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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!

5 CHRISTMAS MUSTS

This article is written by Alanna Tomazin

While studying and living here in Australia you will find that us Aussies love Christmas time. So we’ve come up with a few things you must see and do while spending the jolly season down under.

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Christmas Decorations and Lights

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, you’ll see the shops become filled with decorations and lights for your home. If you’re feeling in the Christmas spirit already then go ahead and decorate your house and home with pretty, colourful lights and be sure to hang a wreath on your door.

Tip: You can find great, inexpensive decorations and lights from stores such as Kmart, Big W, and Target.

Another Christmas must is to grab a few friends and go Christmas light looking in your local suburbs! You’ll find that some people go all out and cover their houses from top to bottom in bright lights.

Tip2: Head online to Christmas Light Search to find the best displays near you.

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Christmas Tree

Here in Australia, it is a tradition that we put our Christmas Trees up on the 1st of December and leave both our trees and lights up until the 1st of January. Decorating your tree can be super fun to do with your housemates and friends and really gets you into the spirit of Christmas.

Tip: Put on some Christmas carols so you and your friends can dance and sing-a-long while you decorate.

Tip2: You can also experience the magic of Christmas at the Martin Place Christmas tree in Sydney, where you will find a huge tree that will light up Martin Place from dusk till 1:00 in the morning starting on Saturday 25th November 2017.

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Christmas Carols

One of the best things about Christmas time is Christmas carols! These definitely a must for a jolly season and you can experience them first hand, singing with Australian stars at the annual Woolworths Carols in the Domain 2017.

Tip: Bring all your friends and pack some nibbles and a picnic rug. You’ll have a great night out under the stars singing along to some great Christmas classics.

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Pavlova

Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert topped with cream and fresh fruit and extremely popular at Christmas time. Pavlova is a D.I.Y dessert meaning you can top your pavlova with anything such as berries, mangoes, kiwi fruit, peaches, and passionfruit. There has been a long debate as to whether the Pavlova is originally an Australian or a New Zealand creation but who cares? The main thing is that it tastes absolutely delicious!

Tip: You can purchase all your ingredients for a Pavlova at your nearest Coles or Woolworths. Check out this simple and easy recipe on how to make your own Pavlova.

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Aussie Christmas Day BBQ

If you’re unsure of how you want to spend Christmas Day then having an Aussie BBQ is the best way to go! Just gather around with friends and/or family and cook up a giant feast. It’s always good to cook some chicken, prawns, sausages, and steak on a BBQ. Having a range of food is always good especially if you want to eat yourself into a food coma.

Tip: A BBQ is always best accompanied by some alcohol such as beers, light spirits, and wines. Be sure to make some summery garden salads which will go down nicely with your meal as well.

Gathering around with friends and food to celebrate Christmas is a great way to sit back and relax, to enjoy the company of others. Be sure to have nibbled on the table such as crackers, cheese, and salami and finish off with a Pavlova for dessert.

Tip2: Learn how to make the perfect cheese board platter here to entertain your guests.

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Study Anywhere wish you MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! MAY ALL THE DREAMS COME TRUE.!

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.

48 HOURS IN: ULURU

The article is written by Candice Locklee

If you’ve ever seen a photo of Australia, chances are you’ve seen Uluru before. It’s a massive red sandstone rock rising out of the desert in the heart of the Australian Outback. Believed to be over 500 million years old, the site is sacred to Indigenous communities and draws over 250,000 people from all over the world every year.

If it’s not at the top of your bucket list, it should be! Uluru is the ultimate Australian experience and a once in a lifetime chance to immerse yourself in the ancient culture and history of our Indigenous people and their land. The best part is that even after you’re done marveling at Uluru, there’s still plenty of other activities and sites to soak in while you’re there.

With so much to do and 48 hours to do it in, here’s our guide to making the most out of a memorable trip to the Red Centre.

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THE FACTS

Uluru sits in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and is approximately 450km from the nearest major town, Alice Springs.

The monolith stands at an incredible height of 348 meters above the ground (that’s higher than the Eiffel Tower!) and if you were to walk all around the base you would find yourself walking a circumference of around 10 km.

If Uluru is a must-see, the domes of Kata Tjuta are a close second. Also known as the Olgas, Kata Tjuta is a group of 36 large domed rocks that are located about 50km from Uluru and can be visited on the same day as both major attractions are in the same park.

The highest dome, Mount Olga, stands at an awe-inspiring 546 meters above the plain which makes it almost 200 meters taller than Uluru itself!

It can get scorching hot here in summer and reach temperatures of 47 degrees Celsius. However, the area also receives a ton of rainfall each year and temperatures can get as low as 7 degrees Celsius during winter nights.

The park is also home to a huge range of native flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for the different species, including 21 mammals, 73 reptiles, 178 birds and 4 frogs, as well as over 400 species of plants in the area that are often used as traditional medicines by the Indigenous communities.

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THINGS TO DO

ULURU AND KATA TJUTA SUNRISE AND SUNSET

Watching the sun rise and sink behind Uluru and Kata Tjuta is our number one pick of things to do in the area. Pick a spot, get your camera ready and see both the sky and the rock slowly change colours in a magical experience you won’t forget anytime soon.

There are a number of main viewing areas for watching the sunrise and sunset.

Talinguru Nyakunytjaku is considered the most popular viewing platform in the area. It offers 360-degree views of both Uluru and Kata Tjuta set against the desert with a few kilometers of walking track so you can pick a secluded spot and snap as many pics as you like without interruption.

The Kata Tjuta Dune Viewing area is another popular spot where you can have access to panoramic views of Kata Tjuta with Uluru in the background. It’s a fantastic spot if you want to capture the sun on the rocks at sunrise and the beauty of silhouettes against a red sky at sunset.

There are also bus viewing carparks available. After 4pm, the area is reserved for buses and coaches only where you are free to walk the 500m Dune Walk to a platform that offers scenic views of Uluru and the dunes of Kata Tjuta. There is also a carpark for car sunset viewing if you arrive in your own vehicle.

For a map of the area that includes sunrise and sunset viewing locations, check out the helpful link at the bottom of the post.

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WALKS

Climbing Uluru is disrespectful to the ancient Indigenous tribes who inhabit the area. However, there are plenty of walks available that will take you around the monolith and off into the stunning Australian outback.

One of the most popular is the Uluru Base Walk that will take you around the bottom of Uluru in a 10 km circular track that will take about 3 and a half hours to complete. This is the best walk to do if you’re looking to experience a range of awe-inspiring landscapes (including woodlands, grasslands, and waterholes) as well as any number of native animals and plants that inhabit the area.

It’s recommended to start in the morning at the Mala carpark, where you also have the option of joining a ranger-guided Mala walk for free where you can learn all about the Anangu culture and the history of the rock art in the area. From here, you can continue on to the Uluru Base Walk.

For those who truly want to experience the spirit of the Red Centre and the meaning of solitude, why not take on the Valley of the Winds? This is a challenging 7km walk that takes you through steep and rocky terrain with many steps, valleys, and creeks along the way. There are a number of lookouts, including Karu and Karingana, and we guarantee the jaw-dropping views at the end of it will make the effort worth it!

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TOURS

Uluru and the surrounding areas are rich in Indigenous history and cultural traditions. Taking a tour will ensure that you really get the most out of the experience by learning from a local expert of the land.

Some of our faves are:

Camel rides: What better way to experience the desert landscape than on top of a great, friendly camel? Take a camel ride into the Central Australian Desert and explore this breathtaking region just like the early pioneers did from $80. Tours run from morning to afternoon. Check this link for more info and to book a tour.

Art Tours and Workshops: Maraku is a locally owned organisation teaching and celebrating the ancient arts of the Anangu people that specialise in paintings and wooden sculptures. One of the best ways to understand Indigenous art and its history is to take a dot painting workshop. These are taught by a local Anangu artist who will guide you through creating your very own masterpiece while explaining the significance of the tradition to you. Adults are $69 and classes run twice daily. Check the link.

Free Tours: Ayers Rock Resort offers a number of free tours and workshops in the area. Sit in on a Bush Yarn and listen to an Indigenous Storyteller tell you all about the history of the land and traditional bush tucker. Take an Ecology and Museum Tour to educate yourself about the flora, fauna, and geography of the area or visit the Mani Mani Indigenous Cultural Theatre for a thrilling performance of ancient Aboriginal stories. Follow the link to book the daily activities.

THINGS TO KNOW

The closest airport is Connellan Airport, located about 10 minutes away from Ayers Rock Resort (Yulara). Flights from Sydney and Melbourne will take about 3 hours to 3 and a half hours to fly to the Red Centre. Free shuttle buses are available to take you from the airport to Yulara.

All accommodation is located in Yulara, just outside of the park boundaries. Yulara offers a range of different types of accommodation to suit your budget, from hostels and camping to hotels.

There are a number of ways to get from Ayers Rock Resort to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park but using the Uluru Hop On Hop Off shuttle service is a great option. A return transfer starts at $49 and you can choose from between a 1, 2 or 3-day pass. You can hop on and hop off as many times as you like and the bus stops at all major attractions along the way. Check the link for more info.

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HELPFUL LINK

Follow this link to download a digital version of the Uluru Visitor Guide. It’s packed full of interesting things to do and details on how to do them, maps, helpful tips, historical information and need-to-know info before you begin your trip.

You should also visit the Cultural Centre located at the base of Uluru where you can pick up a copy of the Visitor Guide, ask about sunrise and sunset times, book tours and get an introduction to the land from local experts.

If you’re an international student living in Australia and want to explore this amazing country of ours, visit website Study Anywhere for more info, tips and tricks.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DRIVING IN AUSTRALIA

This article is written by Alanna Tomazin

When making the decision to move overseas to study, you will find yourself making lots of plans and decisions. It can get hectic organizing your things and ensuring you have all that you need while studying abroad. One of these things is knowing what to expect when it comes to driving a motor vehicle in a different country other than your own. To make it easier, we’ve come up with a few handy tips that could help you out when it comes driving while living and studying here in Australia.

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Getting your International Drivers Licence

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is proof that you hold a valid drivers license in your home country. Most countries require you to have one so you can legally drive a car or ride a motorbike, it also comes in handy if you need to rent a car.

In Australia, driving regulations differ from state to state because some states require that you carry an international license along with your current license from your home country. Other states request you carry your current foreign license together with an English translation of your license.

Tip: Here you can check the state you’re living in Australia (for example, NSW) and find out which laws relate to having an overseas license in that location.

Drivers in Australia require a valid driver’s license. You can drive with a foreign (English language) license for three months. But if you are here for longer than that, you need to get a license from an Australian state.

Tip2: If your license is not in English, you’ll need to get an International Driving Permit from the Automobile Association in your home country before coming to Australia.

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Finding yourself a cheap car

While living here in Australia it can be a bit hard to get around with no car, especially if you’re wanting to head out on your own for an adventure or simply drive to the shops. Rather than catching public transport, a car might be the easier option for you, depending on your budget of course.

There are heaps of ways to find a cheap car, including online sites such as Car Sales where you’ll find new cars and used cars and prices ranging from $2000 to $30 000 and are posted regularly. Everyday people and car yards post cars on this site to be sold, so even if you don’t find something that catches your eye immediately, just keep refreshing.

Thanks to the evolution of social media, Facebook is another great way to connect and find yourself a cheap car on buy, swap and sell sites. Wherever you are living, be sure to join the available groups in your location. People are always posting their vehicles that they’re wanting to sell. You could even post that you’re looking for a cheap car to run around in. You’ll be surprised by the power of social media.

Tip: Social media like many things in life, can be a risky business so be sure to take someone with you if you plan on going to look at a car. Never go by yourself.

Tips for driving on Australian roads

Australia is a large and beautiful country and usually, it takes long distances to get between different towns especially away from the city. It is important when driving long distances to Stop Revive Survive every 2 hours.

Here in Australia we drive on the left-hand side of the road and use the metric system of distances and speeds. Speed limits are clearly sign-posted and you will find that 50km/h is the speed limit that applies in suburban areas. School zones are also something to watch out for between the hours of 8-9:30am and 2:30-4pm where 40km/h is the limit. If you succeed the speed limit you will find yourself in trouble with the law as speeding is an offense.

Australian cars are right-hand drive, with automatic and manual transmission both available.

While travelling away from the city you will see signs of Australian wildlife such as kangaroos, possums, and wombats. It is important, especially at night to keep your eyes peeled for these furry friends out on the roads. Here in Australia, we share our home with these animals too. Hitting a kangaroo can cause some serious damage not only to them but to your safety and car too. So always drive carefully!

Tip: For more tips on driving while here in Australia head to TripAdvisor.

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.

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR HEALTH WHILE STUDYING ABROAD

This article is written by Alanna Tomazin

You are studying and enjoying life in Australia and with many of the new challenges you face it is quite easy to overlook your health and the environmental changes that may affect it. You’re embarking on this great adventure in an environment which may differ in culture, food, climate, and lifestyle. All of this can impact upon your physical and emotional well-being. Remember you have to balance things to result in a healthier and happier you!

It’s important to know your health rights when being an international student in Australia. Health is so important and it is vital that you know how to maintain it when you’re so far away from home. To help you out we’ve come up with some ways you can keep yourself healthy and safe while studying here in Australia.

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Health Insurance

International students undertaking studies in Australia and your dependents (if you have any e.g. partners and children) must get Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration that you are over here. OSHC is an insurance to assist international students like you when it comes to covering costs for visits to the doctor, some hospital treatment, ambulance cover and limited medicines if you ever need it while studying here.

There are a number of insurers here in Australia who offer OSHC. Every basic policy meets the visa rules, so it is worth checking which OSHC is the cheapest before you buy.

These include:

Australian Health Management
Allianz Global Assistance
BUPA Australia
NIB

Tip: Check with your host university for recommendations of who to insure with and for more information visit The Department of Health and OSHC Australia.

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Body Health

It is important that you remember to look after yourself while studying abroad. Living in a new country often means diet changes and a western diet tends to be higher in fat than diets from other regions. This can have a bit of an effect on your health and nutritional state. But not to worry there are plenty of ways to keep yourself healthy and still be able to enjoy the yummy foods Australia has to offer. You need to have the energy to exercise, socialise and study the best way to do this is to drink plenty of water, get enough sleep, exercise about 30 minutes of day and maintain a healthy diet! Check out some healthy recipes at Nutrition Australia.

Tip 1: The best way to exercise is to join in on one of the local sports teams at your host university. Don’t be shy, it’s also a great way to make new friends!

Tip 2: Keeping your body healthy also creates a strong immune system which is your body’s defence to fight off any infection or illness you may get.

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Mental Health

Studying in a new country is a very rewarding experience however sometimes it may be a bit daunting. Even though you are keeping busy with your studies and making new friends, you may be faced with times where you are feeling uncertain in an unfamiliar environment. You may feel lonely away from your family and friends and the pressures of studying. This is perfectly natural to experience.

However, if it seems to be drowning you in constant negative emotions then you may be suffering from stress, depression or anxiety or other mental health problems which can lead to tiredness and other health issues. If you’re feeling down please don’t be afraid to speak up. You can talk to your host university’s counsellor or you can get some more information online from support services such as Beyond Blue and Reach Out.

Tip: The best way to deal with feelings of depression and/or stress and anxiety, is to talk to someone about it! Bottling your feelings up is not good for your mental or physical health.

Staying safe in the Australian Environment

Changes in the environment can have an effect on your health so it’s important to be aware of how to keep yourself safe.

Sun Safety

Australia’s sun is harsh and protection from it is pretty vital. So to save yourself from ending up like a bright red tomato and exposing yourself to the risk of skin cancer we’ve come up with some tips.

Tip 1: Avoid being in the sun directly between 10am and 3pm as this is the peak time when UV rays are out.

Tip 2: When in the sun, always remember to put on a sunscreen of at least SPF 30, you can find this at the local grocery store or a chemist.

Tip 3: Slip on a shirt, slop on the 30+ sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade or shelter and slide on some sunnies. Check out the Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide campaign here.

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For more information on how to keep yourself safe visit SunSafe and if you’ve been unlucky and need to treat some nasty sunburn, check out the Sunburn and Skin Cancer section.

Surf and Water Safety

Australia offers many beautiful coastlines, therefore it is extremely important to understand surf and water safety when visiting popular Australian beaches.

Tip 1: If you want to swim, only swim at beaches that are patrolled by lifeguards. You can locate one here.

Tip 2: It’s important that you only swim in the designated areas, between the red and yellow flags.

Tip 3: It’s best to stay out of the water if you’re unsure of the surf conditions or there are no safety flags as this usually means that the water is not safe to go in. It’s vital that you obey the instructions of life guards and signage around the beach as they are there to protect you and to prevent anything bad from happening.

For some more Surf and Beach safety tips check out Surf Lifesaving Australia.

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Up to date with Vaccinations

There are no specific immunisations required for entry into Australia, however, your host university may recommend that all of your routine vaccinations are up to date. If you’re not sure when you are meant to receive shots, don’t stress here is a schedule.

The easiest way to check if you’ve had vaccinations is to review your medical records and make sure that you have been vaccinated against Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Hepatitis A and B and have received a tetanus shot in the last 10 years. This will minimise your risk of catching anything while studying abroad. You can check out the Immunise Australia Program for more information.

Tip: You might also want to get a flu shot while in Australia as flu season hits pretty hard between the months of May and October.

Overall, the key is to look after yourself physically and mentally while studying here in Australia. However, don’t be scared if you have to enter the Australian Health Care System. Whether it’s an emergency or routine medical care, you may do it with confidence. Doctors undergo years of medical training, using the most advanced technologies for diagnosis and treatment. Nothing to worry about! Remember to enjoy yourself while studying here in Australia, keeping your health as one of your top priorities. Safe and happy travels from us here at Study Anywhere.

How studying abroad can broaden your thinking

The article is written by Pamela Choo

Studying abroad can be a great investment as it can broaden your perspective simply by immersing yourself in a different environment and culture. If you’re considering studying abroad, read on for more reasons why you should take the opportunity to do so.

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Making friends from different parts of the world

One of the perks of studying abroad is the new friends you’ll make from various countries. There are usually international student events or societies that you can be involved in, allowing you to meet people from different backgrounds. The friends you make while studying abroad become your second family, and they can turn into lifelong friendships.

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Becoming more open-minded

Studying abroad can also make you more open to different ways of thinking. When you’re mostly in the comforts of home, you’ll be less exposed to other kinds of cultures. However, when you’re living abroad, you’ll be more likely to come across situations or conversations with others that can open your mind to different opinions and lifestyles.

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Learning to be independent

You can also grow to become more independent when you live away from home. This is because you’ll have to fend for yourself such as buying your own groceries, taking care of yourself when you’re feeling ill and keeping up with university classes and assessments. You’ll learn more about yourself through being independent, too.

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Travelling more

When you’re studying abroad, you might also be encouraged to travel more. Many international students will take the opportunity to explore the new country they’re in. For instance, visiting different states or checking out the local cafes and bookstores. It’s a great chance to visit new places and to gain new experiences.

The opportunity to study abroad can be a life changing experience as it enables you to experience new cultures as well as to meet people from different parts of the world. It can also broaden your thinking and you’ll be able to develop your own sense of self through living independently.

48 HOURS IN: MELBOURNE

The article is written by Candice Locklee

If you’ve just settled into your new life in this country and are looking forward to immersing yourself in everything Australiana, we imagine that you’ve got a pretty long list of places you want to visit while you’re here. Sometimes, that means scooting off on a plane to another city for a quick two day trip in your spare time so that you can experience as many awe-inspiring sights as you can squeeze in and truly make the most of your time here.

With so much to see and so little time to see it, we’d love to introduce you to our new travel blog series “48 hours in…” in which we take you round to all of the major sites and cities in Australia and give you a quick guide of the best things to see and do in each place.

First stop: Melbourne.

Often voted the #1 most livable city in the world, Melbourne is a stunning mecca of art and culture, hidden laneways, shopping extravaganzas and a thriving café and coffee culture that will have you coming back in no time.

Here are our top picks on how to make the most out of a quick visit:

Study Anywhere_the food

THE FOOD

Melbourne is a foodie’s dream. Whether you’re after the best souvlaki you’ve ever had, beer ice-cream or the perfect pho, Melbourne has you covered.

From Michelin star fine dining to grungy bars with live music and hipster cafés hidden down laneways, you can find any cuisine to satisfy your taste buds. TripAdvisor is a great place to discover popular local haunts that offer anything from old-fashioned comfort food to the super weird and experimental.

Also, don’t forget to check out Melbourne’s markets. There are a number of huge food markets around the city where you can find delicious homemade meals and fresh, organic produce for low prices. Queen Victoria Market on Elizabeth St and South Melbourne Market on the corner of Coventry and Cecil St are two of the best.

DIRECTIONS

QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET:

Queen Victoria Market is located in the city centre and is within the free tram zone. It is bordered by Peel, Franklin, Victoria and Elizabeth Streets. To get here by tram, take the number 19, 57 or 59 to stop 7 on Elizabeth St. You can also take tram 59 to Peel St and enter through an alternative entrance.

SOUTH MELBOURNE MARKET:

From the CBD, take tram 96 on Bourke St and get off at South Melbourne stop 127. Alternatively, you can catch tram 12 from Collins St and get off at the corner of York St (stop 127).

Check http://ptv.vic.gov.au/ for other methods of transport.

THE FASHION

While you can no doubt find any outfit in Melbourne to suit your style, we suggest bypassing the big department stores and seeking out the independent stores that make Melbourne fashion so special.

It’s no secret that Melbournians love their vintage, from fashion and accessories to vinyl and video games. Visit one of the many vintage clothing stores in the city and grab something at a bargain price to stand out in the crowd. RetroStar in the CBD and Shag are a must.

Head to the famous Sydney Rd in Brunswick where you’ll find an endless run of fashion stores selling both retro and new outfits, accessories, handmade items and everything in between. Chapel St is also an iconic shopping strip that stretches through South Yarra, Prahran and Windsor. There isn’t anything you can’t find here. From the wildly eccentric to the impossibly chic, you can find it on Chapel St.

DIRECTIONS

RETRO STAR:

RetroStar is located on the first floor of the Nicholas building on Swanston St and corner of Flinders Lane in the CBD.

SHAG:

Shag is located in the Centreway Arcade, between Flinders Lane and Collins St in the CBD. You can also head to Chapel St to visit their second store.

SYDNEY RD:

From the CBD, take tram 19 from Elizabeth St in the CBD to Sydney Rd, Brunswick.

CHAPEL ST:

Take tram 8 to Chapel St leaving from Swanston St in the CBD.

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Melbourne loves its art and culture and there’s always plenty happening to keep you busy no matter what day of the week you land here.

If you’re looking for an alternative taste of the Melbourne art scene, street art is a celebrated culture here and you can find it all over the city. Like Alice down the rabbit hole, lose yourself down cobblestone laneways that roar to life with colour and creativity all year round. Hosier Lane is the most popular spot for graffiti artists to show off their talents with its walls covered daily with spectacular art that is constantly being updated.

Some of the best indie bands in the country are coming out of Melbourne’s thriving underground music scene. Catch a live band at one of the many venues around the city. The Corner Hotel, Cherry Bar and Prince Bandroom are a few of the best.

DIRECTIONS

HOSIER LANE:

Hosier Lane is in the heart of the CBD. It’s situated between Flinders St and Collins St and you can get there with a short 2-minute walk down from Flinders St Station and Federation Square (head in the direction of ACMI and Hosier Lane will be on the left side).

CORNER HOTEL:

The Corner Hotel is located on the corner of Swan St and Stewart St, only 1.5km from the CBD. You can take tram 70 from Flinders St to Wattle Park and get off at stop 9. Alternatively, the train from Flinders Station will take you to Richmond Station (the first stop out of the city). From here, it is only a short 50m walk to the Corner hotel.

CHERRY BAR:

Cherry bar is located on the famous AC/DC Lane in the centre of the Melbourne CBD. It is off Flinders Lane and between Russell and Exhibition Street.

PRINCE BANDROOM:

Prince Bandroom is located on the corner of Acland and Fitzroy St in St Kilda. Trams 16, 96 and 12 to St Kilda can get you there.

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SIGHTS TO SEE

If you’ve still got time to spare, the picturesque parks and gardens in Melbourne are a great place to unwind after a hard day’s work of sight-seeing. The Royal Botanic Gardens are a must for those looking to escape the crowds. Fitzroy Gardens is another favourite. Sprawled across 64 acres, the gardens are stunning and there’s plenty of relaxing strolls down tree-lined pathways to be had amongst the native Australian flora and fauna.

DIRECTIONS

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS:

The Royal Botanic Gardens is located on Birdwood Ave approximately 2km from the city centre. For $10, you can get a ride on the Melbourne Visitor Shuttle that runs every 30min from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm daily and will take you around to over 15 stops around the city, including stop 13 (Melbourne Gardens/ Shrine of Remembrance). Alternatively, trams 3, 5, 6, 8, 16, 64, 67 or 72 from Flinders Street to stop 13 will also get you there.

FITZROY GARDENS:

Fitzroy Gardens are located in East Melbourne, between Wellington Parade, Lansdowne St, Albert St and Clarendon St. Trams 48 and 75 run between Wellington Parade and Flinders St in the CBD to get you there quickly and easily.

For more info about being an international student living in Australia, be sure to check out the official web page at www.studyanywhere.com.au

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.

Study Anywhere_Gumtree

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.

Study Anywhere_ask around

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.

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