Semester 2, lets glooooooow!! And yes, I mean glow, because this sem we are gonna be smashing goals and glowing from the inside out. On the 20th of July however, students began their semester by literally glowing on the outside at UNSA’s ‘Let’s Glow’ party at Bar On The Hill. 

 

UNSA President, Jess Philbrook, said that “…being able to throw UNSA’s first big party after 2 years of turmoil was truly a special thing!

 

We saw approximately 900 people go through those doors so there’s clearly an appetite for it with students again and that’s what it’s all about isn’t it? Students making friends, letting their hair down and returning to some kind of normalcy.”

 

An appetite INDEED! The free bbq sausages definitely did the job on the night but as I danced amongst a sea of students in neon paint, I felt full with happiness – THIS is what I expected coming to uni and now we’re finally getting it. 

 

For those who might’ve missed out on the night, the party was free entry, there was a free bbq, and there were free ‘glow packs’ that had a bunch of glowsticks, vouchers for Sprout Cafe and the BakeHouse, glow in the dark condoms, snacks and more. Let’s just hope the drink prices are cheaper next year (lol). Everybody also got around the free neon paint – there were elaborate face painting designs to full body splatter and smear. Lots of students also got… let’s say, creative, with their glow sticks and made some pretty impressive shapes and body wear. 

 

Georgie Cooper, UNSA’s Vice President of Student Experience and Engagement, said that “…it was fantastic to see the huge turnout of students getting their ‘glow’ on and celebrating the return of on-campus parties! These events are such a memorable and integral part of the student experience for so many of us.”

 

The party was a huge success – the dance floor was popping off thanks to Housecat Presents, featuring Masters of Sunset and the live DJ’s; Neon Motion, Bobella, Zoe, Lachy C, Tom Kemp, CHEFF, and Alex Hughes. 

 

Jess Philbrook also commented that “…a huge thank you is owed to the UNSA staff and SRC who made this happen. Their dedication to fostering a positive student experience is so inspiring and I, along with the student body, cannot understate how lucky we are to have them.”

 

Everybody has different experiences at university however, these past few years have not only been difficult, but also disappointing, for many students looking for that iconic “student experience”, unable to meet people because of limited student events (thanks COVID). Thankfully this year, we’re starting to amp it up as we return to a new normal which is a testament to UNSA’s success as Philbrook muses. 

“UNSA has already won a national award for a joint event we ran with student central and we’ve only existed for 2 years. Now with the success of our Glow Party, I hope you can see that we’re just getting started.

 

A special thanks to Bar on The Hill, Housecat Presents, Student Central, Student Living, and Newy Pics for helping this event come to life and glow to its brightest!

 

Melanie Jenkins

Melanie Jenkins

Hey, I’m Mel Jenkins, your Editor of the Opus Magazine and fellow student, studying a Bachelor of Communications. When I’m not working, studying, or playing netball, you’ll find me at the beach, having a boogie at the club, or napping. I also LOVE camping and exploring new places, so if you have any suggestions for a uni girl on a budget—send some ideas my way!