"Time flies when you're having fun!"
Hi.
My name is Olivia and I study my Master in Event Management at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). I moved 'Down Under' about 6 weeks ago, and I have to say that time really flies when you're having fun. I have already explored many of Sydney's lovely spots and areas and met loads of students from all over the world.
Do you want to study abroad?
My housing in Sydney
I stay at the campus at the university and that means lots of fun and free events where I get to meet amazing people. Every Tuesday and Wednesday they offer free breakfast on campus and there is even a membership for one of the gyms very close to the dorm buildings. I live with two other girls, one from the US and one from Japan. At University of Technology, Sydney it is possible to choose either a private studio apartment or to live with other students like I do. We all have private bedrooms and then we share a kitchen, shower, toilet and a living room with a balcony. We also have access to the rooftop which has an amazing view, a BBQ and a small veggie garden. If you want to study abroad I'd definitely recommend you to share an apartment or a house with other students, as it's so nice living with others and you will never feel lonely.
Positively surprised
The buildings of UTS are scattered all over Sydney which is great as I get to go to different areas of the city and explore them after class. They even offer a shuttle bus that takes you to the different campuses in case you have classes late in the evening or cannot be bothered walking or taking public transport.
One of my concerns before moving to Sydney for my Master was whether Sydney would be too big for me. Initially, I wanted to study in a smaller place where everybody knows everybody, but Sydney and UTS does not seem too big at all. Actually, I was wrong and I really feel at home now. Particularly, because of the many great student events that are arranged on campus. It is so nice that I am able to walk between my student accommodation and classes. Even the famous Bondi Beach is only 40 minutes away by bus and the Opera House is only a good 30-minute power walk away, so close!
How studying in Sydney is different
The biggest difference between studying at home in Scandinavia and in Sydney is that instead of taking one course at a time, I take four at a time in Sydney. In the beginning I thought I had a lot to prepare for the various classes but now I'm cool with it. The best advice I got before departure was to find a study group for each class. We meet up and discuss the themes and topics of the class before the lecture starts. The classes are all really exciting and I think it's so cool to hear what students of other nationalities think of a subject.
UTS offers many clubs and student associations that students can take part in, some are free and some you pay for. Since I'm studying Event Management I decided to join a club called "Event Society" which cost 10 AUD per year. I got a lot for my money as the first get-together included a pizza and three drinks. I've met so many cool people through the club and once we even went sailing in the harbor of Sydney which was amazing.
Do it!
If you consider studying abroad I can totally recommend it. You will get an international education while you travel and explore - win! The best part is undoubtedly meeting people from all over the world, having fun and evolving as a person.