Spring Friendly at USYD! July 11, 2025
By A student (American Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/22/2025 to 05/30/2025 with
University of Sydney: Sydney - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
It was so important to me that I was able to fend for myself in an entirely new place. Sydney is such a beautiful place, and I loved its downtown and the incredible beaches that were easily accessible. I met so many people and in turn, learned a lot about myself by making new friends from around the globe.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Definitely a change... especially transitioning from a college to a university setting. But overall, a rigorous and supportive academic environment. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The Queen Mary Building had fantastic staff who made me feel comfortable while travelling internationally for the first time. I didn't hesitate to ask anyone for help if I needed it, no matter the time of day. QMB in particular has the best common spaces, it's really easy to make friends and be social :] |
| * Food: |
Whether or not you have a meal plan depends on your accommodation. My dorm didn't have a dining hall so I cooked often. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Public transit runs all night in the city, which was the top thing that made me comfortable. Knowing I could get back to my accommodation without feeling the monetary pressure of a rideshare was nice. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
Sydney is pretty expensive, but I found that I generally had enough money to do what I wanted. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $200-250 AUD per week (groceries, going out, mall/flea market trips) |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Only eating out on weekends leaves a lot more money to travel the area, go to shows and concerts, and take spontaneous trips. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Try to take advantage of every single day- the semester flies by! |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
