Emma (Sem 2, 2022)

My Exchange at the University of Melbourne

As the capital of Victoria and the second-largest city in Australia, Melbourne is a booming metropolis that showcases the best of Australian arts, culture, cuisine and landscapes. Its vibrant mix of hidden city laneways, beautiful beaches, sporting phenomena and sprawling street art had me hooked from the get-go!

I was really pleased to get an entirely in-person campus experience, having had a mostly online university experience over the past three years. Course delivery at the University of Melbourne was really interactive and lecturers really encouraged us to apply course content to current events. It was awesome to see students so willing to participate in class discussions and this really made my learning experience all the more authentic and enjoyable. There were definitely fewer assignments than what I would do in a typical semester at UoA but on the whole, the difficulty level was pretty comparable.

I stayed at UniLodge Lincoln House, which was a convenient 10 minute walk from campus and the CBD. At Lincoln House, everyone enjoys their own room and a range of shared amenities. One notable mention is the stunning rooftop dining area, where my friends and I enjoyed barbecuing and watching sunsets in the warmer months. I’d really recommend staying somewhere close to the CBD – and there really are so many options – from twin-share rooms to private studios to 5 bedroom apartments.

Outside of my studies, I could be found mingling with Melburnians over a game of social netball, meeting with my teammates to complete deliverables as part of an applied consulting project experience or road tripping with my friends to explore greater Melbourne. I was also lucky enough to fit in trips to Byron Bay, Cairns, the Gold Coast and Sydney. A highlight for me was snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef. Swimming amongst the stunning coral formations, giant clams, rare species of whales and marine turtles was so mesmerising. Other honourable mentions include Blue Mountains, Daintree Rainforest and the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk. Taking part in a wide range of extracurricular pursuits meant that I was never short of things to do on exchange and the memories and friendships I’ve forged are priceless. I would really encourage future exchange students to seize every opportunity that comes their way!

Overall, my exchange in Melbourne was truly the experience of a lifetime. Academically, practically, culturally, personally; my time in Melbourne has enriched my life, and has provided me with an experience that I am sure will shape my future both as a professional and an individual.

Q&A

What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?

– Super interactive lectures and tutorials! Lots of in class discussion and relating the course content to current events.

– So much support available and really easy to access it! Staff were all super responsive and could get issues resolved very quickly.

Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?

If you’re a bit of an adventure junkie like me you really can’t say no to surfing! Also, go to footy game – so much fun even if you have no idea what is going on (like me!)

What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?

1. Embrace opportunities that come your way! Say yes to event invitations and experiences as this will really enrich your exchange experience!

2. Join MUSEX (club for exchange students at the University of Melbourne). They had the most epic events including an Australian themed dress up boat party, winery tours and thrifting outings! Plus, attending these events are a great way to meet fellow exchange students!

3. Take some time out to recharge every so often – being in an unfamiliar environment can get pretty exhausting and overwhelming at times. Make sure to take care of yourself and do things that help you feel restored and energised.

How much did you budget for your exchange? Was this enough? Were there any lessons learned that would help future students budget for their own exchange?

Around $10,000 which was more than enough! My piece of advice would be to start looking for accommodation options as early as possible – this was my biggest expense by far and could have got better prices had I started the search earlier!

What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?

I really enjoyed learning about different cultures and my friends’ experiences growing up in different countries. It was all so interesting for me and I even got to practice my Spanish as I made friends with lots of people from South America.

Is there anything else you’d like to highlight?

Anyone considering an exchange, apply! Embrace the opportunity – you won’t regret it!