Sydney: A Year Abroad in Review

By Joe Ashby, University of Sydney, Australia

It’s difficult to put into words how incredible my year abroad experience in Australia was. It is also a near impossible task to succinctly encapsulate this adventure in a mere 500 words; however, this blog will attempt to do so.

Firstly, the place itself. The city of Sydney is littered with world-class beaches that are a simple bus ride away. My favourites would have to be either Manly, Freshwater or Palm Beach. Make sure you visit these. If you want to get the proper experience, get the first ferry out of Circular Quay at sunrise, and hire a surfboard from Drip ‘n’ Wet at Manly North Steyne. These sunrise surfs were a true highlight of my time in Sydney.

Outside of Sydney, there is an entire country that demands to be explored. Trips away elevated my year abroad to an entirely new level. Of these, I would recommend prioritising the East Coast (Daintree down to Byron Bay), Western Australia, and Tasmania. You will be surprised how easy it is to hire a van, bring a couple mates, and drive around for a week in the most breathtaking landscapes.

The University of Sydney is an equally special place. Make use of the USU offers and deals and get yourself involved in one of the many social activities the university has to offer. Some friends and I decided to join a futsal league run by the uni which ended up being a real highlight of first semester. Find what interests you and dive headfirst into it.

Culturally, you will notice a stark difference between Sydney and Manchester which is quite literally night and day. Sydney is an early rising city, where the population floods to the beach first thing in the morning for a quick swim or surf before hitting a beloved coffee shop. Conversely, I would argue that Manchester is a city that excels at night, with its many clubs and bars. This was an unexpected difference when I first arrived in Australia, however, I cannot recommend enough immersing yourself in this lifestyle. It truly is the authentic Aussie experience.  

There is so much to be gained from undertaking a year abroad in Sydney. It demands social capabilities, time management, independence, and confidence. However, it will also provide you with some of the most incredible memories you will ever have the pleasure of experiencing. I simply cannot recommend this opportunity enough, and I absolutely will never forget it.