening in the world today. I feel motivated to attend class knowing that I’m studying courses I genuinely enjoy learning about. This reassured me that I’m on the right path with my degree.”
Flexibility and support
Dahlia says she has enjoyed the flexibility that comes with student life, particularly the ability to manage her own schedule and take responsibility for her studies.
“I like that I can work at my own pace and in my own time, which has taught me the significance of independence and self-discipline. I’ve also valued the freedom of being able to balance studying with other areas of my life, where I can focus on filling my cup with things I enjoy and love doing, from spending time with friends and loved ones to focusing on my own personal commitments. It’s helped me discover how I work most productively and develop better time-management skills
“I particularly liked the range of support systems AUT has to offer, including academic guidance, career services, financial support and counselling. AUT has reassured me that personal challenges shouldn’t have to feel like a barrier when it comes to studying. This has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders and has made me feel confident in a space where I can thrive both personally and academically.”
There is one team whose support she has especially appreciated.
“The Disability Support Services team has made me feel very welcome. As someone with a disability, this support was particularly important to me as I initially felt anxious and worried about how others might perceive me. Since getting in touch with the Disability Support Services team, my lecturers have all been made aware of my situation and have allocated more time for me when doing my assignments and getting to class. I’ve also been offered a note-taking resource called Glean, which enables me to record my tutorials since I struggle to type or write for long periods of time. This gives me confidence that I can fully engage with each class without feeling like I’m falling behind.”
Advice for other students
Dahlia – who is proud of being awarded an AUT Find Your Greatness Scholarship and of the good grades she has received in her studies so far – has some great advice for other students who are only at the start of their own university journey.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help – utilise the support systems AUT offers and also talk to your lecturers, they’re there to guide you and reaching out can make all the difference. I also recommend making the most of AUT’s open day, AUT LIVE, to familiarise yourself with the campus, and getting involved in clubs and events where you can meet new people and perhaps continue that passion or hobby of yours while you're studying. But above all, remember to have fun and enjoy the journey – it’s a really exciting time!”
She also highly recommends living in student accommodation.
“I was fortunate enough to stay in AUT’s student accommodation during my first year, which really helped me settle into university and build new friendships. It was also incredibly convenient to get to and from classes. If you have the means to do so, I’d highly recommend living in student accommodation as a great way to take the first step into university life.”
