Lifestyle

One day eating like a foodie (Plant-based Melbourne version)

The article is written by Paola Bianchi Title pic by Smith & daughters

Did you ever wonder where a plant-based lover would eat if given a chance to eat in the best spots in Melbourne for just one day?

Choosing where to eat in Melbourne can be exciting and painful at the same time. This city has gained the irrevocable reputation of foodie-obsession for a reason. The more amazing eateries options you have, the more confused you get. It is overwhelming. Needless to say, who has so much time and budget to try them all?

To help in this delicious endeavour, here is where to eat if you have just one day in the city:

For BREAKFAST head south to Elwood: Combi

2 Combi

A superfood- focused café offering organic treats and coffee, raw food, colourful smoothies in a small venue. Food and drinks presentation is ready for an Instagram post. I would recommend avoiding peak times if possible because seats are extremely limited. That said, is a vibrant and cosy place.

Top pick: Mango shack with Sweet sprouted bread or ice coffee deluxe with Dragon fruit bowl.

For LUNCH, take a walk through the Esplanade and go to St Kilda: Sister of Soul

A vegetarian café and restaurant with a menu that will make you fall in love with food, without overpricing! Such a delicate combination of flavours. The menu has a strong mixed influence from Asia to India. Huge windows, chic decoration and friendly service. Overall, great location. No booking accepted but you won’t need to wait too long because the place has lots of seats.

Top pick: Massaman curry or the Jack Black burger.

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For DINNER head to Fitzroy North: Moroccan Soup Bar

Small restaurant that just opens for dinner. Good luck trying to get a spot to seat as they are always full, but that’s because their food is absolutely like eating in heaven. There is no written menu, but a verbal menu. The waitress will explain about the two banquet options you can choose from. Then the food will start coming in steps. Each one will blow your mind. Non-complicated delicious food. Finish with some special tea.

Top pick: eat everything!

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For DESSERT stay around and proceed to: Smith & daughters

A vegan eatery that ticks all the trendy’s boxes. Seasonal menu, attractive visual atmosphere and women directing the orchestra. You can book, and please do so. The cocktails are to die for and better if accompanied with a Milanese Schnitzel. Nop, it’s not chicken!

Top pick: The Tiramisu. How on earth can this be vegan?

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Your Shopping Advisor

The article is written by Rebecca Todesco

We all know what our go-to stores are when we need something. When we’re at home, it’s easy. But if you’re moving all the way to the other side of the world then there’s a good chance the stores you know and love aren’t going to be making the journey with you.

It can be very overwhelming finding yourself in a new country. All you want to do is settle in, buy your groceries, set up your room and make sure you have everything you need. But you don’t know where to go to find anything!

Sometimes your host university will help you and organise trips to take you to these shops in your first few days. But for those of you who are on your own, here are some suggestions to help you find your way in your first few weeks (some of these stores might vary from state to state but these are based on Victoria).

Groceries:

The two companies that monopolise the Australian grocery market are Woolworths (Woolies) and Coles. Both stores have a great range of fresh produce and store items as well as bakeries and delis for all your culinary needs. Each of the chains offers heaps of cooking tips and recipes as well as their own home brand to help you save extra money.

If you’re happy to shop away from the name brands then ALDI is a great way to save your money. Although a little bit harder to find than Coles or Woolworths, the German supermarket chain is perfect for students on a budget. In addition to the food sections, I highly recommend browsing the shelves in the middle of the store: you can find seasonal goodies like ski gear and thermals in winter and appliances and outdoor gear in summer.

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Clothing:

The best place to get your hands on some budget threads are at your local thrift stores. Keep an eye out for any Salvation Army or Red Cross stores in your area to nab a fantastic deal without burning through your cash.

If the second hand life is not for, you’re not completely out of options!

You can find all your basic clothes for a reasonable price just by heading into Target or Kmart. You might not be winning any fashion awards with these clothes but more often than not they’re sturdy, cheap and will last you until you’re through with them.

Got a hot date and need some fancier clothes in a hurry? You can find something cute and reasonably priced at a few different stores but my personal favourites are Temt or Valleygirl. You can find these at almost all major shopping centres (at least in Victoria).

Room setup:
Setting up your room on exchange is the first chance a lot of us get to be an interior designer and it can be really easy to go overboard. My advice: go to Kmart!

Kmart is the topic of many memes on Facebook: you go in for one item and end up leaving with a full trolley.

Kmart has plenty of the things you need to turn your room into a home for your stay. You can get enough pillows and blankets to accommodate all your friends. You can decorate with rugs and pillows and fake plants. In addition to this, Kmart’s culinary section will help you unlock your inner Masterchef and conquer the kitchen.

If you’ve got a bit more money to play with then you can’t beat a trip to Ikea. Get your friends together and head down to the Swedish powerhouse for easy-to-assemble furniture. Unfortunately, despite being the largest furniture retailer in the world, Ikea stores in Australia are few and far.

Medicine

Medicine:

You can try as hard as you can to avoid it but sometimes you can’t help getting sick. If you’re after some over the counter medication, then there are a few pharmacy chains that will fill your needs. These chains include Chemist Warehouse, Amcal and Priceline. Each of these options also sells a variety of other products, including skincare, haircare, makeup and vitamins.

The cheapest of these chains is Chemist Warehouse, with several hundred stores around Australia.

East Coast vs. West Coast

The article is written by Bernadette Sanfilippo

Though it goes without saying, almost all international travellers are familiar with, or have at least heard of, Australia’s east coast capitals, a list typically reduced to Sydney, Melbourne and (to some extent) Brisbane. Mention anywhere else in the country and, more often than not, at least in my experience, you’ll receive a relatively blank expression! Cities like Sydney and Melbourne have done an excellent job at securing themselves prime positioning on the world stage, particularly over the last two decades and, while this is wonderful, it has unfortunately made the rest of the country appear almost redundant in the process. As a result, many are completely unacquainted with the west coast of Australia and have little to nothing to compare our major capitals against.

I was born in Sydney, raised in Perth and moved to Melbourne more than a year ago, so I can certainly draw a number of comparisons between the two coasts. Here are amongst my most significant findings thus far:

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1. THE POPULATION

Obviously the bigger and better cities become, the more people want to live in them. As a result, they become overpopulated and Sydney and Melbourne are certainly busier and more bustling than they have ever been before. The wonderful offset to this is that the people who reside there are more exposed and far more desensitised to contrasting cultures, influences and experiences. Perth, by comparison, has a relatively low population count and a much lower rate of immigration, so the level of exposure there is much lower. However, the less people you place in a city, the less pace and congestion you receive and, generally speaking, Perth is a much slower, far more relaxed city to reside in. Perth is typically recommended as a great place to either retire or raise a young family in.

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2. THE JOBS

There are stacks upon stacks of job opportunities in Sydney and Melbourne, particularly now that dozens upon dozens of companies are based there. In fact, it was my primary reason for relocating. There’s only one factor I didn’t take into consideration…there’s a lot of people living in Melbourne and, unfortunately, this means there’s a lot more people to compete against each time you hand in an application. Prior to moving, I had worked for several national retail brands, so I truly (truly!) believed that getting a job would be a cinch! In reality, I spent my first 4 months in Melbourne unemployed. In Western Australia it’s far less competitive and far easier to score work, particularly with a little experience on the resume. The biggest downside is that applications move very slowly in Perth and it can take several weeks just to score an interview. Unfortunately (major generalisation alert!), it’s a city with no real sense of urgency!

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3. THE WEATHER

Weather has been a bit of a battle for me since I moved to Victoria, simply because it differs so greatly to the climate in Western Australia. In order to understand Australia’s varying weather conditions, it is important to understand how Australia sits geographically. Capitals like Melbourne, Canberra and Hobart are closest to Antarctica, so they experience incredibly cold, icy cool winters and relatively mild summers. Brisbane sits much higher on the east coast, closer to Asia, and thus tends to endure very tropical weather patterns year-round. The middle region of Australia is comprised primarily of desert and dry arid land, so seasons in the neighbouring capitals, these primarily being Perth, Adelaide and Darwin, are riddled with much higher annual temperatures.

4. THE SIZE

Ready for a mind-boggler? Here it is: States like Victoria and New South Wales are comparably amongst the smallest Australian states geographically, yet they are the biggest in relation to sprawl. Essentially what this means is that, while they don’t occupy as much landmass as neighbouring states, they utilise the land they do occupy to the greatest possible extent. This often results in more regular, lengthier commutes. Geographically speaking, Western Australia is the nation’s largest state, occupying approximately one-third of Australia’s total landmass however, the current population of Western Australia is a mere 2.5 million, against a national population count of nearly 25 million. This effectively means that most of the state’s land is uninhabited, making what is inhabited relatively small geographically and thus quicker and easier to get around. Weird huh?

4 Top spots for Climbing

The article and the photos by Paola Bianchi

Climbers and belayers, beginners or advanced. These are four top places to climb in Melbourne and Victoria. Choose one place, grab your gear and go climbing!

Hardrock, central climbing spot

Located in the CBD, close to Melbourne Central, this climbing gym has become the most popular place for locals and students (make sure you show your credentials for a discount). They offer beginners classes and Lead training and the staff is super friendly. It is a relatively small space and can get crowded during peak times, but music is great and the location is super convenient. Situated in a strategic corner on a second floor, has lovely views of the city and the natural light that is coming through the enormous glass windows is an advantage. Here is where I usually bring my friends for the first climbing experience. A great place to start the journey.

You can check this gym here

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North Walls, appealing climbing gym

As soon as you walk into this indoor climbing gym, you can’t avoid appreciating the clean aesthetic atmosphere. They thought about the visual aspect of this building, and we can thank that. It’s a pleasure to climb in white walls with colourful routes and a roof that displays natural light. Inside there is a cafe that provides that often needed caffeine fix, a -in development- training section with bars, and offer several kinds of courses like movement and strength. Lots of seats to relax, great for that friend you invited to shoot the cool pics.

Climbing and coffee, you got me. Located in Brunswick, you can check this beautiful place here:

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Gravity Worx, comprehensive climbing gym

This indoor climbing gym has all you ever needed. Over 200 routes that are changed regularly, 16 auto-belay routes (in case you go alone!), a speed wall (what!?) like the one used on international competitions, a training section and experienced instructors. Courses are also available and schools are welcome. Competitions are often held with prices. This place is huge. Impossible to get bored.

Located in Pasco Vale, check this gym here.

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Mount Arapiles, magic outdoor climbing

Arguably, one of the best climbing spots in the world, this PARADISE for climbers has it all. As it was stated by Chockstone, an online website for climbers in Victoria, Mount Arapiles may be ‘the very the heart and soul of traditional climbing in Australia’.
Located in a protected park in the Wimmera region in western Victoria, this big rock formation can easily compete with the famous Grampians region because of its thousands of quality climbing routes, hiking tracks, bouldering walls, killing sunrises and a gorgeous natural setting full of wildlife. Kangaroos included!

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I know what you might be thinking, ‘that rock does not seem big at all’. Let me tell you that, with its just 370mts of high, you will feel challenged when unrolling your rope on the base.

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Everyone stays at least a long weekend. Some may stay for a whole month. The only option available is a rustic campsite that you should book in advance for a super cheap price. It’s an unpowered site with toilets.

One of the most beautiful aspects of this place is the great vibes of the climber’s community. You can go looking for good climbs, but you will return after making such good friends. The best months are from February to April, as it is not too hot nor cold, and little rain! The least you want is a wet rock that makes impossible for grabbing. Take into account that due the dry weather, there is a wood fire ban from the 1st of November until the 30th of April.

There are different levels of climbing routes to choose from. You can check them on the Arapiles book guide (shown in next pic), or check the classic routes here, or get help to start with these guys.

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4 tips to get a job in Australia

The article and cover photo by Paola Bianchi

There are no magic formulas to excel in looking, applying and getting a job in Australia, nor in any place in the world. Is not just about having lucky neither. There is a famous phrase that says: ‘success is where preparation and opportunity meet’. To be successful in getting a job offer we need to get prepared, so when the opportunity arises we are ready to jump right in.

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How are your fine-tuning skills doing? Here are 4 tips to tune-up:

POLISH YOUR RESUME

The resume is your first presentation. It showcases who you are, your work and studies history and your skills. Try to make it different from other boring resumes. Avoid dull designs and focus on a clean structure and refine your grammar. Do not add a photo nor personal details like age or marital status. This does not matter at all. Adding a summery at the beginning is a brilliant way the employer can make a clear idea of who you are and what to expect to read. Also, list two to three referees that can be contacted (one can be personal). Don’t forget to specify keywords on your skill checklist. It Is also a good idea to display a ‘interests’ section that shows a little bit more about you on a personal level. After all, you are a human, not just a resume. Two to three pages are the standard as is expected to be included detailed info about each work or study experience, highlighting responsibilities and achievements.

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REVIEW YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA

Nowadays, everyone has at least one social media account to share content…and to check out others! Potential hiring managers can (and will) check your Instagram or Facebook to analyse your behaviour and lifestyle. Do you just have photos showing you as a party animal? Not that you cannot have fun but be careful with your content and comments.

LinkedIn is also a social platform and very popular in Australia. Networking can get you far. Update your profile with your resume info and stay open for potential opportunities. Make sure your profile photo looks professional. If keen, share content and write your own articles. There are free workshops available in the Learning section that can be really helpful.

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ALWAYS CUSTOMISE

Quite often the job Ad will ask for a Cover Letter. The hiring manager wants to know why you are the perfect fit for the role. Identify what the role needs and how you can contribute to that. This is an enormous opportunity to add info that your resume does not have and link transferable skills that can attract the hiring manager. Even though you may have a base, is important to customise the application letter for each job. If you are sending the same letter every time, you are probably not separating yourself from others, and, what is worse, wasting your chance to express more about your personality and what makes you unique. ONE page is enough.

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POPULAR WEBSITES

When all the above is on point, is time to do the work ‘of looking for work’. It can be time-consuming, I know. To make things easier for you, here is a list of the most popular websites to start your search for opportunities in Australia:

https://www.seek.com.au/
https://au.indeed.com/
http://www.ethicaljobs.com.au/
https://www.pedestrian.tv/jobs/
https://www.careerone.com.au/
https://scoutjobs.com.au/
https://www.coffeejobs.com/
https://au.jora.com/

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Australian Movies and Chill?

The article is written by Rebecca Todesco

It’s winter and nothing sounds better than snuggling in with a bunch of pals with some popcorn and a movie. We’re a long way from Hollywood but we do make our fair share of quality films Down Under.
There’s a long list of Australian movies and if we were to sit here and go through them all we would be here for longer than we want. So instead I’ve got a list of my favourites (don’t worry: no spoilers are included).

Gallipoli (1981):

IMDB: 7.5
Running time: 1 hour, 50 minutes
Gallipoli is a war drama that follows two young sprinters after they enlist during World War I.

Although not entirely historically accurate, the film does provide some insight into the events surrounding the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli.

Some may argue that the film has a slow start, but I urge you to stick with it: you won’t regret it.

The Babadook (2014):

IMDB rating: 6.8
Running time: 1 hour, 33 minutes
This psychological thriller follows the story of an exhausted widow as she tries to raise her six-year-old son alone.

While she’s busy convincing her son there are no monsters in the house she becomes aware of a sinister presence, seemingly stemming from a mysterious book her son finds.

The Babadook has just enough suspense and jump scares to keep you wide awake and glued to your screen (and have you checking under your bed before you go to sleep).

Muriel’s Wedding (1994):

IMDB rating: 7.2
Running time: 1 hour, 46 minutes

Most little girls dream of getting married and what their wedding day will be like but few will go as far as the daggy and slightly desperate Muriel Heslop to make it happen.

Muriel will stop at nothing to get what she wants and, accompanied by a cracking soundtrack, she’ll learn a bit about friendship and herself along the way.

Get together with a few of your girls and have a good laugh at Muriel’s antics throughout this feel-good comedy. You’ll be saying “you’re terrible, Muriel” in no time!

The Castle (1997):
IMDB rating: 7.7
Running time: 1 hour, 25 minutes

When an Aussie family, the Kerrigans, are told they need to sell their house and leave, they decide to take on city hall to keep their home.

They team up with a loveable bunch of neighbours and a shoddy lawyer in court in the battle of a century to protect their castle.

The Castle is a wholesome family movie and well worth the watch.

Australia (2008):

IMDB rating: 6.6

Running time: 2 hours, 45 minutes

What could be more Australian than Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman together in the Australian desert?

The main thing I took away from this movie was the beautiful shots of the Australian scenery: it’s enough to convince anyone to tour the country.

Australia is set before World War II and sees a British aristocrat move to Australia when she inherits a ranch. There’s plenty happening in the movie to keep you entertained, including an agreement with a stockman and the bombing of Darwin by the Japanese forces.

Take a deep breath, grab some food and make sure you hit the toilet before starting this movie: it’s a long one.

Crocodile Dundee (1986):
IMDB rating: 6.5
Running time: 1 hour, 37 minutes

An American reporter travels to the Australian outback to meet a famous crocodile hunter and comes face to face with the most stereotypical, over the top Aussie bloke that ever existed.

When she invites him back to New York with her you’re in for plenty of entertainment.

If nothing else, this film beautifully showcases some of Australia’s spectacular scenery.

In all of my travels, this was the movie most people spoke to me about when they found out I was Australian.

Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975):
IMDB rating: 7.6
Running time: 1 hour, 55 minutes

A school trip to Hanging Rock by an elite girls school goes horribly wrong when three students and a teacher vanish without a trace.

The remaining classmates are haunted by the events surrounding their missing peers, especially as time goes by and new information comes to light.

The school and the town begin to unravel in the subsequent weeks as searches for the missing girls continue.

Although the events depicted in the film are false, the author of the original book was deliberately cryptic about whether the events actually took place.

If you’re left wanting more, there is a television series which aired in May 2018 on Foxtel’s Showcase based on the book and film. Or if you’re in Victoria, you can make the journey to Hanging Rock yourself. Just make sure you don’t stray too far from your group.

Strictly Ballroom (1992):

IMDB rating: 7.2
Running time: 1 hour, 34 minutes

Strictly Ballroom follows Scott, a ballroom dancer, as he fights to dance his own personal way in competition.
Just when it looks like Scott is out of luck an unlikely hero swoops in to help Scott two-step his way to his dream.

With enough fake tan, glitter and flashy dance routines to make everyone happy, Strictly Ballroom will have you hurrying to the nearest phonebook to look up ballroom dancing lessons.

Wolf Creek (1995):

IMDB rating: 6.3
Running time: 1 hour, 39 minutes

What do you get when you cross three backpackers stranded in the outback with a deranged and sadistic local? A whole lot of terror!

The film is not for the faint hearted and includes a healthy dose of torture, screams and scares.

I wouldn’t recommend watching this before embarking on any hitchhiking or backpacking tours of the country because there’s a good chance you’ll be permanently scared off the idea.

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994):

IMDB rating: 7.5

Running time: 1 hour, 44 minutes

A Sydney-based drag queen is set to perform at a casino in a rural town in Central Australia. He manages to rope his friends – a fellow drag performer and a transgender woman – into accompanying him and the three set out on a road trip.

Their journey is not without its complications but the film itself is chock-full of fantastic music and brilliant costumes.

And who exactly is Priscilla? You’ll have to watch the movie to find out that one.

Australian Snack Guide

The article is written by Rebecca Todesco

One of the best parts about travelling is the chance to indulge in the delicious cuisine countries have to offer. What’s even better is that when you’re on exchange, there’s absolutely no hurry! You can take your time, sampling everything from the weird and wacky to the strange and obscure.

Australia has plenty to offer the foodies of the world, with restaurants offering every cuisine under the sun. Believe it or not: we actually eat more than kangaroo, crocodile and emu.

So if you want to try some true blue, ridgy didge Australian goodies then here’s a couple for you to try.:

Tim Tams

Tim Tams

I know many Australians will agree with me: Tim Tams are as close to heaven on earth as one can get.
Tim Tams were gifted to the world in the sixties by the Australian biscuit company, Arnotts. According to their website, Tim Tams are described as “delicious smooth cream sandwiched between two crunchy biscuits, coated in Tim Tam chocolate and white choc.”
Tim Tams are the perfect snack in summer, winter, dipped in tea or coffee, dipped in milk, when you’re sad, when you’re hungry, during a Tim Tam Slam and just about any other time.

Vegemite

Vegemite

As Australia’s most infamous snack food, Vegemite is a thick black paste consisting of leftover brewer’s yeast and some vegetable additives. It has a very strong salty and bitter taste.

When foreigners try Vegemite for the first time they mistakenly scoop it out of the jar and eat it off the spoon. It’s no wonder Vegemite gets such a bad rap!

The correct way to eat Vegemite is to spread a small amount on a piece of buttered toast, successfully balancing the salty taste with the melted butter.

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Fairy Bread

What started as a staple at kids’ parties has now become one of Australia’s favourite snack foods.
The greatest thing about fairy bread is that it’s so easy to prepare, you can make it at home. It involves three ingredients: white bread (cut into triangles), butter and hundreds and thousands (sprinkles).

Voila!

ANZAC biscuits

Anzac Biscuits
Anzac biscuits share their name with the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) which were established in World War I.

These biscuits were sent over by soldiers’ wives and women’s groups because the main ingredients were able to keep for a long period of time, even when travelling by boat.
These biscuits are sold in abundance around Anzac Day (April 25^th) and are relatively easy to make at home.

Meat pie

Meat Pie
If someone claims to be Australian but hasn’t eaten a meat pie then they’re probably a liar.

If it’s cold and you’re on the go then a meat pie is the perfect snack option for you. It’s a hand-sized pie usually containing minced meat and gravy, wrapped in a delightfully flaky pastry.

Some meat pie variations also include cheese, potatoes and other vegetables as well as bacon and sometimes even egg.

fish and chips

Fish and chips

There is no better way to finish off a day at the beach than with a stack of steaming hot fish and chips. It’s filling, it’s cheap and it is absolutely scrumptious.

The menu at a fish and chippery can sometimes be overwhelming: fish, calamari rings, chips, potato cakes, dim sims, Chiko rolls, pineapple fritters, Dagwood Dog, the list goes on.

You’ve got time to work your way through the menu but if you’re new to the game then let me help eliminate some of the confusion and offer a safe and delicious option for your first fish and chips order:

-Fried fish: You can usually pick your own fish but if you want to be adventurous choose flake: it’s shark (and it’s delicious!)
-A potato cake: This is essentially a large chunk of fried potato.

-A fried Dim Sim: Also available steamed, this is a vegetable and meat filling partially wrapped in pastry.

-A minimum of chips

Finish off the order with a request to have it all coated in an excessive amount of chicken salt. You’ll thank me later.
Australia has so much deliciousness to offer. Take your time and enjoy it!

7 ideas to Keep Fit on a budget

The article and cover photo by Paola Bianchi

When I arrived in Australia one of the first things that captured my attention was how well were exercise and fitness integrated into the Aussie lifestyle. People were waking up (ridiculously) early to train or spending their time off doing exercise (and having brunch afterwards obviously). I immediately felt inspired to implement a healthy routine.

Keeping your body in movement and your mind oxygenated has so many benefits for everyone, and students should not dismiss this from their lifestyle. I got to know first-hand that doing exercise, especially during exam periods, helps me focus and release tension. Not to mention the overall increased on my good mood and the opportunity to meet new friends.

As a student on a budget, getting fit does not need to be a big issue. There are many free or low-cost options to give a try and to maintain your favourites exercises in the long term.
RUNNING or WALKING

Once you have a good pair of running shoes, there are no excuses not to run regularly or walk at a good pace. You do not need fancy clothes nor expensive gadgets. Running and walking can be done almost ANYWHERE and it’s FREE!

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Photo by aquachara on Unsplash

APP WORKOUT

There are free and paid apps to help you with a fitness plan. Those exercises can be done not just at the gym but also at home or in a park as they require little equipment. Maybe you need a mat, a bench, a skipping rope or some dumbbells. Even on YouTube, you can find good classes but the app gives you a proper program, a schedule and tracks your progression.

3 App Photo by Bence ▲ Boros on Unsplash

FITNESS TRAILS

It’s like an outdoor gym that has stations for different types of exercise. Sometimes it’s called Parcourse, often have explanation signs and is used as a complement of other activity like running. They are FREE and can be found in parks or biking/running paths.

4 outdoor gym Photo by GMB Monkey on Unsplash

MEETUP ACTIVITIES

Again, technology is on our side. The Meetup app is great to find events, classes and regular meetups for diverse activities. This is a FREE app, although some meetups require a small contribution. The most popular fitness groups in Australia are for Hiking, Bushwalking, Biking, Yoga and even beach Volleyball.

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SKATING

This is also a FREE activity. Just need to practice your balance and get a nice skate. Then find a skate park and have fun! There are plenty of YouTube videos with tips and tricks. Of course, you can also skate to commute on a daily basis!

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If keen on investing on yourself without breaking your wallet, the following is for you:

INDOOR BOULDERING & INDOOR CLIMBING

This is by far one of the trendiest yet misunderstood fitness activity. It is by no means an ‘impossible mission’ just for fearless people. Climbing will challenge you in a physical and mental level, but because it’s such personal training each one can climb at their own level.

Bouldering is climbing in small rock walls without any ropes, as the maximum high is usually safe. Plus, there are lots of mattresses to fall onto. You just need a pair of climbing shoes to get started. And maybe some chalk to have a better grip in your hands.

Indoor Climbing is more well known by the general public than Bouldering because it’s Rock Climbing first offspring. The walls are pretty high so you definitely need to hang from your harness attached to the rope.

If never tried any before, I strongly suggest that you do an introductory course first. They are usually given for free in any indoor climbing gym. They also rent all the equipment you need but If you really like this sport, it’s better to get your own gear. Always get the most quality gear you can get as it can last for years. Shoes and harness are the basics to keep you climbing for a long time.

Even though it requires some investment in the beginning, later you can get monthly or yearly passes and each visit to the climbing gym will be less expensive than just paying for the day. Students usually can get discount by proving your ‘student condition’.

The benefits are countless. Because it’s required to be %100 immerse at the moment, it has some of the meditation benefits – stress reduction, improved concentration, increase self-awareness and boost your immune system. It also has some therapeutic effects and that’s why it has been recommended for depression patients! I would say it’s perfect for anyone. You can actually be fully present, overcome your fears and get so much confidence!

7 climbing Pic by Paola Bianchi

It is easy to get caught up with climbing, sure I did! You can get more gear, a professional rope and even get outdoors. Rock climbing is IN-CRE-DI-BLE empowering!

Brunch Spots Perfect for Study in Brisbane

The article is written by Nina Sudnitsin

When you get bored of switching between your house and the library while studying for finals, (which is highly possible) the next place to go for a study session is a café.

Cafes possess the perfect ambience for study sessions, and obviously, have enough food to fuel your energy. So, instead of sitting in an overflowing library and soaking in the stress radiating from every single student, spice up your life by dashing to the sweetest brunch spots that are perfect for study.

Miss Jones
A beautiful café in New Farm, Miss Jones has cute pastel pink décor and an atmosphere that will calm your nerves and settle you in for a productive session of study. Order a cappuccino, try their amazing eggs benedict, and then treat yourself to a delectable dessert when you’ve completed your goal!

Address: 1/599 Brunswick St, New Farm QLD 4005

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Ashton & Old
If you’re looking for a cup of amazing coffee to fuel your study, go nowhere other than Ashton & Old. This café with a rustic feel is quiet and calm, a perfect character if you find yourself needing to finish off a final essay. A try of the banoffee waffle or the chorizo and cheese croquettes are a must if you find your way here.

Address: Shop 5/459 Old Cleveland Rd, Camp Hill QLD 4152

Cafeine Café
This small and cosy café that is just off a busy road is refreshing. Feel free to tuck into a corner and work the day away. Endless mugs of coffee and toasted sandwiches will keep you going throughout your study session. If you ever need a break, do some people watching to give your eyes a break from your intense revision. Looking out onto the main road through the enormous glass windows is almost like meditation (if you can forget the stress of studies for a second).

Address: 186/188 Cavendish Rd, Coorparoo QLD 4151

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Coffee Anthology
Located in the bustle of the city, Coffee Anthology is a café that hosts a large selection of teas to calm taut nerves and a plethora of food to choose from while revising notes or practice exams. In the city, it’s nice to find a little peaceful study haven, hidden in plain sight, so check this gem out next time you’re in need of a desk with some peace and a cup of tea.

Address: 126 Margaret St, Brisbane City QLD 4000

Three Epic Foodie Hubs in Brisbane

The article is written by Nina Sudnitsin

Whether you’re a self-declared foodie or a hungry student, Brisbane has three epic locations for food that can satisfy any craving. So, calling all gourmands and connoisseurs to grab some mates and head to these hubs whenever there is a need for a foodie intervention (goodbye instant noodles) or salvation for hungry stomachs.

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Eat Street Northshore

180 colourful shipping containers light up at dusk and open to provide the best foodie experience you could ever imagine. Fairy lights line the walkways and dangle from high roofs as countless bustling bodies shuffle around the enclosed area that serves THE best street food in Brisbane on weekend nights.

With live music playing as a soundtrack for diners, people hungrily order their next plate of honey puffs or their last few oysters. Different food regions present endless options to choose from, so deciding what you want, whether it’s Italian or Mexican, will be a struggle.

Entry: $3 per person

Address: 221D Macarthur Avenue, Hamilton 4007

Opening hours: Fri and Sat 4pm to 10pm and Sunday 12 noon to 8pm

Check their website for more information!

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Eagle Street Pier

Located in the heart of Brisbane city and right on the river, Eagle Street Pier is a bustling area that is filled with hungry visitors looking for the ultimate wine and dine experience. With over 15 restaurants concentrated in one sweet spot and with an unrivalled view of the Story Bridge, it’s the best of Brisbane’s classy food on one riverside precinct.

If you’re not shy to spend your earned dollars, head to George’s Paragon and the Jade Buddha, which are highly recommended, and be prepared to leave the night with an extra few kilos under your belt…

Address: 45 Eagle Street, Brisbane 4000

Opening hours: dependant on individual restaurants

Check their website for more restaurants!

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Welcome to Bowen Hills

Welcome to Bowen Hills is a newly opened outdoor space that hosts the best food trucks Brisbane has to offer. Street eats and international deliciousness grace this new precinct since the visiting food trucks rotate daily, no one visit will ever be the same! A new addition to the Brisbane food scene, it has made a splash so head over, and grab a tiki cocktail!

Address: 631 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills, QLD 4006
Opening hours: Wed & Thurs – 5PM to late and Fri-Sun – 12PM to late

Check their website for daily food truck schedules!

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