"The people here are so lovely!"
"Hi, I'm Nathalie. I always wanted to travel to Australia for a longer period of time. When I got the opportunity to do a semester abroad, Australia immediately popped up as my number 1 option and after googling a bit I found University of the Sunshine Coast on KILROY’s website, and I just knew that this was the school that I wanted to apply to. Let me share with you the best things about studying at the Sunshine Coast as well as the challenges that I've had to face as an international student 'Down Under'.
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Kangaroos on campus
"I did not expect to see so many kangaroos on campus, but I absolutely love it! Also, I am positively surprised about the weather and the nature.
In Australia they really care about the animals and nature, and just the fact that you see kangaroos and exotic birds on campus is amazing."
A typical day at University of the Sunshine Coast
"I attend classes Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Wednesday I have morning lectures from 8-10 and again in the evening from 18-20. Thursday and Friday I have classes from 8-9 and then a tutorial from 11-13 where we discuss what we have talked about during the session, have a Q&A etc. I feel like I get to know the teachers really well during the tutorial since the class size is quite small.
Preparing my homework every week is necessary as we discuss the themes during the tutorial and if I don’t study, I will lack behind the others."
Finding student accommodation at UniSC
"I knew that I wanted to apply for student accommodation at Unicentral which is for students at UniSC. There is also another student accommodation for international students which is called Varsity. If you wish to live in a more peaceful building I’d recommend Unicentral over Varsity, which is more party-like. And I really enjoy staying in Unicentral only a 5-minute walk from the school. I have my own bedroom and bathroom and then I share the kitchen facilities with 3 other girls. It was super easy finding accommodation via Unicentral."
The best thing about studying in Australia - and my challenges!
"I honestly cannot choose the number 1 thing about studying in Australia but I adore the weather and the nature. When I first arrived it was a bit cold and then it started changing and now it is really lovely. The area is so nice and the beach and shopping is a 20-minute bus ride from the school. Australia has so much to offer and I have loads more planned. Australia is a must-visit, I think.
One of my main challenges about going here was missing family and friends back home. But in general, I cannot think of anything negative about Australia to be honest with you. I thrive in Australia and I feel safe and happy. The public transportation system works but it would be better though. It takes quite a while to get to Noosa or Brisbane and it would be easier if I had a car."
How KILROY helped me
"I got in contact with a study advisor that answered my request quickly and gave me all the information that I needed to plan my studies in Australia. I am so happy that I applied to University of the Sunshine Coast via KILROY. Please reach out to them if you have any questions, and I am sure that they will help you plan your adventure in Australia."
What's next?
"I have about 3 weeks left at the school and then I am going to travel for a few weeks before going home. I have learned a lot during my time here, and how it is different to my life back home.
I am going to miss the Sunshine Coast and all of the mesmerizing sights along the coast. The people here are lovely and they have a funny dialect that is a bit difficult to understand when they speak fast. I am definitely coming back here as there is a lot to see and do."