By Laura Docherty, University of New South Wales, Australia
Having been in Sydney for over a month now, I have really started to settle in and get to grips with life down under! I wanted to make sure I use my free time as wisely as possible whilst I’m here and go on as many trips as I can; the first of which was a road trip down the coast to Jervis Bay.
Continue reading “My First Australian Road Trip”
By Mia Campbell, University of New South Wales, Australia
Moving to the other side of the world, it is easy to become a sheep; following the tourist hot spots which Bondi and Coogee have to offer. Since I have been here, by meeting new people and becoming more integrated with the local community this has opened me up to other less typical treasures Sydney has to offer.
Continue reading “Manly- A New Beach Spot!”
By Mia Campbell, University of New South Wales, Australia
Studying abroad on the other side of the world is already daunting, so it is important to feel at home swiftly. Admittedly this does take time, but the list I will commence is a faster next step in the right direction.
Continue reading “Things I WISH I knew and SORTED before I arrived in Sydney”
By Laura Docherty, University of New South Wales, Australia
I have now been in Sydney for one week – and so much has happened already! I have begun to settle in by making some new friends, finally finding an apartment(!) and having my first lecture. After leaving my parents at Heathrow with a few teary goodbyes I had the 11.5 hour journey to Bangkok followed by a 9 hour flight to Sydney, so it’s safe to say I was exhausted when I arrived at my hostel. However, the view of Coogee beach from our window made up for it! I met up with a few girls from Manchester and went to do some touristy things on my first day; Sydney harbour bridge, the Opera House and the botanical gardens. There was also a massive list of admin-type things I had to get done on arrival, such as getting a new sim, opening a bank account, sorting out a tax number and getting my student card. I think I have been dealing fairly well with the move so far – so here are a few of my tips for moving alone to the other side of the world!
Continue reading “Tips and tricks for moving to Sydney”
By Mia Campbell, University of New South Wales, Australia
‘The First Invasion’ Painting at The Museum of Sydney
I arrived in Sydney last week, studying at the University of New South Wales and to my pleasant surprise (not initially) I have to study an extra module as an international student. Although, before I mistakenly identified myself as a sloppy student willing to do the bare minimum: it goes without saying this module has really opened my eyes to the Real Sydney and what it has to offer. ‘Sydney History and Crime’ has allowed me to develop my previous ideas of this city: gorgeous, vibrant, with a wide array of beaches and a winter climate ridiculing the UK’s current summer. I now recognise that Sydney possesses these qualities and more, and I feel indebted to this university for showing me that so early on.
Continue reading “The Real Sydney? : My First Module”By Lauren Tennant, University of New South Wales, Australia
Looking back on my study abroad year it’s safe to say I can identify a few different chapters as well as some core highlights.
Continue reading “Building Connections and New Habits”
By Lauren Tennant, University of New South Wales, Australia
Fiji has always been high up on my bucket list and due to its remote location, getting there from the UK feels near impossible ( and $$$! ). However, we spotted $400 return flights (around £215) from Sydney to Nadi and very last-minute decided to plan the dream trip. Having spoken to multiple people that had done a similar trip, I have a few tips to help you when budgeting and booking for Fiji.
Continue reading “Bula! A Week in Fiji”
by Lauren Tennant, University of New South Wales, Australia
Most my posts have been about settling-in and the travelling experiences on offer in Sydney, however I thought it was important to touch on the studying itself!
Continue reading “Putting the ‘study’ in study abroad”
by Lauren Tennant, University of New South Wales, Australia
As most my previous posts have emphasised, a work-fun balance is so important to get the most out of your year abroad.
At the top of my Aus bucket list was visiting Western Australia and its incredible beaches. A short break between summer term and Term 1 at UNSW came around and I quickly took the opportunity to get my uni work in order and book a trip to WA.
Continue reading “Western Australia Road-trip Rundown”
by Lauren Tennant, University of New South Wales, Australia
In October I was in full swing of my first full semester at UNSW and the 14th October marked my final deadline before ‘reading week’ aka spring break. Myself and 8 friends headed off to Byron Bay, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, and Rainbow Beach in what was my first time leaving Sydney since arriving in August. Studying abroad in such an incredible country like Australia means it’s even more important to be organised with uni work so that you are able to squeeze in as much travel as possible. So, hopefully some of the below pointers are useful.
Continue reading “A guide to maximising spring break – Aussie edition”
By Lauren Tennant, University of New South Wales, Australia
After multiple push-backs due to the pandemic, and 24 hours of travelling, I arrived down-under in Sydney around three weeks ago. Knowing first-hand the mixture of excitement, apprehension, and uncertainty, I thought I’d make a list to guide you through the transition into an exchange year and offer any tips from both my triumphs and mistakes, alongside my initial reflections.
Continue reading “Arriving Down Under: Adjusting to Life in Sydney”