I have recently arrived back to London and talking to friends and family I can’t help but reflect back on my time in Sydney. People keep asking me “what was it like?” and a reply such as it was amazing or really cool does not give it justice, it simply was the best experience of my life. They then continue to ask “what was the best bit?”… all of it. Everything I experienced made it what it was, so yes there were highlights and also there were hard times, but together they made my time unique. A run through of these moments seem to be the best way to go about it all.
The best thing (from an academic point of view), were the skills and knowledge that I gained throughout my modules. For example, I used world-class computer programmes and learnt a lot about the continent in which I was studying. Of course for a Geography student, what more could you ask for?
Another highlight were the people. Most of my pictures on Facebook include a solid group of friends whom I spent a lot of time with. With these people I explored Sydney and made some great memories. See the pictures below… Plus I think I also have a place to stay if I wish to go to France- so many benefits!
Of course my parent’s coming to visit was another massive highlight but also after my exams my boyfriend came out to see me. I showed him the Uni, the city and the famous Blue Mountains and after we proceeded our journey to Cairns where we made our way back down the East Coast to Sydney. Seeing the country for all its glory with my boyfriend was a perfect way to end my semester abroad.
The only true ‘hard times’ I can think of was being away from my family and boyfriend. The distance at times was difficult, but surrounding myself with friends in Australia helped with this. However, with technology such as Skype and Facetime things were easier than I initially thought. Also, the workload at the University did have intense moments but with some organising and knuckling down I managed to get through!
Reflecting on all of these moments and even thinking about the everyday life that I experienced still surprises myself. I actually did these things. I went to the other side of the world to study but to also explore and meet people. In my eyes I achieved my ambitions and these will be the things that I will remember.
I understand that many of you who are reading this are interested in a semester abroad, whether to do Geography or because you want to go to Sydney. I hope that my blogs have provided some insight into the transition from Southampton to Sydney and simply the life of being a Sydney student. A quick tip…If you’re going to go abroad for a semester or a year, make sure you go partly for the modules which interest you, but also for the place. You will learn a lot more by going out to explore your surroundings, especially as a Geography student.
The last message/question I would like to say is ‘why not?’. Why don’t you take this opportunity? If you can provide a good enough answer to that question, then ok. However, I will bet that many of your peers just dismiss this opportunity for no real good reason. Be different. You’re looking at this blog for a reason…so why not? Go for it. You will not regret it.