Our First Seat in Engineering: A Candid First‑Year Uni Experience with Isabel Paroli & Hannah Wellington

Welcome to the very first episode of Take Your Seat!If you’re starting engineering, thinking about it, or just curious about what university life is really like, this episode is for you. We’re taking a seat with first-years (almost second-years!) Isabel Paroli and Hannah Wellington as they share a real look at their first year at the University of Auckland; a rollercoaster ride full of challenges, growth, and unforgettable moments.In this episode, they share:The challenges and surprises of university life.How to balance academics, social life, and personal growth.Their experiences as women navigating a male-dominated field.The importance of community, support, and perseverance.Insights into personal growth and self-discovery during the first year.Encouragement to embrace the journey, learn from experiences, and claim your space.Take your seat and join us as we laugh, reflect, and explore what it really means to survive and grow in your first year of engineering.If this episode resonated with you, Make sure to Like this episode and Follow the Take Your Seat Podcast for more;📸 Instagram: @takeyourseatpod🎧 Podcast: Take Your Seat💬 Join the conversation & share this episode with someone who needs it.Take Your Seat — where women’s stories spark possibility.--- Chapters ---00:00 – Introduction00:46 – First Year in One Word02:20 – The Reality Check: Workload, Halls & Expectations04:40 – High School vs University07:15 – Doubt, Direction & Choosing Engineering08:40 – Getting Through Tough Courses & Exam Season10:15 – Smarter Study: Breaking Old Habits12:00 – Staying Organised: Calendars, Planning & Avoiding Panic13:10 – Lecture Life: Adjusting to Pace & Cohort Size14:50 – Comparison Culture & Finding Supportive Friends18:20 – Balancing Academics, Social Life & Rest21:15 – What We Wish We Knew24:30 – Final Words for Incoming First‑Years