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sydney llfestyle

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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 The article is written by Maddison Reynolds

Sydney’s Vivid Festival is back! From May 25 – June 16, Sydney will light up as Australia’s biggest art and culture festival transforms the city into an array of colour and sensory experience. The best way to explore Vivid is by foot. Here’s a guide to some of this year’s must-see locations.

SEE:

Harmony Valley – Rainbow of Peace & Trees of Friendship
The Rocks
I’m guilty of having already selfied with this site prior to the official Vivid Launch, but once you set eyes on this masterpiece of warm-and-fuzzy’s, you’ll understand why.

The piece by numerous Australian, Iranian and Asian artists represents harmony, joy and happiness through a set of large inflatable sculptures. The Japanese ‘kawaii’ references are obvious, as are feelings of youthfulness, friendship and vulnerability.

Event organisers are encouraging visitors to interact with the sculpture by forming a human chain that connects with each end of the rainbow. The sculpture responds to this show of connection with sounds, animation and pulsing light.

 

Hidden Art
Kings Cross
Created by TAFE NSW students, Hidden Art takes visitors on an augmented reality journey through the imaginative worlds of some of Australia’s greatest sculptors and visual artists.

Simply visit the Fitzroy Gardens and open up your Vivid Sydney app to unlock Hidden Art. The stories behind the new-age, media sculptures will come alive as users scan the area.

Installations change weekly throughout the Vivid Festival. _MG_1896

Lighting of the Sails: Metamathemagical
Circular Quay
To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Vivid Festival, Australian artist Jonathan Zawada has transformed the Sydney Opera House sails into a series of kinetic digital sculptures.

Zawada’s inspiration for the concept came from imagery inspired by the Australian environment. Everyday objects and natural specimens will undergo metamorphosis in Zawada’s creation, featuring alongside a canon of Australian artwork.

 

Skylark
City and Surrounds
There’s little chance you’ll miss this installation by Iain Reed of 32 Hundred Lighting. Skylark incorporates interactive lighting of the Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay skyscrapers. For the first time this year, a fully interactive custom-built laser has been incorporated into the installation.

Every 30 minutes the beacon, skyscrapers, pillars of light and the Harbour Bridge put on a two-minute sky show.

 

Snugglepot and Cuddlepie
City and Surrounds
The iconic Australian characters of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie are celebrated in this year’s event, on their hundredth anniversary. Australian’s are familiar with May Gibbs’ famous children’s characters, who dropped out of a gumtree to a world of adventure.

Gibbs’ work is celebrated on the façade of Sydney’s 1845 Customs House.

 

Tumbalong Lights
Darling Harbour
Tumbalong Lights features four under-the-sea-themed, interactive-play installations. This year’s installation is all-inclusive, meaning that people with disabilities have full access to interact with the displays.

The display features the following works: ‘Beneath the Sea’ by Matt York; ‘Enchanted Garden’ by Lucka Slatner; ‘In the Scale of the Sea’ by George Buchanan and Govinda Webster; and ‘Ride into the Night’ by Antony Neeson and Mark Vincent.

 

Virtual Vibration
The Rocks
Fans of modernism should head to the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia to view the evolving light display created by the Spinifex Group in collaboration with Australian artist Jonny Niesche and composer, Mark Pritchard.

The display transforms the exterior façade of the MCA, lighting up the building with a psychedelic, sensory experience, accompanied by a mesmerising score.

All light installations begin at 6:00pm and finish at 11:00pm from May 25 – June 16.

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EAT:

The Squire’s Landing
Circular Quay, The Rocks
Take in the sights and sounds of this year’s Vivid Festival at the newly opened, The Squire’s Landing. The microbrewery and bar is the latest venture by a master brewer, James Squire. Offering striking views of both the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, The Squire’s Landing serves up an array of on-tap beer and fresh food.

For a limited time only, The Squire’s Landing is home to the world’s oldest surviving beer, The Wreck Preservation Ale. The beer is crafted using 220-year old yeast discovered upon the wreckage of Australia’s oldest merchant shipwreck, the Sydney Cove.

 

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This article is written by Suka Junin

Student accommodation seems like the dream: you’re abroad, you meet new like-minded people, and who can forget the frequent social gatherings and parties? You’re at home away from home, and definitely not as alone as you think you are.

Of course, with those amazing highlights comes to some lowlights to living in student accommodations. Before diving headfirst into a tenancy application, here are some of the pros and cons you should consider before moving into a student accommodation.

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Pro: It’s super convenient

As much as it’s expensive, it’s also extremely convenient. Living so close to campus with little to no commute time, it can be worth paying a slight premium for it. It also comes in handy when you have long breaks in between lectures and tutorials.

Student accommodations also tend to be located in close proximity to transport, food and shops, which makes day-to-day needs very easy. You should never have to feel lazy to get groceries or have an excuse to miss dinner.

Con: It’s expensive
Rent is generally expensive in Australia, especially if you’re coming from a country where a standard of living costs is lower. But student accommodation is very expensive when compared to living in a normal unit or house.

Generally, most students opt to share their flat or room and the rent is lower compared to having your own private studio room. However, considering the room size and general areas like the kitchen and living area, you will be paying a lot of money for very little space.

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Pro: You get to meet so many new and different people
There’s a high flatmate turnover at student accommodations and because of this, there’s a high chance you’ll meet someone new every few months. More often than not, you’ll be surprised as to how much you learn about the different cultures and places your flatmates come from.

It’s not only the people you share a flat with but you get to mingle with others in the residence, too. Most student accommodations organise weekly gatherings like nights out on the town, barbeque weekends, and movie nights.

Con: Living with other student flatmates can be difficult
Most students staying in these types of accommodations are international students and there can often be differences in the way we live, which can prove to be challenging. This isn’t always the case and most students understand shared responsibilities like cleaning.

Because you aren’t friends at first, it can be difficult to speak out if there is an issue (playing loud music, never cleaning up after cooking) but you have to stand your ground because you pay rent and expect certain conditions. If it does get out of hand, always let one of the accommodation representatives know.

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Pro: You can make the best out of what you get

And what you get is plenty. Student accommodations like Urbanest and Iglu have shared facilities like a gym, study areas, as well as around the clock security. Make the most of these as they’re not so common in non-student housing.

Con: Once locked in, it’s hard to leave

You would probably never want to leave your student accommodation, but if you choose to end your lease early, it can be tricky to get out of it. Make sure you plan and know how long you intend to stay, otherwise you’ll end up struggling to find another student to take over your contract (yes, it has to be a student!).

Before agreeing to anything, make sure to have a viewing of the place. Some flats won’t look like the photos shown on the website and you could be given a false impression, so it’s essential to check the accommodation out in person.

For every downside to living in a student accommodation, you should use these facilities to your advantage because where else will you find a more comfortable student life when you’re new to Australia?

 

 

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 The article is written by Maddison Reynolds

Australia’s most populous city is a goldmine for adventurers. While most visitors stick to the Sydney Harbour, CBD, and Bondi areas, Sydney is actually made up of 658 suburbs, 40 local government areas and 15 contiguous regions. So much of Sydney’s beauty is outside of its main tourist hubs, and with a little research and insider knowledge, you can experience an authentic Sydneysider experience.

The Sutherland Shire is located 26 kilometres south of the CBD and borders Australia’s oldest national park, the Royal National Park. The seaside town of Cronulla is a real highlight of this region, combining white, sandy beaches and lively restaurants and cafes. Cronulla can easily be explored in a day by rail from Central Station using the T4 Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra Line.

 

ESPLANADE
Grind Espresso – Shop 4/15 Surf Road, Cronulla.

Start your adventure early to catch a glimpse of the sunrise from the Cronulla Esplanade. The 4.5km paved walkway showcases Sydney’s longest stretch of beach. Grab a coffee from local favourite, Grind Espresso, and begin your journey at South Cronulla beach, walking southward. Stop along the way at Bass and Flinders Point to take in the scenery across the ocean at Bundeena and the Royal National Park and make sure to take a dip in the sparkling water at Salmon Haul or at one of the many ocean pools dotted along the coastline.

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BLACKWOOD PANTRY
Blackwood Pantry – Shop 5/33 Surf Lane, Cronulla; Next Door – 2/4-6 Kingsway, Cronulla; Pilgrim’s Cronulla – 97 Gerrale St, Cronulla; Ham Harry & Mario – 3/17 Gerrale St, Cronulla; LOAF Sandwiches – 89 Cronulla St, Cronulla.

Cronulla truly has something for everyone when it comes to food. Grab your appetite and head up to Cronulla Mall to check out the options.

If you’re after a brunch option that will be sure to appease your Instagram followers, hit up Blackwood Pantry and try out their all-day menu offering. The Surf Lane venue delivers food that tastes as colourful as it looks. Menu highlights include the smashing pumpkins and miso glazed Atlantic salmon. Other noteworthy cafes include Next Door, Pilgrim’s, Ham and Loaf Sandwiches.

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GREENHILLS
One of the best things about Cronulla is the vast array of beaches on offer. If you’re after a quieter spot to try your hand at surfing or just to relax on the sand, Greenhills Beach is the perfect place. The beach can be reached by following the Esplanade north or by car. Greenhills and neighbouring Wanda are also great locations to watch local surfers when the swell is up. Those feeling a little more adventurous might wish to follow the path from Wanda Reserve towards the sand dunes. The natural dunes are believed to be 15,000 years old and are a great workout for those willing to climb them.

CAPE SOLANDER
Just north of Greenhills is Cape Solander, one of Sydney’s best whale watching spots. Stunning, white-rock cliffs and panoramic ocean views surround the lookout point. Cape Solander is located in the Kamay Botany Bay National Park so car entry is recommended. Park entry fees apply.

HAZELHURST GALLERY
Hazelhurst Regional Gallery and Arts Centre – 782 Kingsway, Gymea.

For those seeking a little more culture, the Hazelhurst Regional Gallery and Arts Centre is the hub for art in the Sutherland Shire. Featuring works from local and international artists, the gallery is set on tranquil gardens and is easily accessible by rail to Gymea Station (also on the T4 Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra Line).

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CRONULLA RSL
Cronulla RSL – 38 Gerrale St, Cronulla; Northies Cronulla Hotel – Kingsway & Elouera Rd, Cronulla; Brass Monkey – 115A Cronulla St, Cronulla; Fusion Nightclub – 84 Cronulla St, Cronulla; Sting Bar – 3-7 Kingsway, Cronulla.

There’s no better way to end a day of sun and sand then with a beer or cocktail overlooking the ocean. Head to the historic Cronulla RSL and grab a courtyard table for an unbelievable sunset. The RSL offers food but for those looking to broaden their horizons, Low & Loftys, Alphabet Street, Eat Burger, Queen Margarita and Beach Burrito all put on great dinner offerings.

If you’re keen on continuing into the night, Northies Cronulla Hotel and neighbouring Old Joes are sure to get you in the mood for dancing. If live music is more your thing, hit up the Brass Monkey. Finish your night off at Fusion Nightclub or Sting Bar, just in time for the final train back to Central Station.

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The article is written by Maddison Reynolds

With year-round sunshine and bikini-clad beaches, it is no wonder that Sydneysiders are some of the most health conscious in Australia. There is an array of amazing dining options for vegan, vegetarian and conscious eaters alike on offer all over the city. We’ve compiled a list of a few local favourites to try, at your tasting pleasure.

CHEAP EATS

Funky Pies
2/144-148 Glenayr Ave, Bondi Beach

There’s nothing more Australian than the humble pie, which is now vegan, thanks to Funky Pies. The 100 per-cent vegan, pastry-creators have a café in Bondi where they serve their fresh baked pies and fair-trade organic coffee.

Bestseller The Funky Chunky, and 15 other pastries are on offer at the Bondi store. The Funky Chunky is filled with gravy, mashed potato, onion, garlic and shiitake mushroom.

Funky Pies also sells wholesale to a number of health food stores and cafes. Head to their website to find your closest outlet. 

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Gelato Blue
318 King St, Newtown

Gelato Blue is Sydney’s first plant-based gelateria is a favourite for dairy and non-dairy eaters alike. Since going entirely plant-based in 2016, the family-run business has used coconut milk and cream as a base to create their gelato flavours.

Menu highlights include Banana Split, Peanut Butter Fudge and Milk Chocolate Chip Cookie. Be sure to keep an eye on their social media however as new and limited flavours are released often.

Looking for another reason to fulfil your ice-cream desires? They’ve just added 8 refined sugar-free options to the menu. 

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Lord of the Fries
10A Henry Deane Plaza. 18 Lee St, Haymarket
537 George St, Sydney
159-175 Church St, Parramatta
Dreaming of the fast-food you ate before going vegan? Look no further than Lord of the Fries, Sydney’s cult, vegan, fast-food outlet.
Lord of the Fries promotes ethical fast-food across their outlets with 100 percent vegan menus as well as low gluten, kosher and halal options. Menu offerings include a vegan Parma burger, Chicago hotdog and a range of fries with dipping sauces.
They’ve also just introduced the world-first Beyond Meat burger patty to their Original and Spicy Burger.

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MID-RANGE EATS

The Green Lion
726 Darling Street, Rozelle

The Green Lion is Sydney’s first exclusively vegan pub. The menu features all the classics from your typical Aussie RSL, except with a plant-based twist. Think ‘chicken’ parmigiana, loaded Mexican fries and ‘schnitzel’ burgers, enjoyed alongside a glass of wine or a schooner.

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Yulli’s
417 Crown Street, Surry Hills

Yulli’s is one of Surry Hill’s best known, plant-based dining hubs and offers a relaxed space where diners can feast on share plates and Asian-infused mains, free from meat.
The menu is extensive, featuring options including tempura beetroot roulade and stuffed roasted eggplant, and there’s also a great selection of craft beers on tap. While the restaurant is entirely vegetarian, it also offers up a dedicated vegan menu and vegan wine list.

TREATS

 Alibi
Ovolo Woolloomooloo
6 Cowper Wharf Roadway

Sydney’s latest plant-based venue is the brainchild of renowned chef Matthew Kenney. Alibi is inspired by Kenney’s clean approach to food without compromising on elegance and taste.

The venue, at the stunning Ovolo Woolloomooloo, features an informal lounge setting and bespoke bar, where unique and experimental cocktails are on offer.

Menu highlights include kimchi dumplings and zucchini lasagna in the mains, and coconut cream pie and hibiscus strawberry cheesecake in the desserts. The venue opened in late March and has been met by commendable reviews.

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Gigi’s Pizzeria
379 King Street, Newtown

A few years ago, Newtown icon Gigi’s made the bold move to shift its menu to an entirely plant-based offering. Since then, it has all but added to its cult-status and is arguably one of Sydney’s best-loved (and busiest) vegan restaurants.
Each menu item is carefully curated and there is no recommended dish to try here. Simply grab a group of friends and order as much as you can to get a real taste of why Gigi’s is loved so much.

Be sure to arrive early as the venue does not take bookings and it is not uncommon for lines of hungry millennial’s to wrap around the building’s corner.

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The article is written by Paige Murphy
The cover photo by Rob Bye 

Studying isn’t always easy… I’m definitely guilty of procrastinating! With the semester nearing an end, exam time is coming up. Everyone works differently and has a different studying style – it’s about finding what works best for you (although we don’t recommend cramming at the last minute!). Here are a few tips though that can help everyone to be a little more efficient when it comes to study time.

1. List, prioritise and plan

Create a list of everything that you need to get done. Then prioritise each task and allocate it a specified time – just like if you were sitting an exam. Put all of this into a schedule and make sure you’re realistic about the times you have set yourself. Give yourself plenty of time to complete anything that needs to alleviate any unnecessary stress. A little bit of organisation can go a long way!

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Photo by Estée Janssens on Unsplash

2. Maintain a healthy and well-balanced diet

It’s very easy to snack on chocolate and chips and all sorts of junk food. Eating these foods is actually counter-productive to your studying though, impacting on your energy and concentration levels. Instead, stick to foods like fish, nuts, blueberries and other fresh fruit and vegetables. These will help to keep your energy levels up and have been proven to aid in concentration and memory. Sugar and high levels of caffeine might be a quick fix but can see you crash out quicker, so swap your coffee out for green tea (at least you’ll get other nutritional benefits along the way) and stay away from soft drinks – stick to good all H20.

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Photo by Cecilia Par on Unsplash

3. Keep up-to-date notes throughout the semester

Okay, so the semester is well past the half-way mark but there is no time like the present to get on top of your notes (and you can learn for next semester!). Allocate some time each week to take notes on that week’s topics for each of your classes. That way, come exam time things won’t feel so stressful and all you will have to do is re-read over them all instead of worrying about what was taught in week 3 that you have completely forgotten about.

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4. Organise your study space and keep free from distractions

It’s so easy to become distracted by the littlest things when you need to study. All of a sudden you could be doing anything, anywhere and it all seems so much more important than what you really need to do. Find a space that you would like to study – make sure it is neat and organised (so you don’t procrastinate by cleaning constantly) and somewhere that will be distraction-free. Turn your phone off or put it into flight mode so you won’t be distracted by notifications popping up, and make sure you won’t be disturbed by others.

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5. Take regular breaks and get plenty of rest!

Studying for long hours without giving your brain a rest isn’t actually beneficial. You’re better off working in shorter, sharper bursts to be more efficient. Set yourself a time to complete each task and take breaks in between. Go for a walk around the block or take your meal times in these breaks to keep your energy and concentration levels up. Make sure you’re also getting the right amount of sleep. It’s easy to find yourself up at all hours during exam and assessment periods but if you’re not sleeping, your efficiency levels go down. By following the above steps though, you should have plenty of time to rest!

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Photo by Krista Mangulsone on Unsplash

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The article is written by Paige Murphy
Cover photo by Bernard Spragg 

Situated on the east coast of Australia, Sydney is blessed to have so many stunning views throughout the city. Whether you’re here visiting or if you’re a local just looking to be a tourist in your own city, we have compiled the best spots in Sydney with the best views for you.

Climbers heading up the Sydney harbour bridge

Climbers heading up the Sydney harbour bridge

Photo by Jimmy Harris

The Harbour Bridge
Maybe not for those scared of heights, but we definitely recommend doing the Bridge Climb. It’s a great way to see the whole city and you can tell everyone you have climbed Sydney’s most famous landmark. The climb takes about 3.5 hours but if you’re strapped for time or not ready to go to the top you can choose the Express or Sampler options which are shorter. Prices vary depending on the climb you choose – it is definitely an experience you cannot miss! For more information, visit this link.

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Sydney Tower
Visit Sydney’s tallest building and enjoy immaculate 360-degree city views. Higher than the Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Tower’s SKYWALK tour takes you out on to the observation deck to see all the way around the city. If you’re not up for making the walk outside (or you love to dine with a view), make sure you stop by the revolving Sydney Tower Buffet restaurant where you’ll be able to enjoy all the views as you eat. The Sydney Tower also holds different events, including a silent disco for Vivid which starts soon if you’re looking for a unique and fun experience. We recommend booking tickets online in advance before you go to avoid the queues for this popular attraction.
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Circular Quay
Right down by the harbour, Circular Quay has a number of spots to see some spectacular views. Obviously, the Sydney Opera House is a must! Visit the famous landmark up close and personal or if you’re looking to get the whole building in your photo we recommend heading over to the other side of Circular Quay for the perfect pic. Here you can also find the Museum of Contemporary Art which has a rooftop café where you can dine whilst take in the views. There are also plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants on the walk in between the two buildings, including Opera Bar which has prime position to view Sydney’s amazing harbour.
Mrs Macquarie's Chair - Kay AdamsPhoto by Kay Adams

Royal Botanical Gardens & Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair
See views of the whole harbour from the Royal Botanical Gardens and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. A great spot for walks and picnics – and AMAZING photos – the gardens are open all year round and are free to visit. See some beautiful flowers in the garden, before you head down by the water towards Mrs Macquarie’s Chair – a sandstone rock carved into the shape of a chair. With the Harbour Bridge and Opera House in full sight, this is definitely the money shot.

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Bondi Icebergs
Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in Sydney – and for good reasons! Stop by the Bondi Icebergs club to get full views of the beach and vibrant, blue water. One of Sydney’s most captured spots after the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, at Icebergs you can swim in the pool, dine upstairs in their restaurant or just stop by to snap this stunning view whilst in Bondi.

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Taronga Zoo
Meet some furry friends and learn about some of Australia’s native species, all while taking in the views of the harbour from the north side of Sydney. Taronga Zoo is a must whilst you’re here – and they offer student discounts for tickets (just make sure you bring your Student ID along). To have an extra special experience and take in more of the view, try out their high ropes course or stay the night and do the Roar and Snore where you can wake up with the animals overlooking the harbour.

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The Manly Ferry
Now you have to take a ride on the Manly ferry (and visit Manly Beach of course!). Get on at Circular Quay and make sure you get a seat outside, so you can wave goodbye to the harbour as you make your way to Sydney’s northern beaches. You’ll get to see some beautiful spots on the journey over. On your return, try to come back for sunset – there is nothing more beautiful than seeing it set over the city skyline.
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Watson’s Bay
A magnificent spot in Sydney’s east, the views at Watson’s Bay are a must-see. Easy to get to via public transport, Watson’s Bay is located on the South Head peninsula next to Vaucluse and not too far from Bondi. Here you can take your pick of activities – with the beach, walking trails, waterfront restaurants and bars, tours to learn about the Aboriginal culture of the land and the Dunbar lighthouse, there is something for everyone.

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Luna Park
Head over the bridge to Milson’s Point for some fun at Luna Park. Ride roller coasters and Ferris wheels whilst taking in the beautiful views. It’s free to enter the park, you’ll just need to pay for the rides (which are SO much fun). Fun to visit at night, you can see this city skyline light up. With Vivid coming up, the park will light up at night, along with other parts of the harbour – a sight you don’t want to miss!

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The article is written by Paige Murphy

Looking for something fun to do in Sydney? There is so much to see and do here! If you’re on a tight budget or feeling a bit broke (what student isn’t?!), then don’t stress – there are plenty of activities that won’t require a single cent from you. Here are our top ten fun activities to do for free in Sydney.

@simonrae
1. Catch some waves at Bondi Beach
It’s Australia’s most famous beach – this stop off is a must. The beach stretches from the North Bondi grassy knoll (a great spot for picnics) all the way around to Icebergs (aka the best spot to snap for your Instagram). Have a dip in the water but make sure you stay between the red and yellow flags – or you might end up on Bondi Rescue!

@matthewkane
2. Do a coastal walk
One of the perks to living in Sydney is being right by the ocean. This means we have so many beautiful coastal walks you can do with stunning views. Our favourites are the Bondi to Coogee and the Spit to Manly. The Bondi to Coogee not only offers amazing views but if you don’t feel like walking the whole way or feel like a dip you can stop off at any of the beaches in between like Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly and Gordon’s Bay. The Spit to Manly is a much longer walk but well worth it, taking you along the coastline and through the national park. Just make sure you take some water and comfortable walking shoes with you!

@s_erwin
3. Have a picnic in the Royal Botanical Gardens
Okay, so the picnic part might cost you extra (unfortunately, cheese isn’t free) but the location itself is free for you to visit. Make sure you check out the Rose Garden before picking a spot for your picnic down by the water. You’ll have the best views of the harbour and all the pretty flowers to stare at.

@photoholgic
4. Walk across the Harbour Bridge (via the pedestrian route)
So walking over the actual bridge costs money but to walk across it via the pedestrian path is completely free. Get up close and personal with our most famous landmark and see some spectacular views of Sydney from it. Depending on which way you are walking, you can also stop by the Rocks on the city side or head to Luna Park for fun and games over in North Sydney.

@steve_j
5. Visit an art gallery
Sydney has some great art galleries that showcase a wide variety of local and international art – and the good news is, most exhibitions are free! Stop by the Art Gallery of NSW and see some of their free exhibitions that range from traditional Aboriginal art to Asian art. For bigger exhibitions like the Archibald prize, you will have to pay but they are well worth the visit. Head over to the Museum of Contemporary Art if you like cool installations, multimedia works and post-modern art. To see some really personal works by one Australia’s most well-known artists, Brett Whiteley, head to his gallery in Surry Hills. For more information, click here.

@jontyson
6. Stop by the markets
There are SO many great markets on the weekends in Sydney and they are all free… until you can’t resist buying something cool you have seen them! On Saturday’s you have Glebe and Paddington markets whilst Rozelle and Bondi run all weekend. You’ll be able to find everything from new and vintage clothing, accessories, furniture and homewares, food, art and other little trinkets or second-hand goods.

@georgewolf
7. Go whale watching
I guess you have to be lucky with this one but the best spot to see them is up on Sydney’s Northern Beaches between May and November. Head up to Palm Beach to see them where you can also do the beautiful walk up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse, and visit where Home and Away is filmed (if you’re lucky you might even see some of it!).
8. See a classical music concert
If you like classical music, then you’ll love the free concerts put on at the Conservatorium of Music. See some of Sydney’s best musical talent perform in lunchtime and evening concerts. The Conservatorium is right by the Royal Botanical Gardens – so you can have your picnic before or after your visit. To see what is on at The Con, click here.

newtown streetart
9. Check out some street art
Sydney’s Inner West is full cool, hip bars and cafes… and amazing street art! Take a walk through the streets of Newtown to see lanes filled with cool art. There are tours available if you would like to know more about the art, or you can have a look here and take yourself on a tour. No two artworks are the same!

@theformfitness
10. Take a yoga class
Did someone say free yoga? Yes, we did. Lululemon stores hold free yoga classes in-store. Suitable for all levels, if you’re looking to practice but don’t want to (or can’t afford to) pay $20+ for a class, then this is for you. Have a look at their store locator to find your nearest store and when classes are held. Be sure to get there early if you don’t have your own mat as the classes are really popular!

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Leaving family and friends behind and pursuing your dream and future in a strange country can be a pretty tough task. However, the entire process of getting the hang of your surrounding is not that difficult, especially when you’re moving to Australia where the friendly locals never fail to make you feel at home.

By further following these tips you can get an idea how to approach new people and make some amazing friends.

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1. Look out for new friends in your class
There is no need to hesitate in making an approach or fearing rejection as usually at the university level, many students sitting around you are equally nervous. In fact, you will be surprised at the enthusiastic response you will receive once you make the friendly move.
Being a loner never helps whether you’re a quiet person or a chatterbox. It’s beneficial when you have many friends around to talk to about various subjects. You can start by discussing your assignments, projects or even class lectures with the Australians students around you.

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2. Join the campus clubs
The best part about studying in Australia is that you have enormous opportunities to socialize with students studying with you and making new friends. Joining a club at your campus could be of great help as it provides you with the chance to mingle with people with common interest.
Also, with having nothing to do at your hostel than to study, these campus clubs could be a tremendous extracurricular and fun activity that you could indulge in.

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3. Spend more time outdoors
It’s easier to avoid the alienated surroundings and people and hide away in your homestay. However, that does not help you to progress any further. Although studying indoors is important, spending some time out is also beneficial to drive away the loneliness.
Hang around the Playfair Café or the famous Bourke Street Bakery for its yummy sausage rolls. These places are both cheap and a perfect pool of your potential new friends!

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4. Explore the city
If you are going to spend the next few years in Sydney, you might as well explore the city too. Whenever you have long weekends, make sure you plan your trips to the Bondi Beach with your friends or better yet, see the iconic Sydney Opera House. Places like these are always crowded and filled with opportunities to socialize to the fullest.
So if you are planning to study in Sydney, then remember these tips to make new friends and get more comfortable and accustomed to the new city.

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