Australia: Two Weeks in & Still Alive

I cannot believe I have been living in Australia for almost two weeks and school starts tomorrow. However, I thought I would have started school by now and did not realize I would have 12 days to adjust before classes commence, so I am not complaining.

The last two weeks have been such a cool experience. I’ve met people from all over the world, I’ve adapted to being “on my own” (needing to buy things for the flat, grocery shop and cook for myself), and I have explored what I will call home for the next four months a decent amount.

I do wish I could meet more Australians; As I said before, most of the people living on campus are international. I hope to make a friend or two in class. The Australians I have met, however, have been at flat parties, surprisingly enough. Everyone I have met has been so nice and welcoming, and I love it.

I did receive many free meals over the last two weeks as part of O-Week, but I also have cooked a bit for myself. To my surprise, I really am loving it. I thought to myself that I could do this back at Hofstra, but then I realized I am way too busy and if I try to cook my meals, it will be at midnight. I have been making a conscious effort to eat healthier, even though it is a little more expensive to do so. I am tracking my exercise and food intake, and I think that will help motivate me to stay on top of things.

I love where I live. Actually, it really reminds me of being at home. At home, I am 15 minutes from the beach and 75 minutes from New York. Here, I am about 40 minutes from the beach and 30 minutes from Perth. I thought having to commute so far to the beach would really dampen things for me, but public transport here is so easy and I really don’t mind the ride. I am really glad I am taking the commute so well, because being away from the ocean after college is one thing I constantly worry about.

I have some friends, I haven’t poisoned myself with my cooking (yet) and I am really enjoying where I live. It has been a bit of a vacation, so I am interested to see how I will adjust to school starting. I am extremely nervous for classes—getting to them on time when two will begin and end at the same time, and for staying on top of the work, which apparently may be partially on the internet without being told so by a professor. It will definitely be different, but I know I will make it through somehow. Here’s to my semester abroad!