Getting Around Sydney
The university is about a 20-minute walk from Urbaneast. I personally enjoy walking a lot, and so far I have been walking to every class. What I enjoy about walking is the opportunity to explore and view other parts that you could not see when traveling by public transportation. You can take a detour to some other parts where you have never been before, which would allow you to see new areas, which I find enjoyable.
My classes start fairly early in the morning, which allows me to see the sunrise which is immensely beautiful. You get to see all the locals going to their individual destination, making it feel like you are really observing how the city is “breathing” and operating. Furthermore, my classes also end late during the afternoon. Since it is winter right now in Australia, the sun has already set and it is dark outside. It might not be as nice as the morning, but it sure does have its individual qualities. It is very pretty to see the lights in the park, the city lights from the skyline, and the small individual roads with their illuminating lights and decorations.
For the past week, my friends and I have been exploring the city mostly by walking around. The great thing about this city is how safe and comfortable you feel while walking around. It could be during the morning, afternoon, or evening, and I would not feel uncomfortable at any time. I believe that is why I enjoy walking over any other mode of transportation.
Therefore, I have not travelled by public transportation to school yet. However, I have enjoyed the public transportation around here at a different occasion. It is very easy to get around if you have an Opus card. This card is similar to the Charlie card in Boston. You can charge the card with the amount you would like, and you simply scan it to access the station. This card is used for buses, trams, trains, i.e. every single public transportation here in Sydney. It is very convenient, since I do no need to walk around with cash on me.
What is really great about the public transportation system here in Sydney is their special deals on Sundays. On Sundays, you are able to travel by any mode you would like, for only $2.50. This is just incredible! This offer is amazing, which is why I try to plan my longer trips or adventures for Sundays. Considering there are a lot of popular attractions outside of Sydney, it is very convenient to take the train there for just $2.50 on a Sunday, rather than doing it on a weekday when it would be significantly more expensive. This is something I would highly recommend!
However, there are some disadvantages as well. Right now, there is a lot of construction around Sydney. This limits the accessibility of the buses and other transportation by a great deal. Sometimes they are unable to get on their designated roads, or they have to take another route. This is something that deter their accessibility, which is unfortunate if you want to go far.
Overall, I enjoy walking the most and I would prefer it even if the public transportation was perfect. It feels like you can absorb the culture and enjoy yourself more while walking. More importantly, the city is very safe, too. Eventually, I will take the bus to the university considering it being so accessible from Urbaneast. There is a bus stop just outside the building, and the bus takes you all the way to school. Very convenient if you are not feeling for a morning walk!
