Canberra: The City of Roundabouts

By Ayero Moro, Australian National University, Australia

When I told people I was going to Canberra, the reactions were mixed. ‘’Why not Sydney?’’ I wasn’t even sure what to expect. But after living there for just over a year, I can confidently say: Canberra is unexpectedly charming.

I studies at the Australian National University, based right in the heart of the city. Campus is beautiful, surrounded by lakes, mountains and an unusual amount of roundabouts. I stayed at Fenner Hall, a social, central accommodation where I quickly found community through dirty shared kitchens, corridor chats and friends-giving dinners.

Academically, I chose law, science and language modules which was wildly chaotic. 3hr labs and 4 lecture hours for one class a week was intense, but I was up for the challenge. Some days I was analysing precedent. Other days I was doing titrations with a couple hours of terrible Spanglish conversations in between. It was heavy content wise, but I appreciate how approachable the lecturers were.

What really made Canberra special, though, was its personality. Canberra is designed for a slower paced lifestyle. Mornings started with oat lattes at Rex or LAB, and weekends were for sunset hikes or reading by the lake. Evenings could be social or quiet – watching the Matilda’s v Lionesses in a packed bar one night, or stargazing at the arboretum on campus next.

Before I went I thought I had to constantly be doing something. But Canberra gave me the perfect balance whilst proving joy can be quiet.