University of Sydney
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10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Traveling Australia’s East Coast
By Valentina Calcagni, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia I think everyone and their dog seems to travel the East Coast when they visit Australia. And, honestly? It’s worth all the hype. From snorkeling the magnificent Great Barrier Reef to soaking up the breathtaking views at Airlie Beach or spotting a koala (or two) on Magnetic Island, this coastline has something for everyone. Being a bit of an aggressive planner myself, here are some of the things I wish I knew before tackling this iconic trip…
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Exam Stress: Getting Through the Exam Period
By Joe Ashby, University of Sydney, Australia Exam periods are tough, this is the same whatever University you are at. Of course, the extent to which you will be spending prolonged periods of time in the library is very course dependent, however, I felt a similar degree of stress during my exams at University of Sydney as I did at the University of Manchester. This blog highlights tips not only related to getting through your exams at USYD, but also the various other obstacles you may face during this period.
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What I really want to say when they ask ‘How’s Australia?’
By Valentina Calcagni, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia When someone asks me ‘How’s Australia?’, I like to jump to one of my default responses: Option a) ‘Amazing, so amazing. I am having so much fun.’ Option b) ‘Brilliant. You should visit one day.’ Option c) ‘I saw a family of kangaroos.’ A fine set of options if you ask me, which always get the response you are hoping for. But upon reflection, there is so much more to say when I am asked that question.
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Things to do in Sydney!
By Valentina Calcagni, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia What a few months it’s been! Hi 🙂 My name is Valentina Calcagni, and I left the rainy UK for Sydney on July 15th. Three months later, I still feel like this gorgeous city has so much more to offer. Sydney is truly stunning, with its iconic skyline, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. There’s always something to do, whether it’s exploring the bustling markets (Glebe is my personal favorite), enjoying the nightlife, or soaking up the sun at the beach.
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Accomodation Opportunities: ResLife Grant Scheme
By Joe Ashby, University of Sydney, Australia I wanted to take the time to write about a really cool opportunity available for students staying in USYD accommodation. To my knowledge, in all student halls across Sydney, ResLife will be closely tied to your accommodation experience. In QMB, my residence, several events have been put on aiming to integrate the myriad of international and exchange students together. These are all great, and whether or not you should choose to attend them, you will definitely get the sense that there is considerable effort being put into a smooth integration process for you.
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Weekend Trips In Sydney: Blue Mountains
By Joe Ashby, University of Sydney, Australia I didn’t expect to be writing a ‘trip ideas’ blog so soon, but this weekend away is perfect for anyone studying in Sydney who’s looking to take a break from the chaos of the city – especially as an escape during the exam season.
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Arriving In Sydney: My Experience
By Joe Ashby, University of Sydney, Australia The actual journey to Sydney was a long one, as to be expected, so it seems naïve of me to brush over the long delays and questionable in-flight meals, however, I think it actually highlights how impactful the arrival was, and how irrelevant the difficulties of getting there quickly become.
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WHERE TO EAT ON KING STREET
By Issy Jackson (University of Sydney, Australia) Newtown is almost like the Fallowfield of Sydney! It’s a studenty suburb that is super close to a lot of USYD’s colleges and residences including the famous Queen Mary Building and its new rival, the Regiment. King Street is a buzzing hub of shops, restaurants and bars; it is the beating heart of USYD’s social life. After spending farrrr too much money in basically every single establishment that it has to offer, I’m well equipped (if slightly financially destabilised) to talk you through my favourites. SOUL BURGER Picture this. Little old Issy has made one of her first ventures out of her accommodation…
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GOING TO THE ‘FOOTY’
By Issy Jackson (University of Sydney, Australia) I’m sure we’ve all been to our fair share of football games in the UK. But with four different football ‘codes’ down under, watching live matches is ever so slightly different … SOCCER Soccer culture and what Aussies call the ‘English Premier League’ culture could not be more contrasting. I couldn’t believe that I was watching Sydney FC play against Adelaide United whilst sat in the sunshine with a picnic blanket on a small hill next to the pitch. I’m used to being cramped into a damp stand where a roof over your head is an absolute treat. The attendance for the A-League…
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TWO DAY TRIPS IN SYDNEY THAT AREN’T TALKED ABOUT ENOUGH
By Issy Jackson (University of Sydney, Australia) Everyone knows about visiting the Blue Mountains, but here are two day trips that are kept slightly more secret! Go on a Sunday and you won’t pay for than $2.80 for transport too… Figure 8 Pools The Figure 8 Pools are at the end of a beautiful coastal walk in the Royal National Park. All you need to do is get the train to Otford and you can immediately swap the boom-and-bustle of central Sydney for kilometres and kilometres of serene coastline. The bushwalk itself isn’t the easiest and takes about an hour and a half as you trek through forest and hills,…
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THE EAST COAST
By Issy Jackson (University of Sydney, Australia) THE EAST COAST Whether you’re going from Cairns to Sydney or Sydney to Cairns, there’s so much to do when travelling the East Coast of Australia. No matter how long you’re planning to go for, here are some of the places that you can’t miss. From North to South, I’ll take you through some of the classic destinations as well as some of the lesser well-known experiences that I heard about from other Backpackers! Magnetic Island Just a short ferry off the coast of Townsville, Magnetic Island is the perfect place to spend a few nights to explore. Its small bus system is…
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My Top 5 Beaches in Sydney
By Issy Jackson (University of Sydney, Australia) On my very first day at the University of Sydney, I walked out of my last lecture for the day at lunchtime to beautiful blue skies and sunshine when I was met with a problem that I would get very used to over my time on exchange: Which beach to go to?! There are over 100 beaches in Sydney so I’m going to share with you my top 5. Camp Cove Getting the ferry to any of the beaches along Watson’s Bay from Circular Quay is a ‘pinch-me’ moment every single time as you watch the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, the North…
