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Dylan Nguyen is a first-year �ʹڲ�Ʊ Bachelor of Commerce student, who entered university through the Gateway Admission Pathway after attending a low-socioeconomic high school.

With limited access to resources and support during his high school years, Dylan often felt uncertain about his future. However, through the �ʹڲ�Ʊ Gateway Admission Pathway Program, Dylan received the mentorship, scholarship support, and confidence he needed to transition successfully into university life.

Now in his second year, Dylan spoke with the �ʹڲ�Ʊ Business School EDI team, to share his lived experience in order to inspire others and show students from all walks of life that they too deserve to thrive at university.

A little about me:

When I was in high school, I never imagined I’d one day be writing something like this.

My parents were refugees who came to Australia with very little. We didn’t grow up with access to tutors, mentors, or career coaches. At school, I remember constantly trying to figure everything out on my own, whether that was understanding ATAR scaling or just how to apply for uni. There were no cheat sheets or secret tips passed down to me.

Like many others from low-socioeconomic backgrounds, I had to piece it together as I went.

That’s why getting into �ʹڲ�Ʊ through the Gateway Admission Pathway Program changed everything for me.

I still remember the first time I attended one of Gateway’s on-campus sessions. It was the first time I felt like uni was actually for me.

It wasn’t just about accessing resources; it was about being seen. Through the in-school and on-campus programs, I gained early exposure to what uni could look like, received mentorship, and was fortunate to receive a scholarship that gave me a head start. For the first time, I wasn’t navigating things alone.

Now, I’m studying a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Finance, and I’ve had the chance to be part of programs I once thought were out of reach.

I’m currently a �ʹڲ�Ʊ Employability Ambassador and EDI Ambassador, where I share my story to help other students from similar backgrounds feel a little less lost in those first few weeks.

One of the most meaningful experiences for me has been participating in the Innovator Pro and Leadership Foundations Program through �ʹڲ�Ʊ Employability. These programs taught me how to tell my story, how to lead, and how to think long-term about my career.

In my first year, I was honoured to be recognised in the AFR Top 100 Future Leaders Awards, winning the CBA Building a Brighter Future category, something I never thought possible coming out of high school and competing against students much older than me.

However, here are five lessons I wish someone had shared with me before I started, because knowing them earlier could’ve made all the difference.

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Top 5 Things I wish I knew Before Starting Uni

1.������������ You don’t need to have it all figured out from day one

When I first started uni, I thought everyone else had their entire life planned out, the perfect major, dream job, and a five-year plan. Meanwhile, I was still trying to figure out how to enrol in my classes.

I wish someone had told me that most people are just figuring things out as they go, and that it’s completely normal not to have all the answers.

Uni isn’t just about hitting academic goals, it’s about discovering who you are, what you enjoy, and where you want to go. It took me some trial and error, but that’s how growth happens.

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2.������������ There’s support everywhere but you need to take the first step

In high school, I didn’t really know what “support” meant outside of asking a teacher for help. At uni, it’s a whole new world but I realised that unless I reached out, no one would know I was struggling.

The Gateway Program helped me early on by connecting me with mentors and workshops that made the transition smoother. Later, I found out about things like academic support, scholarships, and employability programs just by attending random info sessions.

It’s all there, you just need to take that first step to look or ask. And trust me, it makes all the difference.

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3.������������ Your background doesn’t define your potential

Coming from a low-SES school and a refugee family, I used to feel like I was always one step behind.

I didn’t have tutors, career coaching, or the kind of guidance many of my peers seemed to get. But what I’ve come to realise is that my background isn’t a disadvantage, it’s the reason I’m so driven.

I’ve learnt how to be resourceful, resilient, and to value every opportunity that comes my way.

Winning the AFR Top 100 Future Leaders award in my first year was a moment where I proved to myself that where you start doesn’t limit where you can go.

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4.������������ Say yes to opportunities outside the classroom

Some of the most important things I’ve learnt at �ʹڲ�Ʊ didn’t come from lectures, they came from just saying “yes” to random opportunities.

I joined the Employability Program, applied for Innovator Pro, went to career panels, and even volunteered as an EDI Ambassador. At first, I wasn’t sure I belonged in those spaces, but those experiences taught me interpersonal skills, confidence, and helped me build networks I wouldn’t have found otherwise.

If I waited to feel “ready,” I would’ve missed out on all of it.

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5.������������ It’s normal to feel out of place, but you’re not alone

In my first few weeks of uni, I felt like a total outsider. I didn’t know anyone, didn’t speak up in tutorials, and honestly felt like maybe I didn’t belong here.

But slowly, I realised that a lot of students were feeling the exact same way especially those who came from similar backgrounds.

What helped me was finding community through Gateway, societies, and talking to other students who understood. It doesn’t happen overnight, but eventually, things start to click.

Looking back now, I’m glad I stayed patient and gave myself time to settle in.

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To every future �ʹڲ�Ʊ Gateway student, I would like to say this: your story matters, your potential is limitless, and your place at uni is well-earned.

Keep showing up, keep saying yes, and never forget—you belong here.