Stepping into the Theatre Lounge for the first time felt like going in naked to a new world. Being an international student from Indonesia, making new friends isn't easy—at all. I settled into Sydney at eighteen years old, with the expectation of mingling with other Indonesians, yet the goal was to make friendships with people from other cultures. Knowing that UTS has countless societies, I thought, "what would be a better way than joining these clubs and meeting people with my same interests?"
The UTS Music Society caught my interest the most, months before flying to the land down under. Although I'm a Design student in Visual Communications, a hobby that has been growing on me these recent years is singing and songwriting. I've loved singing ever since grade 9, and even released original songs three years ago (right before I came here!). MuscUTS has a jam club, where skilled singers and instrumentalists come together every week to play music together. On O'Day 2023, I saw that they were holding auditions so I took the chance—a first year first semester kid, I have nothing to lose. The audition had around 30 applicants, and only half of them made it in. Thankfully, I succeeded and became a jam club member.
Despite a rush of euphoria in the audition, I quickly realised that it was just the beginning. I only knew one person—Liv, who I met while waiting to audition. She was my first and only friend at that time, and helped me through the immense culture shock when the jam club started. No one was Indonesian, a good chunk of people knew each other already, and had a deep passion for music. Every Thursday for 3 hours straight, we formed little groups to rehearse then perform based on the theme of the week. I went to a science-biased high school, where musical hobbies were not able to flourish, so this was a breath of fresh air.
It took a hot minute to really get along with the members—slowly picking up new Aussie slang, and finding out birthday parties can be celebrated by sitting at Hyde Park instead of treating your friends to dinner (in Indonesia, the birthday boy/girl shouts the group). Through common interests in musicians, brainrot memes, and sharing good times, the music society slowly became family to me.
At the end of every semester, they hold an event called "End-Of-Semester Concert" (or "End-Of-Year Concert"). I only had 2 original songs out during my first EOY Concert back in December 2023. I didn't think of asking the jam members to form a full band for my set, so I asked my friend Nate, who was in the jam club at the time, to play the keyboard for my performance. It was only 10 minutes, performing my songs plus a Niki cover, but it was so memorable as I'd never performed to a crowd in Australia.
Fast forward to today, and 2023 me would be shocked to hear the gigs I've played (and will be playing!) this year. On June 13th 2025 I performed to a huge audience at UNSW's Indonesian Night Markets with a band of five others, all who I met from MuscUTS. We rehearse regularly to make sure our gigs are top-notch, professional, and memorable! Shoutout to Hayley, Clement, Tayden, Mandiv, and Zach :)
The society has given me broader connections for my musical career. I met a fellow singer/songwriter (who has now become my good friend), Justin Anda, and asked if he wants to write a song with me. Now, we have a punk-rock song called “(Te)enage Years” and an R&B heartbreak song in the works. It’s incredible how much experience and friendships were formed throughout these past couple of years.
Besides the UTS Music Society, I've also joined PPIA UTS (Indonesian Society), where I've met some awesome, outgoing Indonesians that love to get involved! In my first year, I only joined "welcome gathering" events as a member but, after a year, I formed the courage and applied to the creative media committee. Now in my final year, I've become the Creative Media Director! Being involved in PPIA UTS throughout my uni years has improved my creative skills, as a graphic designer and leader!
Whether you're in your first year or stepping into your last semester, you may have hesitated to mingle in UTS societies. I'm challenging you to step out of your comfort zone. The friendships, memories, and self-growth you might gain—are worth a lifetime.
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