Author

Loren Howarth

How to Get Motivated After Holidays

The article is written by Loren Howarth

It’s always a struggle to find motivation after a relaxing holiday. Whether you escaped to the beach or enjoyed some downtime at home, studying was probably the last thing on your mind.

But with the festivities officially over, it’s time to start getting ready for the year ahead. Here are our top 5 ways to kick laziness to the curb and achieve all your goals.

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Get organised

An organisation is a key to regaining motivation after a long break. This can include buying new equipment for your studies (who doesn’t love stationery?!), planning out a new routine, or checking out what’s happening at your institution. By doing this, not only will you be prepared for the year ahead, but you’ll also start looking forward to any exciting projects which you didn’t know about before. Getting a diary is a good place to start!

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Create goals and then rewards for completing them

Sometimes it can be daunting going into another year after having such a long time off studying. The best way to combat this? Create goals for yourself. By doing this you’ll have a game plan and feel eager to complete them. But that’s not all! Don’t forget to also plan rewards for completing any goals you achieve. For example, schedule a fun day out with friends after submitting a big assignment. This will make you more motivated to get back into the swing of things.

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Check out your classes for the year

One of the best things about starting a year of study is the new classes you’ll be able to take. There are usually so many interesting electives to choose from and often the choice can be overwhelming! But by looking into what you’ll be learning for the year, this can make all the difference in being motivated to learn.

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Watch motivational videos

You’ve probably had someone tell you to watch motivational videos before, but they really do work. If you finding yourself lacking the enthusiasm to begin your studies for the year, watching a couple of this videos will really leave you feeling inspired and eager to gain new knowledge. They will want to make you take over the world!

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Catch up with your study group

We’re not going to lie – getting back into study mode can suck. But having a great support group can really make you motivated to want to learn again. This is a great opportunity to talk about all your goals for the year, any worries, and even to help pick electives. After this chat, you’ll feel more prepared and ready to conquer your studies!

Best of luck for 2018!

How to Spend New Years Eve in Sydney

The article is written by Loren Howarth

With 2017 almost over (the years just seem to go quicker and quicker!), it’s time to start thinking about how you want to bring in the New Year. But with so many celebrations happening across the city, it can be hard to put together a list of what to see and do. Don’t worry! We’ve done all the work for you, with some must-see events as well as the top spots to see the fireworks. Let’s welcome 2018 in style!

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Celebrate at Barangaroo Reserve

For just $40 a ticket per person, you and your friends can bring in the New Year in style. From 6pm, you will be able to access the park, lay down a picnic blanket and secure a great spot to watch the fireworks. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy the delicious food options available, from freshly shucked oysters to smoking burgers and ribs. The event is limited to 10,000 people – so book in quick to avoid missing out!

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Party into 2018 at Victoria Park

If you want to dance your way into the New Year, look no further than Victoria Park. The Park is hosting a giant garden party with a host of Australian and international performers, including Hot Dub Time Machine, Tiga, and an aerobics set from Retrosweat. With gourmet food available, music, and an epic view of the city’s skyline and fireworks, this is perfect if you’re looking for a fun night out! Tickets are also reasonable at just $79 per person.

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Scoring the Best Fireworks Spot

If this will be the only time you’ll be in Sydney for New Year’s Eve, then you definitely should try and get a good spot to watch the fireworks. But it isn’t as easy as it sounds because everyone else has the same idea. For the ultimate viewing spot, try and get down to the area in front of the Bridge and Opera House. There is a maximum capacity set for this area, and so once it starts looking full it will be closed off. So try and get there around 12pm, and although this seems like a long wait, it will be totally worth it.

Here are some other great spots which you can visit for free:

Birchgrove Park
Bradfield Park
Campbells Cove
Cremorne Point
Duff Reserve

Tip: Before arriving, bring along a picnic blanket as well as heaps of snacks and drinks to share with your friends! However, some locations prohibit BYO drinks, so always check in advance.

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Throw your own party!

If you don’t want to spend the night out in Sydney, then why not throw your own New Years Eve party? You can start up a BBQ, play some music, and have the TV on for the 9pm fireworks and then also the midnight ones. This way you can save money, avoid the busy city crowds, and bring in the new year the way you want to!

SYDNEY ATTRACTIONS YOU NEED TO VISIT

The article is written by Loren Howarth

There is so much to see and do in Sydney, and the seemingly endless range of possibilities can be a bit overwhelming. But if you’re planning to visit sometime soon, there are some iconic attractions which are a must see. So we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite spots to check out. And best of all, visiting these locations won’t send you broke!

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Sydney Harbour Bridge

You might have seen the Sydney Harbour Bridge in pictures, but in real life, this Australian landmark is even more impressive. The bridge is the world’s tallest steel arch bridge and runs across the Sydney Harbour carrying rail, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic. You can walk across the bridge and get amazing harbour views, or if you want to an experience a once in a lifetime opportunity, you can also climb the bridge. But it will set you back a couple of hundred dollars.

Fun fact: The bridge is nicknamed “The Coathanger” because of its arch-based design.

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Sydney Opera House

Along with the Harbour Bridge, there’s no doubt you would have also seen the Sydney Opera House. This multi-venue performing arts centre is one of the 20^th century’s most famous and distinctive buildings and is also the land down under’s most recognisable. You can view this architectural icon from the air, from a ferry, or even get a closer look on foot. If you’re interested in seeing a performance, there are several which run throughout the year.

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Queen Victoria Building

A real gem of Sydney, the Queen Victoria Building (known as QVB for locals) is a late nineteenth-century building which retains historical charm in an area filled with modern skyscrapers. A number of shops now occupy the premise, but even if you don’t spend, this is one unique shopping experience. And be sure to head up to Level 3 on the hour to watch the building’s clock chime!

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Luna Park

With free entry, Luna Park is certainly something to check out. The amusement park has heaps of fun rides from a Ferris Wheel which overlooks the Sydney Harbour, to more thrill-seeking ones such as the Tumble Bug. If an attraction catches your eye, you can buy single tickets or there are unlimited ride passes available.

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Bondi Beach

Our list would be incomplete if we didn’t include one of the most famous beaches in Australia – Bondi Beach. This is one of the most beautiful beaches with great sand and strikingly clean water, all while sitting close to the largest population centre in the country. Although the beach can get quite busy due to its reputation, this is a must-see attraction. And don’t forget to slip, slop, slap!

Hint: At the southern end of the beach, is the Bondi Icebergs Pool which is the most photographed ocean pool in the country – so don’t forget to check it out!

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Sydney Tower Eye

This is Sydney’s equivalent of New York’s Empire State Building, offering magical 360-degree views of the city. It is only $26.50 to be 250 metres above ground level in the heart of Sydney, with binoculars also available at the top of the tower free of charge, as well as a bonus 4-D show which is included in the ticket price.

Hint: The tower was formerly known as Centrepoint Tower, and many people still call it this. So if someone refers to the Centrepoint Tower, they are referring to Sydney Tower Eye.

How to settle into Australian life

The article is written by Loren Howarth

Moving overseas for study can be daunting, especially if you’ve never visited the country before. And if you’re coming to Australia, you’ll soon find out that this place is full of surprises, with unique slang and foods you’ve probably never heard about (or heard about for the wrong reasons – we’re looking at you Vegemite). But don’t freak out! We’re here to put your mind at ease and help you settle in the land down under.

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Adopt the “no-worries” attitude

If you didn’t know already, Australians are known for being laid back, and friendly people. Often when things don’t go their way, they just simply accept the situation as it is and get on with it. Although this might be hard to adapt to at first, try it out for yourself. Soon enough, you’ll also find yourself more relaxed due to the influencing energy of the people who surround you.

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Learn the lingo

As we said before, Australia is certainly home to some interesting language. Although “crikey” isn’t said as much as you might expect, there are words such as Yewy (U-Turn), Arvo (afternoon), and Esky (Ice cooler) which may leave you thinking that Australians don’t even speak English at all. So become familiar with some of the most used phrases, to make settling in that little bit easier.

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Set aside time to talk to loved ones back home

Settling into a foreign country where you don’t know anyone can be very overwhelming and lonely at first. That’s why it’s important to set aside time each day to connect with family and friends. Although it may be difficult due to the time differences, this is an essential step for you to become more comfortable in your new home.

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Get to know where you live

Before moving to Australia, you might’ve seen the Sydney Harbour on your screen. But there’s so much more to this city and others around the country, which you probably don’t know about. Step outside and take a long walk around, and don’t be worried if you seem lost as you will probably discover some amazing places. Becoming familiar with the area will really help you to become more connected and comfortable.

Sometimes you might wish that you never moved to Australia, but just remember why you decided to in the first place! You did it for a reason, so be sure not to doubt that.

Pros and Cons Of Living With Roommates

The article is written by Loren Howarth

As you take the leap from home to come and study in Australia, finding a place of your own is at the top of the agenda. Unfortunately due to the rising cost of housing and subsequently rent, living by yourself in a major city is quite unlikely. For the time being, you can live with roommates and make the most of this incredibly fun and youthful experience. But this can have some downsides.

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Cleaning

Pro: When you live with other people, it isn’t just up to you to clean up. Instead, the role is often divided by a roster system, or everyone just helps out cleaning common places such as the kitchen, bathroom, and living rooms, leaving everyone to maintain their own bedrooms. This creates a decreased workload, and you won’t be stuck cleaning an entire apartment or townhouse by yourself.

Con: Sometimes, no one wants to clean. Although you will endeavor to help each other out, it’s likely that there will be instances of people blatantly ignoring overfull garbage bins and pans which have been left soaking in the sink for days. Soon the mess will increase, and then it will be down to who gives in first to be stuck cleaning.

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Having other people live with you

Pros: When you live with other people, you can gain true best friends. These will be people you look forward to hanging out with at the end of a long day, and simply knowing that there will be someone you can vent to or simply chat to is reassuring in itself. You will also be able to meet more new people through your roommates.

Cons: Sometimes though, you can come across people you don’t get along with. This doesn’t necessarily mean you will become enemies, but it just means you won’t become best friends either. It could be someone who tells you off for leaving your music on or even someone who simply transforms the entire apartment into their bedroom. If you come across someone like this, try your best to talk to them about how it makes you feel and if that doesn’t solve anything, maybe it’s time to find somewhere new.

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Cost

Pros: Generally speaking, you’ll most likely pay less. By living with roommates and splitting up the rent, as well as other bills such as internet and electricity, this will be sure to leave some spare cash in your pocket. So if you can tolerate living with other people and want more money to spend on adventures and activities while living in Australia, it makes more financial sense to share housing.

Cons: Literally everything is shared. Nothing you buy is just yours anymore when you choose to live with other people. If you go grocery shopping for yourself and stock up the fridge, chances are everyone else will also consume some of the food you have purchased. Or even a luxury shampoo and conditioner that you splurge on, will most likely be used by your roommates who have run out of their own.

How To Find The Perfect Place To Stay

The article is written by Loren Howarth

You’re coming to Australia to study, and life couldn’t seem any more exciting! But there is one thing you do need to work out before you can truly settle into this new adventure, and that’s accommodation. There are several ways to find a place to stay, from living in an apartment for a week or living in a villa for the entirety of your learning. Here are some ways which you can find the perfect place to call home while living abroad.

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Airbnb

Founded in 2008, Airbnb is a trustworthy community marketplace where you can find short and long term accommodation. You can choose from a range of options, from apartments to townhouses, or even simply a room in someone else’s home. And there’s no reason to feel unsafe either, Airbnb verifies identification with detailed profiles and reviews also available to put your mind at ease. You can also message a potential host to learn more about them, the location of the accommodation, or ask about living in Australia generally. Using Airbnb is a great starting point for finding a place to stay, as you can move around to find an area you love and feel comfortable in.

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Gumtree

Once you’ve found your feet, it will be easier to search for other accommodation. Gumtree is a great way to find flat share and house share living, and it is a great way to meet new people as well. A lot of the rooms on offer are also furnished, meaning you won’t have to worry about buying a bed for the duration of your stay, if you decide to live there for the long run. Even better, the accommodation is generally reasonably priced, with some starting from as low as $160 per week, with bills also included in the pricing.

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Flatmates

Known as Australia’s biggest share accommodation site, there are plenty of different places to choose from. Similar to Airbnb, Flatmates connects user to user. The best way to secure accommodation is to create a profile of yourself, including a picture, as this will ensure people respond to your queries, as you are identified as a real person and not someone who isn’t serious about renting. Also, try not to have your hopes set on the one property, instead, reach out to several people in case it falls through. This website also allows you to create a listing for yourself, and advertise that you’re looking for a place to stay. If you are successfully chosen to reside somewhere, don’t be shy to ask for an inspection or to meet your potential flatmates, you want to be comfortable where you are living.

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Facebook groups

if you are looking for a place to stay and you are quite in hurry, definitely ask in the different Facebook groups. Usually, each living area or group of people has its own group on Facebook, where people share the news, sell the stuff over it and the more often they either look for or offer a room to share. Just type an area in the Facebook search and it should give you some options for the local groups. For example, have you heard about the group International students in Sydney? That group has over 11k of members, so it’s worth to join that type of groups on Facebook.

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Ask around

If you find yourself struggling for accommodation, or are just unsure about different locations, don’t be afraid to ask some classmates or even teachers about living possibilities. Someone will be sure to give you advice, and chances are, somebody will know where you could stay and get you living in a more permanent spot instead of somewhere temporary.

How to balance study and a social life

The article is written by Loren Howarth

Trying to keep on top of your studies, having a social life, and exploring Australia can be difficult. Although maintaining good grades is important, it is also essential that you have time doing your favourite things and hanging out with friends. Finding this balance can seem daunting, but don’t worry we have you covered with our top tips to have the best of both worlds.

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Plan a weekly schedule

Leaving assessments to the last minute creates unnecessary stress. Instead, create a weekly schedule so you can plan what assessments you need to do. You’ll be able to see how much time is required for each task, also allowing you time to consider what can be left until a later date. This will help you organise your social life as well, as you will be able to work out when you are free to hang out with friends.

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Know your limits

Sometimes trying to balance study and a social life can become a bit tricky, and seem completely overwhelming. This is when you need to look at everything you have planned and see where you can cut back, to ensure you don’t overwork yourself. This can be as simple as taking some breaks during a study or having a night off from doing assessments to go out and have fun with friends. It will ensure you come back refreshed for study with a clear mind, as well as having the social life you deserve.

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Eat at home, but not alone

When you catch up with friends, you don’t have to go out to a cafe and spend money on an unforgettable meal. Instead, why not invite some friends or people in your course over for some lunch? This way you will be fitting in some social time and you can also help each other study. Plus, you’ll have much more fun trying to put a meal together!

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Do one thing every day

For some students, just the thought of studying can send them into a wave of procrastination. Instead, break up your workload into smaller chunks and do bit by bit each day. This is also useful to do if you are struggling to stay on top of your studies. This will also help you to maintain your social life, as you can dedicate time to hanging out with friends. Your list might look something like this:

social: catch up with Samantha
studies: read one chapter of a textbook
studies: write down notes from a reading for another subject
relaxation: watch an episode of a favourite tv show

Healthy budget meals on the go

The article is written by Loren Howarth

Between attending class and studying, it can be hard to find a moment to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal. Instead, opting for a fast takeaway lunch seems to be the easiest and most convenient option. But it’s important to eat nutritious food while you’re on the go, to ensure you have enough energy and to keep your brain up to speed. Although you may think preparing healthy food is expensive, here are some of our favourite low-cost meals that can be easily eaten on the go.

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Egg Fried Rice

Egg Fried Rice is a delicious and very nutritious meal that will keep your hunger at bay. Even better, it can be eaten hot or cold, so you can pack it in your lunchbox for an easily accessible meal.

Ingredients:

o.5 cup rice

2 eggs

1 cup frozen peas and corn (you can also use any other frozen vegetables such as broccoli or beans)

1-2 tbsp soy sauce

Method:

Cook rice according to packet directions and set aside.
Crack the eggs into a small bowl and whisk until yellow.
In an oiled frying pan, pour in the egg mixture and cook until scrambled. Once the egg is cooked, add in the rice, frozen vegetables and soy sauce to the pan and cook until the vegetables are heated through.

Optional: For a healthy crunch, make a side of lettuce, capsicum, tomato and cucumber to accompany the fried rice!

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Spaghetti Carbonara

There’s nothing better than having a deliciously creamy Spaghetti Carbonara, especially in the Australian winter. This is an affordable recipe which still has a lot of flavour!

Ingredients:

100g fettuccine (or your favourite type of pasta)

50g bacon strips

2 tbsp minced garlic

1 egg plus 1 egg yolk

50ml thickened cream

1/4 c parmesan cheese

Method:

While the pasta is cooking according to packet directions, heat oil in a frying pan and cook the bacon until crispy with garlic. Once the pasta is cooked, drain and set aside.
Place egg and the additional egg yolk, cream and parmesan in a bowl and gently mix with a fork.
Add pasta to frying pan and quickly add the egg mixture. Leave on heat until the mixture is heated through.

Optional: For something extra, why not make your own garlic bread? Simply mix together some melted butter, minced garlic and parsley, spread onto bread and then bake in the oven until golden.

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Chicken Stir Fry

For something fast and easy, there really is not a better option than a chicken stir fry. You really can’t go wrong with this tasty and affordable meal!

Ingredients:

1 small chicken breast, sliced into strips

1/2 c Frozen stir fry vegetables

1 small onion, diced

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp oil

120g egg noodles, cooked according to packet directions

Method:

In a wok or frying pan, heat oil and add chicken. Cook until brown and then add in onion.
When the onion has turned golden, add the frozen vegetables and half of the soy sauce. Stir-fry for around five minutes or until the vegetables are heated through.
Now place the noodles in the pan, as well as the other tbsp of soy sauce.

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Vegetable Burgers

Even if you’re not a vegan or vegetarian, these Vegetable Burgers are bursting with flavour. Trust us – you won’t miss the meat!

Note: This recipe will leave you with leftovers for dinner or even lunch for the next day! (Makes 4 patties).

Ingredients:

400g can chickpeas

340g can sweetcorn

1 tbsp cumin

1 lemon

3 heaped tbsp plain flour

Wholemeal buns (or if you like, just use bread)

Burger toppings: lettuce, tomato, tomato sauce.

Method:

Drain the chickpeas and sweetcorn and add to a food processor or blender.
Add the spices, flour and finely grate in the lemon zest. Pulse until combined but not smooth, you want to have some texture.
Divide and shape the mixture into 4 patties, and place on a plate to leave in the fridge for 30 mins. (While waiting, why not do some extra study?)
Add a splash of oil to a warm frying pan, add the patties and cook for ten minutes or until golden and hot.
Once cooked, assemble patties on a bun/bread, and add toppings.

Optional: You could also top the patties with some avocado, cheese or even mustard for more flavour! Serving the burger with a side salad is also another option to fulfil your hunger.

The real cost of studying and living in Australia

This article is written by Loren Howarth

Full of beautiful beaches and friendly charm, Australia is the perfect destination to study and experience the world away from home. But before you pack your bags for an adventure of a lifetime, you should consider the costs.

As the standard of living in Australia is increasing, so too is the cost of living. To help you get a bit of an insight, we’ve worked out living costs for several major cities. So get saving and start drawing up a financial plan!

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SYDNEY

Earlier this year, Sydney was ranked as the most expensive city in the world. But don’t let that deter you from studying in this great place. There are several housing options to choose from, including a shared house or unit which costs roughly $200-$300 per week, or a one-bedroom unit which can set you back $400-$550 per week. While looking for where to stay, be sure to choose an area close to where you’re studying so you can walk or easily catch public transport. Sydney also has some irresistible food on offer, as well as an energetic night life. But try not to blow your money all at once, as this could cost you over $200 a week! Plus, you’ll need to put some money aside for electricity and gas, which costs between $35-$140 per week.

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MELBOURNE

Choosing to live in Melbourne is relatively cheaper than Sydney, and overall it will save you around $200. In the city, it will cost $200-$300 per week for rent in a shared house, $40-$100 for power costs and around $80-$150 in food. One of the great characteristics of Melbourne is the city’s public transport facilities. In the central business district, you will have access to the free tram system which gives you easy access to where you need to go. By catching these free trams, you’ll save a lot of money which you can spend on more activities and adventures!

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BRISBANE

If you want to study right near the beach, then Brisbane is the perfect study location for you. But this dreamy destination does come at a cost week rent in a small yet furnished studio in a reasonably priced area is around $380, and add that with $40 a week for utilities, it certainly isn’t cheap. And as the city is quite expensive, you’ll be looking to find somewhere in the outer suburbs, which means you’ll mainly be relying on public transport. These costs certainly all add up!

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PERTH

Perth is a beautiful city that has an easygoing character, as well as plenty of nightlife. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Worldwide Cost of Living Survey last year, Perth was found to be more affordable than Brisbane, Melbourne, and Adelaide. With international students also receiving a 40% discount on all public transport services. A one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costs just over $300 a week while residing in an apartment in the heart of the city will set you back around $400.

Although all of this might sound daunting, don’t let the numbers put you off! If you have your sights set on studying in Australia, draw up a financial plan, put aside any spare change, and see if there are any scholarships you are eligible for. And if you ever need a hand, the people at Study Anywhere are always here to help you find the right course!