Finding belonging and community

Author: Chris Honnery

Photographer: All images used with permission.

For Emily Williams, university was more than just earning a qualification.

It was about finding a place that felt safe enough to grow, supportive enough to be a community, and bold enough to take learning beyond the classroom – all the way to Rome.

That sense of belonging began the moment Emily stepped into her interview for the Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental) at ACU.

It was an experience that set the tone for what was to come.

“ACU is one of the very few universities in the country that offers this specific degree,” she says.

“As soon as I entered my master’s interview I knew ACU was the place for me. I immediately felt comfortable to express who I was, and share my ideas and experiences as I was provided with the time, energy and space to do so.”

The word Emily uses to describe it is “surreal”. Feeling genuinely supported during what is, for many students, an overwhelming period of transition. And it wasn’t a one-off moment. That support would become a defining feature of her time at ACU.

Finding community through learning

In Emily’s own words, there were “ample highlights” during her degree, including the learning environment itself.

The small cohort sizes at ACU brought meaningful connections with peers, lecturers and supervisors.

“It was so beneficial to get to know and work closely with my peers, while also being extremely well supported in one-on-one contexts by lecturers and supervisors who had an array of professional backgrounds and experiences,” she says.

She also valued the in-person learning focus, which encouraged deeper discussion and collaboration. Guest lecturers brought insights from across psychology, each opening a window into what a career in the field could look like.

An ambassador for others

After moving to Melbourne from regional Victoria to study, becoming an ACU student ambassador felt like a natural way for Emily to get involved in university life.

“It was an incredible way to further immerse myself into the university community,” she says.

Emily found joy in supporting students as they navigated the transition from school to university.

Whether answering questions, sharing experiences or simply offering reassurance, the role allowed her to make a small but powerful impact.

“My favourite part was getting to know other students who were also ambassadors, as well as making a small impact on the transition for students from school to university.”

Learning beyond borders in Rome

This openness to new experiences would later take Emily all the way to Rome.

The opportunity to study overseas was a standout moment of her degree, offering a chance to integrate classroom learning with real-world contexts on a global stage.

For Emily, Rome was more than a destination – it was a place where theory came alive.

“Rome was an incredible opportunity provided by ACU to diversify the studies and gain further real-world experiences,” she says.

“We were able to integrate learnings from the classroom and apply them to contexts such as the Vatican City.”

A place to study

Reflecting on her journey, Emily’s recommendation is clear: if you’re looking for more than a degree or a qualification, ACU delivers.

“The smaller class sizes, incredible new facilities at the Melbourne Campus, ample diversifying opportunities, and the most supportive staff assisted me to feel confident in my abilities and connected me to a community to achieve success in my field.”

Want an experience like Emily? Explore courses at ACU.

Category Community

Tags Postgraduate Psychology Study abroad Uni life