The University of Sydney has been really great about setting up opportunities for international students to meet local students. They have a MATES abroad program, which sets up one or two international student with an Australian “buddy.” My buddy had actually studied abroad in the U.S. last year, so he and I had lots to talk about. That program is really helpful, I’ve been able to create a whole group of Australian friends. I’ve also been able to make friends through my classes, many of which have required us to do group projects and work collaboratively. So far this semester it has been much easier to meet locals than it was in Amsterdam.
However, even without a buddy system it’s still really easy to meet Australians. In general, they’re very open and welcoming, and more than happy to start up a conversation with you if you’re at a sports game or a bar or a park. Even from the states, this is a big change, because most people back in Boston would be affronted by a stranger trying to speak to them in public. I quite like it though, it’s nice to be able to talk to locals about what’s going on in Australia and Sydney, rather than only talking to my bubble of university friends (even though they’re also great).
The monetary system of Australia hasn’t been too difficult to adjust to, but the prices of everything have been. My friends back in Boston will get flak for buying a $4.00 coffee, because you can get much cheaper coffee that’s still just as good. In Sydney, though, $4.00 for a coffee is a steal, and should be bought IMMEDIATELY. It’s the same with everything else. I’m used to rent being expensive, but it’s through the roof here, and it’s actually causing a lot of housing problems and political tension. The cost of living in all of Australia, but especially Sydney and Melbourne, have been steadily rising, and it’s leading to a lot of tensions between the younger and older generations.
I’m privileged enough to be able to have a family that supports me, because I wouldn’t be able to be in Sydney without them. Yes, I’m good at making and sticking to a budget, but trying to save enough money from U.S. wage jobs to live somewhere where the cost of living is this high would be impossible without financial support. That’s a really sad reality that I’ve had to come to terms with since leaving home, because Boston is also super expensive, but it’s hit me harder here.
