Three Weeks In

Slowly but surely adjusting to the Aussie lifestyle.

So, it's been about three weeks here and I feel like I've started to get into the swing of things. I have just finished my first week of classes at the University of Sydney. Luckily, I don't have class on Mondays or Fridays. I'm taking 4 courses: Building and Managing Brands, Outdoor Education, Marketing Research and Australian Politics.

The "uni" (as they call it here) is an incredible school- not only the academics, but also the structure of the school. I'm excited to be back in school. It's finally hitting me that I live here now.

To get you a glimpse of my life here: living in Sydney is just like living in New York- it is EXPENSIVE. Which I've learned is good for me. I have budgeted out all of my travel expenses, food expenses, and random things. I bought $14 worth of stickers today. I know, I'm such a millennial/centennial. But they were so cool and I wanted to put them on my computer!

Every morning I wake up here, I burst out of bed with the excitement of the day to come. Each day is a new adventure. The weather was mostly rainy last week but we still found fun things to do! On Saturday, we went to the aquarium and I got to see all kinds of Australian wildlife. My favorite days are where we get off at a random stop on the train and wander the city, purposefully getting lost, so that we can force ourselves to find the way home. 

Since it has been so rainy recently, the days filled with sun are not put to waste. Every day that there is even a small chance of sun, we are headed to the beach. So far- we have done Bondi, Coogee, Manly, Tamarama and Bronte. However, we have so many more to cover!

Before school, we did the walk from Bondi to Coogee and the view was breathtaking. The walk was only 6km but it took us about 4 hours since we stopped along the way to take quick dips in the ocean. Last weekend, we did the walk from the Spit Bridge to Manly Beach. This was more of a hike and ending up being over 10km! It took us about 2.5 hours and needless to say, I was exhausted after it. 

When we did the Spit to Manly hike, I realized that this exact day was the sole reason I chose to study abroad in Australia. After we were done, we sat on the beach and ate acai bowls. The day was a combination of an incredible view, fun friends, exercise, fresh food and adventure! Every single thing that I love. 

I keep saying "we" so I should probably mention who I'm talking about. Surprise! I made friends here, despite all of my solo shots. I am in a group of about 10-15 American friends living in my apartment complex. We work well together because we all came to Australia for the same reason: adventure. I can always find a friend to go on a run with me, go to the beach with me or explore around the city. We are always on our feet here. 

On Saturday night, we were all exhausted from a long day at the beach so we decided not to go out. Instead, we took the train downtown and found a famous dessert shop! It was called The Choc Pot and I got the Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae and we toured the area afterwards. It was the most ideal Saturday night for me.

Although I miss UNC basketball and cheap food, I am so happy here. I love everything about Sydney. Every Aussie I have met has been so genuine and kind. The coffee here is unlike anything I've ever tasted. The city has both downtown and the beach. And it's true- everyone is happier in the land down under. 

Now that I am in a routine here, its time to truly immerse myself in the Aussie culture and lifestyle. I'm so excited for the semester ahead and all of the adventures to come! 

xxx, Em