My name is Emily and I spent the first semester of my third year studying Psychology at the University of New South Wales in Sydney. Choosing to study abroad felt like a huge step but it quickly became one of the most rewarding and memorable parts of my degree.
Everyday Life in Sydney
Although moving to the other side of the world was initially daunting, Sydney quickly began to feel like home. I lived just a 20-minute walk from the iconic Bondi Beach, which made it easy to combine studying with some of the best coastal scenery in the world. My days usually involved travelling to campus, studying in sunny outdoor spaces and exploring different parts of the city in the evenings or at weekends.
Sydney’s lifestyle was a good balance of city life, beaches and nature. I loved taking coastal walks and discovering new beaches. The city also had a vibrant social scene, though I noticed nightlife was a bit different from the UK. Most bars and clubs opened and closed earlier, which made evenings feel lively but more relaxed than back home.
Studying Psychology Abroad
Academically, studying Psychology at UNSW offered a fresh perspective on my subject. There was a strong emphasis on independent learning, with tutorials that were highly interactive and discussion-based. This approach helped me engage more deeply with the material and gain confidence in sharing my ideas.
Studying alongside students from diverse cultural backgrounds broadened my understanding of psychology. It was inspiring to see how global perspectives could shape academic discussions and challenge my own assumptions.
Travelling After the Semester
One of the best parts of my exchange was that the semester ended in mid-December, leaving over a month to travel before returning to the UK. I started with a trip to New Zealand, returned to Sydney briefly and then travelled up the east coast of Australia.
One of the most unforgettable moments was skydiving in New Zealand, something I never imagined myself doing before this trip. It pushed me completely out of my comfort zone and showed me how much my confidence had grown over the semester.
Social Life
A huge highlight of my time abroad was the people I met. I formed friendships with people from all over the world, some of whom I’m still in touch with today. Having a supportive group of friends made the experience even more meaningful and added a lasting personal dimension to my exchange.