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Must-try Activities in Brisbane

The article is written by Kelsa McIntyre

Don’t know what to do this weekend in Brisbane? From Ghost tours to Kangaroos, we’ve got you covered.

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Wine and Painting

If you like the sound of Wine combined with Painting then this might be the perfect activity for you. BYO wine or beer and enjoy a night of creativity at Cork and Chroma. Sessions are $55 and include all of the essentials for you to get your creative juices flowing including a qualified artist to guide you along the way. So grab a friend, your fave bottle of wine and enjoy a night of tipsy creativity.
Where: 4 Montague Road, South Brisbane.

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Guided Tour

Whether you’re new to Brisbane or think you know the city well. A free guided tour is a way to explore new parts of the city and offers a chance to meet new people. The tour will take you through the Brisbane Arcade, the Botanical Gardens and many more of Brisbane’s attractions. Tours run seven days a week departing at 10:30am. Oh, and did I mention they’re FREE.

Where: Meeting point is the Brisbane Visitor Information and Booking Centre, 167 Queen Street Mall.

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Ghost Tours

If a free-guided tour doesn’t excite you maybe a GHOST TOUR will. Established in 1998, Ghost Tours takes you on a historical adventure through some of Brisbane’s and surrounding suburbs scariest sites. A tour guide will entertain (or give you nightmares) with their ghoulish storytelling as they take you through the haunted sites. Brisbane Ghost Tours have themed tours or cemetery tours depending on what interests you. Prices range from $15 for Students to $20 for Adults, with speciality tours incurring higher prices. There’s a ghost tour every weekend and some on weeknights so be sure to check out the Brisbane Ghost Tour website for all the details.
Where: Dependent on what Ghost Tour you choose, each tour will have a different meeting point.

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Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

If you haven’t held a Koala or pet a Kangaroo yet, there’s no better place than the World’s First and Largest Koala Sanctuary. You can experience a free meet and greet with a Koala every day, where you are able to pat and stand next to a Koala in order to get the classic Koala tourist pic. The Sanctuary is home to 100 species of Australian native wildlife, including platypus, Tasmanian Devils and many more. If cute animals aren’t enough to get you excited maybe free movies after your adventure filled day will help. Every 1^st and 3^rd Friday of the month there are free outdoor movie screenings at 5:30pm. Check out The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary website for all the details. The Sanctuary is open 7 days a week with student prices of $24 or $36 for Adult admission.
Where: 708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket.

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Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (QGOMA)

With over 17,000 works of historical, modern and contemporary art QGOMA is the leading gallery of South East Queensland. There are new exhibitions every couple of months so even if you’ve visited in the past the exhibitions are sure to have changed. Entry to QGOMA is free however some special events may incur an entry fee. Spend the day strolling around the gallery then the night exploring South Bank. South Bank is just a short stroll from the gallery and features many delicious dinner options as well the famous Wheel of Brisbane.

Where: Stanley Place, South Brisbane.

Anyone of these activities is sure to engage and excite you in different ways. Be sure to let us know if you partake in any of the activities mentioned by tagging us in your post! @studyanywhere

SYDNEY EXPLORED: YOUR HIGHLIGHT GUIDE TO VIVID 2018

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.

Lighting of the Sails: Metamathemagical
Circular Quay
To celebrate the 10^th 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.

Your quick guide to student accommodation

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?

6 Free Walking Distance Places to visit in Adelaide City

The article is written by Rachel Ganczarczyk

If you live in Adelaide or plan to visit this beautiful city, then you’ll know that there’s plenty of fun things to do. Adelaide is a city that is much smaller than Sydney or Melbourne, but thanks to its ingenious and practical grid design, it’s a city made for you to easily walk around and explore its sights.

Lucky for you, we’ve thought of 6 places to visit in Adelaide city that are all free and within walking distance from each other.

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Botanic Gardens
Why not surround yourself with nature and stroll through green fields and exotic flower gardens in Adelaide’s Botanic Gardens? It’s a perfect setting if you simply want to relax and admire the natural scenery or shoot some awesome close-ups if you’re an avid photographer.
Location: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000 (north-east corner of Adelaide City)
When: Open from Monday-Friday 7.15am to 5.30pm, and Saturday-Sunday 9am to 5.30pm.
Entrance: Free

Adelaide Central Market
Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of a fresh produce market and indulge in an array of international cuisines and multicultural eateries. Adelaide’s Central Market offers something to satisfy everyone’s appetite, whether it be finger-licking pastries and desserts, tasty treats, wholesome health-foods, or fresh and deliciously filling soul-food.
Location: 44-60 Gouger St, Adelaide SA 5000
When: Open from Tuesday 7am to 5.30pm, Wednesday-Thursday 9am to 5.30pm, Friday 7am to 9pm and Saturday 7am to 3pm.
Entrance: Free

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Chinatown
Walk through Adelaide’s Chinatown and see for yourself the well-established presence of Asian culture and cuisine. Enjoy authentic Asian food or wander through countless greengrocers and supply stores.
Location: Within the Adelaide Central Markets (between Grote and Gouger Streets)
When: Open 24 Hours
Entrance: Free

Art Gallery
Surround yourself with all things art and creative by entering the South Australian Art Gallery. Wander through quiet halls and dark lit exhibition rooms as you gaze around visual displays and abstract expressions.
Location: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000
When: 10am to 5pm every day
Entrance: General admission is free, but some exclusive previews and exhibitions require entry fees.

Museum
For curious minds and history buffs, why not explore the South Australian Museum and see what historical treasures it has to offer. There’s so much to see around every corner, so make sure you spend enough time to see as much as you can!
Location: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000
When: 10am to 5pm every day
Entrance: Free

Victoria Square
At the heart of the city is Victoria Square, a public parkland and space featuring a fountain and where a number of festivals and events are held annually. It’s the perfect space to read a book and relax while surrounded by Adelaide’s stunning cityscape and heritage buildings.
Location: Grote St, Adelaide SA 5000
When: Open 24 hours
Entrance: Free

SYDNEY EXPLORED: CRONULLA AND THE SUTHERLAND SHIRE

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).

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.

Road Trip to the Isa

The article is written by Ebbony Lawman The cover photo by Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo

You possibly say g’day mate on the daily, reference The Castle in a convo and wait for your mates to tout one back whilst you all proudly listen to Triple J. Maybe you subtly name drop that time you’ve seen Thor in Byron Bay. Not to mention the Gold Coast is your weekend escape and your hikes are through conveniently mapped and pathed national parks, so much so you can proudly say you’ve seen the best parts of Queensland. But there’s one part of Queensland that not many people talk about, which unlike the above, rings closer to what you know Australia is famous for, is the land down under, the actual outback, littered with kangaroos, cattle and cowboys, where grassy greens are traded for prickly spinifex and distant water is later realised to be just an inferior mirage from the dry desert heat, sound fun?

Well if you point your google maps towards North-West Queensland, burrowed among the Selwyn Ranges and the banks of the Leichhardt River there’s a small town called Mount Isa which is affectionately known as the ‘oasis of the outback’. Mount Isa is the town where you’ll quickly appreciate downing an ice-cold beer and at the end of the day and indulging in the best steak sourced locally from the stations. This town is far different to what Thor feels on the coast with a mine at the town’s fringe. So why should you visit this small town in the middle of nowhere? Well, it’s home to the world’s third largest
rodeo which occurs annually in August and this year happens to be the 60^th anniversary!

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The Rodeo has been around since 1959 and is sure to give you the true Aussie experience you can’t get anywhere else;
‘It’s where the romance of the Australian Outback meets the grit of a mining town, east meets west and man meets beast’ Isa Rodeo 2018.

All the famous Australian icons will be there from Nolesy (Shannon Noll) to Barnsey (Jimmy Barnes) and many more. You’ll be able to get up close in the action including; ‘saddle bronc, bareback bronc, bull riding, rope & tie, steer wrestling, team roping, ladies barrel racing, ladies breakaway roping’ Isa Rodeo 2018.

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Photo by Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo

*TIP Be sure to book your accommodation in ASAP, as this time of year hotels fill up fast!

Right, so you’re ready to leave the coast and head to the outback, you’ve got your RM Williams boots and cowboy hat ready! It’s going to be a long but exciting trip to get there.
There are three ways to travel and we’ve got all the best tourist spots to keep your journey memorable.

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Brisbane to Mount Isa (Flying)

The quickest way to get to the Isa is flying, the two-and-a-half-hour flight which will set you back about $600 return, exy I know but, they do have specials.

*Tip Subscribe to Virgin Blue Happy Hour email alerts.

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But why not hit the road and experience the true blue, fair dinkum Aussie way to go bush? You don’t need to be an expert off-roader to explore the legendary Queensland Outback and get a taste for life on the land.

Brisbane to Mount Isa (Inland)

Say goodbye to the dairy cows, grassy pastures and ocean air and tip your hat towards dry desert heat and craploads of kangaroos who will happily flex their pecs at you on the road, make you stop, and slowly hop off like they won ‘that one’. You’ll also learn to appreciate a quality roadhouse steak burger, as franchises fade away when you cruise inland through Toowoomba, Roma and Longreach.

*Tip Be careful driving at night though as there are a lot of kangaroos, emu’s and they will do more damage to your car then you will to them, trust they will hop out of nowhere and in front of you.

Furthermore, it’s important to take lots of pit stops and fuel up, snacks and drinks during your trip, we recommend stretching your legs at Roma (478km) and experience the Roma Saleyard Australians largest cattle selling centre. Tours of the Saleyard are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the raised walkways give you an excellent vantage point to catch the excitement of cattle sales.

Next stop Tambo (900km) Teddy Bear shop perfect for a quick cuddle and a collector’s item. Then onto Longreach (1200km) where you can check out the Australian Stockman’s Musem and if you plan it right, attend The Stockman show which celebrates the stockman’s skills and horsemanship.

From Longreach it’s a long hall as it’s 6hrs drive to Mount Isa, we recommend stretching your legs at Cloncurry Rotary Lookout and soak up that country air if you have time to spare you can drive out the Ernest Mine, it’s a site worth seeing. Then you’re only one hour left to your destination Mount Isa.

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Driving from Brisbane to Mount Isa (along the coast)
This drive via Townsville is longer – 2300km – but has the beautiful Queensland coast and way more attractions to see. First, stop Hervey Bay (283km) stay the night and explore Fraser island with shipwrecks and stunning beaches, this place will leave you in awe and wanting to move here permanently.

Next stop Bundaberg the birthplace of Bundaberg rum visit the Bundaberg Distillery (110km) and learn about how this famous rum has become such an Australian icon. Then on to Rockhampton, you can take a nightcap here as there is plenty of accommodation to choose from, plus you can explore the Capricorn Caves (288km) this is a must-see.

Next stop the famous Airlie Beach (481km) soak up the sun, visit the Airlie beach lagoon grab a bite to eat. Then onto Townsville (275km) where there is plenty of fun to be had, book a hotel and enjoy the various amounts of restaurants, shopping and the Reef HQ.

Then inland to Mount Isa (904km), make sure you’re well rested, fuelled up and got lots of snacks as this is going to be a long drive. If you get there early make sure to book a tour down a mine shaft at Hard Time Mines, you’ll learn first-hand what it takes to be a miner and what life is like underground.

unnamed-8 Photographed by Tane Cadman

As we mentioned earlier Mount Isa has some of the best steaks in Queensland, be sure to book yourself a table at the Isa Hotel and try their Wagyu steak it won’t disappoint! If that’s not up your alley check out The Ovi, Mount Isa’s favourite pub known for the affordable-yummiest crumb steak in town. If that’s not your thing, grab a picnic basket and head down to Lake Moondarra and grab a selfie with the peacocks.

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*Tip Make sure to get a selfie at the famous crossroads and check out the view on Telstra hill.

Then onto the Mount Isa Rodeo, were your days and nights will be filled with outback entertainment, country folk and good food and beverages.

unnamed-2 Photographed by Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo

By the end of this trip, your Instagram will be flooded with some of the most unique photos of Queensland and you’ll have hundreds of stories to tell your friends and family for years to come.

Just remember that Queensland’s Outback is connected by both sealed roads and dirt tracks. Before you head off, don’t forget to brush up on the road rules, grab a first aid kit for the car to ensure a safe and successful road trip and most importantly have fun!

I would like to thank my Fiancé and his family for sharing their experiences of Mount Isa with me, to create this wonderful post that I can share with you.

Let us know in the comments, about your Outback adventure!

How to eat like a Melburnian

The article is written by Paola Bianchi

5 essential things to be on the right track

1. Feeling like toast for breakfast? Better be Sourdough!

You can find Sourdough bread (fermented dough) in any respectable bakery, cafe and supermarket. If it is wholemeal, organic, mixed with Rye or with seeds, you are closer to eat like a Melburnian. Give a try to the classic buttered bread with Vegemite and avocado. Yummy!

For Melburnians, it’s all about gut health.

Bonus: our fav spots in Melbourne are Baker D. Chirico and Tivoli Road Bakery. You won’t be disappointed!

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2. When ordering eggs, the waitress will ask ‘how do you want your eggs’
and it is expected to be a specific answer. Most menus show an ‘eggs your way’ option. What does that mean? It means you can choose between a lot of possibilities! We definitely haven’t seen this in my hometown.

Boiled eggs (soft or hard); scramble eggs (soft and fluffy); fried eggs (sunny side up or over); poached eggs (hard or runny) and baked eggs.

Bonus: for eggs made like in heaven, head to The Kettle Black or Hardware Société. These places have been delivering awesome eggs for a long time.

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3. Have you been invited to a Christmas meal?
Fabulous! Make sure to bring wine or dessert. Any good quality red wine will be happily accepted. If you want to please sweet tooths, get a lovely dense fruit cake, plum pudding or the old fashion gingerbread.

According to a survey made by Woolworths (a big chain of supermarkets), over half a million pavlovas are usually sold on the week previous to Christmas. Get a pavlova; you can’t go wrong!

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4. Did you think that ordering a coffee is easy peasy?
Think again! The coffee culture in Melbourne is a serious thing, and the competition between cafes, roasters and coffee suppliers is a hot subject.

To cover the basics, we have the espresso coffee which can be black (think long black or double ristretto) or white (with your choice of milk, think lattes or cappuccinos).

There are also other alternatives that are becoming incredibly popular like filtered coffee (served hot and black) and cold drip/ cold brew (served cold, black or white)

If unsure of which coffee to get, we suggest to talk to the barista and ask for a recommendation. Usually, they are happy to go quickly through their options to help you determine which drink suits you better.

Bonus: our top-notch places for coffee fans are St Ali in South Melbourne (sit in one of the communal tables) and Patricia Coffee Brewers in the CBD (no sitting here, it’s a standing room!).

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5. Keep the politeness.
We know it can be exciting to try new things and you may want to do it ASAP. But always say this two magic words: ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. We found that Melburnians are so polite that even when they didn’t do anything wrong, they will say sorry first.

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The Best Study Spots For You

The article is written by Rachel Ganczarczyk

Studying in the comfort of your own home can sometimes be a bit too comfortable and may lead to distractions and long periods of procrastination. Some days you just need a change of scenery to keep you inspired and focused on your studies. Luckily, we’ve thought of some ideal creative spaces for your next study session.

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Library
The quietness of a library can be the perfect setting for you to get into your zone and focus all your attention on studying. With minimal distractions and the presence of all things literature, you’re sure to be effective and efficient in learning.

It’s also good to know that most libraries offer free Wifi and quiet study areas.

Try visiting a state library in the city or searching within your local area to see if there is a public community library near you.

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Art galleries and museums
While it may not be as quiet as a library, studying at a public state art gallery or museum can be an effective way to get your creative juices flowing. You’ll be inspired by the visual scenery as you immerse yourself in the cultural ambience. And don’t forget to have a quick gaze around and enjoy the displays while you’re there!

Some exhibitions and exclusive previews may require fees, but general entry to art galleries and museums are free. They also generally offer quiet lounge areas and some even feature cafes with seating.

You can visit one next time you’re in the city where most of them are located.

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Park
Studying outside in the sunshine and fresh air may just be exactly what you need to stay focused when studying. Being outside is scientifically proven to boost brain power, rejuvenate the body and enhance thinking. Whether you’re studying under a shady tree or sitting on a bench, your time outside can benefit both your mental health and study progress.

Parks in Australia are free, and if you plan on visiting one remember to stay hydrated with water and to always wear sunscreen!

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Coffee shop
Why not tuck yourself away, grab a coffee and study in your favourite brunch spot or local coffee shop? With snacks and drinks on standby to keep you going, a buzzing coffee shop can be an ideal study spot for those who think and study aloud.

In Australia, it is polite to purchase something at the store before you sit down as a customer.

If the chitter-chatter of other customers bothers you, bring your earphones and good tunes to zone out from any distractions.

If you are new to Australia or you want to stay here longer, Study Anywhere is here for you to help. Feel free to send us a message on Facebook or via our contact page.

5 Tips to Study More Efficiently

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!

plan

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.

healthy diet

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.

notes

Photo by Brad Neathery on Unsplash

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.

organisation

Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

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!

rest

Photo by Krista Mangulsone on Unsplash

Art on the move? I’m in!

The article is written by Paola Bianchi

Imagine you are walking around with your friends on any street in Melbourne and all of a sudden you see your art displayed on a Tram that is passing by and say to your pals ‘hey, I designed that!’
Oh! I would be so proud of you!

‘Streets are theatres of life, and in Melbourne, the set is always in motion’ the organisers stated.

Melbourne city is calling (gain!) to all artists that live in Victoria to apply to use the Tram as a canvas.
Is the sixth consecutive year that this project is on, having tremendous success. Just 8 participants will be able to showcase. As a condition, participants must be a Victorian resident, based in the state as the primary location in which they live and work. Don’t worry! I double checked with their information department and confirmed that any international student is eligible to apply if currently living in Melbourne. Another good reason to study here.

tram 1

Wouldn’t be great to see your artwork moving around the city?
Applications close Tuesday 12th of June at midday and the selected applicants will be announced in July.

Head here to get all the details.

Good luck!

Pictures and information based on creative.vic.gov.au and www.festival.melbourne

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