A Story of Surprising Generosity: When a University Student Allowed Me to Stay on Her Dorm Ground

During the year 2006, I traveled to Canberra for an admissions interview for medical school. My plan was I would book a place to stay when I arrived, yet upon reaching the city, a big convention was in town and every single youth hostels and budget accommodation had no vacancies.

As a visitor from the city-state of Singapore, I thought maybe I could bed down in the terminal – but soon learned the local airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, is not open all night. With no idea quite what to do and growing worried, I boarded a bus into town and found myself drifting towards a gaming venue, thinking I might spend those hours somewhere that was open through the night. That wouldn’t put me at my peak for acing the admissions interview the next morning, however, being a student on a tight budget, luxury accommodation was impossible.

Our society requires more individuals like that woman.

I must have looked lost because a young woman saw me wandering around downtown and inquired whether I needed help. I explained my situation and immediately she said I could crash on the floor of her dormitory at the local university – a perfect solution, considering that was where my interview was scheduled for the next day. She even offered me some free dinner: one stuffed baguettes she brought back her work shift. I was able to use the bathroom and somewhere safe to rest for the evening.

Looking back, it’s clear to me what a big chance she accepted being a woman letting a male stranger who was a complete stranger stay in her room. In those days I operated under my male privilege bubble and not even thinking about things like that. Now, as a father, I am astonished she did that – yet deeply appreciative.

Ultimately, I did not go to that university, and I never saw that kind stranger again, but I’ve never forgotten that incredible gesture of human compassion. I hope karma has returned her act of kindness many times over. The world needs more individuals like that woman.