Due to its gorgeous beaches, buzzing cities, and tropical climate, Australia was my dream study-abroad destination. However, this meant traveling to the other side of the world, which can be a bit of a challenge. Here are my top tips (learning from experience) to help make the lengthy journey as peaceful and enjoyable as possible.
If you are considering studying down under, here are several things I wish I had known before I moved to Australia:
Australia is Vast and Diverse: Covering over three million square miles, Australia’s size rivals that of the entire European continent. This significant size has implications for travel and transportation so is necessary to keep it in mind when planning trips & transportation.
Australia’s Varied Climate: Contrary to the assumption that Australia is always warm, there are distinct seasons. Winters can be quite cold, especially in places like Canberra where temperatures can drop significantly β when I landed in July it was -5 degrees! If you are after a warmer climate, Brisbane enjoys a tropical climate, while Melbourne is infamous for its “four seasons in one day.”
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.
by Emily Fujii Kyriakidou, University of Melbourne, Australia
Capturing the Pulse of Melbourne
Hello future scholars in Melbourne!Β πΒ This city is a treasure trove of cultural richness and educational prowess. Before diving into all it offers, here are five essential tasks to get you started:
By Laura Docherty, University of New South Wales, Australia
Sydney Harbour and Opera House
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!
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 UKβs 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.
by Ffion Davies, University of Queensland, Australia
I have always loved travelling and visiting new places, meeting new people etc, so the international exchange programme seemed perfect for me. Australia is a place Iβve always wanted to visit, from a very young age. Iβm hoping to do some travelling during my time here. Queensland has some breath-taking beaches that I would love to visit. I also would love to go to other countries that are nearby such as New Zealand.
By Honor Cessford, Australian National University, Australia
Despite its reputation as a dull inland city, Canberra, the capital of Australia, offers an array of fun activities. Disregard the misconceptions and let me share some of my personal favourite things to do in Canberra!
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!
By Amani Bates, University of Western Australia, Australia
So.
You want to go to Sydney. But other than the Opera house, you have no idea what to do, where to go, or who youβll meet. Well, I was in your exact position, so letβs see if I can help you out.Β
By Amani Bates, University of Western Australia, Australia
UWA Campus
Gβday from down under!
Iβve sadly done more than half my time here in Perth and I must say Iβve absolutely loved it. The weatherβs great, the people are friendly, and Iβve made some really cool friends and some amazing memories. Iβd highly recommend it as a destination for your study abroad.
That said, there are a few things I wished Iβd known before I got here, so hereβs my list of tips!
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.