Hello everyone! My name is Lili-Mei, and I am currently pursuing an MSc in Marine Biology. I have just completed a semester abroad at Deakin University in Victoria, Australia. It is a stunning part of the world, renowned for its pristine sandy beaches and beautiful national parksādefinitely a place worth exploring.
I would like to share some of my favourite experiences, what life was like living in Australia, and offer some tips for students considering a study abroad opportunity.
Applying and Arriving
The application process was straightforward. Most of the work involved completing paperwork for Southampton University, after which I received a list of modules to choose from at Deakin University about a month before my arrival. The only challenge was applying for a visa!
I travelled with my best friend, Sadie, who is also studying Marine Biology, which made the experience even more enjoyable. We found an Aussie housemate through Houseme, a website provided by Deakin University. This worked out perfectly as we had our own cosy space just a five-minute drive from campus, complete with a black cat!
Upon arrival, I attended an orientation week, which was a fantastic opportunity to meet other international students. It was a great way to ask any questions I had about the university, and we were welcomed with hot drinks and snacksāa lovely touch.
Course and Campus
I thoroughly enjoyed the modules I took at Deakin. There were so many options to choose from that it took me a while to decide! I was also able to take some modules I wouldn’t have been able to at Southampton. I chose Aquaculture, Fisheries Science, Environmental Politics, and World Religion, which helped broaden my academic interests. The teaching style was also differentāclasses were smaller, and I had more practical experience in the labs, making it feel much more personal between students and lecturers.
One of the highlights was the field trips to aquaculture farms that focused on abalone farming. It was incredibly interesting to speak with the people working there and learn about Marine Biology in practice. This experience has inspired me to explore more in this field.
The campus itself was fantastic. The library spanned four stories, and there were plenty of support staff available. I particularly appreciated the rest rooms in the library, which were equipped with beds and bean bags for students needing a rest. The campus was compact, so I never had to travel far between lectures, and everything was kept in pristine condition. The university also went above and beyond to support students, offering free breakfast every Wednesday and food box giveaways every fortnight, providing enough food for a week. These initiatives helped tremendously with the cost of living in Australia, especially as there is limited funding available for students.
Aussie Life
My weekends were filled with adventureādriving into nearby national parks for hammock camping, hiking trails, and swimming in the crystal-clear beaches and lakes. Melbourne, just a 50-minute train ride away, was also a favourite destination. The cityās vibrant nightlife scene is worth the trip, with an endless selection of live music, pubs, restaurants, and things to do. I had so much fun spending time with the locals, who brought such a lively energy to nights out.
To support myself, I worked as a waitress in a Mexican restaurant along the waterfront in Geelong. It was a lovely experience that allowed me to meet many friendly Aussies. Everyone was chatty and welcoming, and I felt completely safe throughout my time in Australia.
One thing to watch out for, though, is the weather! It can be very unpredictableāone moment itās sunny, the next itās raining or hailing. I arrived in July, which is winter in Australia, and was unprepared for how cold it was. Fortunately, Australia has plenty of excellent charity (op) shops, where I managed to buy an entirely new winter wardrobe. By the end of September, the weather had warmed up considerably.
Final Thoughts
I would highly recommend this opportunity to anyone. My advice is to make the most of your time abroad. Immerse yourself in the activities and the outdoors, as the opportunities to experience nature in Australia are unlike anything we have back in the UK.
