Yao Zhu

2nd-year student, Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences in Networks and Cybersecurity with a minor in Digital Services
Diploma in Computer and Information Sciences

For Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences student Yao Zhu, choosing to study computing wasn’t a difficult decision.

“Now is the era of media. So many things are now accessible online, and all the services are evolving extremely fast, making it hard to keep up. That’s why studying computer and information sciences made sense to me.”

Finding the right university for her studies was easy for her as well.

“AUT is widely known for computing, and the AUT City Campus is located right in the heart of Auckland, making it an ideal place to learn and get some experience.”

A successful trial
For Yao, the university journey started with a Diploma in Computer and Information Sciences, before she moved into the second year of the Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences.

“I decided to start with the diploma as a trial, to see if computing is a good fit for me. I really liked that I could focus solely on computing and there were no minors or electives as part of the diploma. I’d recommend the programme and feel that it’s suitable for people who learn well with a more hands-on learning approach.”

The people have been the highlight of her studies so far.

“I’ve enjoyed meeting new people who major in the same things, and becoming close and being excited because we have our next lecture or lab together.”

Advice for other students
Now in the second year of her studies, Yao has some great advice for other students.

“Be nice and open to meeting new people – you never know if that stranger could become one of your future close friends.”

There’s plenty of support available to AUT students, she adds.

“AUT’s student services were able to sort any problems I had when I started my studies. One of the tech staff was also helpful and instructed me to download Duo Mobile, so I could easily access my uni work from home.”