STUDENT STORIES
What is it like to study Classics at university? We asked current and past students. Here's what they told us.
Travel opportunities
Advice from current students
Want to travel? There are opportunities to visit Greece, Rome, or Egypt...
Best thing about studying the ancient world?
The lecturers! Very inspiring people. It's also fun sharing fun facts I've learned with friends.
Gala
Gala Morris (Ancient History, Archaeology: University of Auckland) and Sally Mubarak (Ancient History: University of Auckland)
Best thing about studying the ancient world?
The guidance you receive from lecturers, they are amazing and the mentorship is great. The people you meet!
Best memory of undergraduate study?
Study abroad trip in Rome
Best memory of postgraduate study?
The academic discussions and the advice after Tuesday seminars (and the drinks of course)
Sally
Student stories and memories
Thomas Cain (MA in Late Republican military reforms: University of Auckland)
Best thing about studying the ancient world?
It is a fantastic and interesting area of study; the social aspect of networking
Best memory of undergraduate study?
Weekly seminar sessions hosted by the department - the people are great and the lecturers go out of their way to make you feel included.
Best memory of postgraduate study?
Discovering the unique role of women in Livy's work. It is so satisfying to find something that grabs your interest in a way nothing has before.
Best thing about studying the ancient world?
Classics is such a varied discipline of philosophy, literature, language, history, politics, art, etc. It never feels like I’m restricting myself to a narrow area of study. And learning the ancient Greek language has been an immensely valuable skill.
Best memory of undergraduate study?
The first event that I organised on the UC Classics Club committee was a quiz night, and it was a roaring success. We had an unexpectedly large turn out and it was just a quintessentially exuberant student event with many an ancient joke and classical innuendo throughout. It was great to see so much shared enjoyment of the Classics.
Best memory of postgraduate study?
As part of my Honours programme, I completed an internship as a contributor to a published catalogue of our first exhibition at the new Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities in Christchurch. I attended the catalogue book launch last year, and felt very proud to be a part of a publication alongside my lecturers and other esteemed staff members.
Check out Natalie's latest project here.
Natalie Looyer (MA Greek Literature: University of Canterbury)
Kathryn Murphy (MA on animals in ancient Roman spectacles: Trinity College, Dublin; BA: University of Auckland)
Best thing about studying the ancient world?
Finding connections between the ancient world and modern societies
Best memory of undergraduate study?
Publishing essays in department journals, e.g. AUEA
Best memory of postgraduate study?
Applying my research to modern activities, e.g. working with elephants whilst studying war elephants in ancient Rome
Best thing about studying the ancient world?
The community of shared interests
Best memory of postgraduate study?
Presenting at my first conference surrounded by friends and meeting new people
Bryant Ahrenberg (MA Classical Studies: University of Auckland)
Rob Drummond (MA Greek: University of Auckland) and Helen Wyeth (BA Honours: University of Auckland)
Best thing about studying the ancient world?
Seeing the parallels with modern and ancient society - it is relevant!
Best memory of undergraduate study?
Being in Rome for the first time and it all being so real: all the things that I had studied the last few years
Helen
Best thing about studying the ancient world?
Making friends with others who share your passion and studying what interests you
Best memory of undergraduate study?
Translating pop songs into ancient Greek and making music videos for them with friends (check it out here)
Best memory of postgraduate study?
Giving my first conference presentation and seeing a positive response from others who were interested in what I had to say and wanted to discuss it
Rob
Haohao Su (BA Classical Studies, German: University of Auckland)
Katie Logan (MA Latin: University of Auckland)
Best memory of undergraduate study?
I was lucky enough to go on the department's Rome tip - an undergrad paper (for credit) which basically involved living in Rome for three weeks. It was a fantastic experience to walk the modern and ancient city with a group of students and lecturers who were just as excited as I was.
Best memory of postgraduate study?
Yesterday another student and I had a very intense, excited discussion about the historical implications of terrible Roman calendars.
Best thing about studying the ancient world?
Meeting the loveliest people at university
Best memory of undergraduate study?
I really enjoyed the time I spent sitting in the sun in a quiet corner of the library reading tragedies
Saskia Herren (BA Psychology, Classical Studies: University of Auckland)
Best thing about studying the ancient world?
I'm doing what I love - six year old me would be very proud of me for following that dream and it's a great feeling
Best memory of undergraduate study?
Playing bingo in my Latin 100 class. The silliness of the situation helped me learn really well
Nick Ringwood (BA Ancient History, Classical Studies: University of Auckland; previously completed a BCom/LLB)
Best thing about studying the ancient world?
The ancient world is at the same time both so familiar yet so alien to our own. The best thing about studying the ancient world at university is the fact that you are able to learn about it from people who are so passionate and knowledgeable about it!
Best memory of undergraduate study?
All the new friends I met studying Ancient History and Classics! Sharing so many classes with a group of such friendly people meant that everybody got to know each other very quickly and were always happy to help whenever needed.
Best thing about studying the ancient world?
Definitely the professors! They do such an incredible job of immersing us into the ancient world in vivid and exciting ways, while also relating what we are studying to contemporary topics and interests. The lectures are always informative, interesting, and humorous — our department is unbelievably lucky!
Best memory of undergraduate study?
The moment when I realised that I was studying what I really loved. Course planning worried me a lot coming out of high school and into my first year of university, and suddenly realising that I felt at home in my departments and had made the right decision was a huge relief!
​
Dasha Zapisetskaya (BA Classical Studies, English: University of Auckland)
Advice from our current students
"Do it! You gain a lens to view the modern world which is unique and entirely relevant. It helps you understand society, humans, and the world!"
Helen
"You don't necessarily need to memorise all the facts, names, dates, and figures. Embrace all the opportunities to learn universal skills that you will remember for life."
Kathryn
"Follow your interests and passions, you won't do as well in something you don't enjoy. Listen to you."
Thomas
"Don't be concerned about not studying a degree that is 'practical' in the real world; Classics degrees are valuable. Do Greek and Latin early - find out what you're good at and enjoy your study sooner rather than later."
Rob
"If your university allows it, take a range of subjects in your first year and see what you like. A varied degree is really valuable. That’s how I got into Classics. And don’t be afraid to hoe into the language courses! They are a rewarding challenge."
Natalie
"Prepare. Learn the basics, especially languages. It will pay off tenfold."
Bryant
"Plan your degree backwards. For example, do languages in Stage 1 and it is OK to do uni part time if your personal circumstances make full time hard. You are still successful."
Sally
"Consider doing ancient languages at an early stage at university - they are fun and helpful."
Hao
"Do it and don't skip readings no matter what!"
Saskia
"Take good notes, choose papers on topics that you're actually interested in, take time off before study, research degree plans etc."
Gala
"The ancient languages are difficult, but treat them as an opportunity - university is one of the only places you can learn them, and the skills you gain are genuinely helpful everywhere."
Katie