During my time in Australia, I actually always felt quite safe. Unlike other countries, pickpocketing is not common and the crime rate is not high. The campus was located in a suburb about 20 kilometres outside of Melbourne. I never felt unsafe while actually on campus. The safety rules I followed were pretty common sense. I never went anywhere alone at night and always made sure that I was walking with someone, especially when not on campus. When we went out on the weekends, I tried not to carry my passport unless it was necessary to avoid losing it. On the weekends, I also made sure that no one was ever left alone including myself. I found that when at bars, it is important to have a bathroom buddy and it helps to have guy friends to deter others.
When traveling alone, I learned to be vigilant without being paranoid. As airport security frequently instructs, I never left my bags alone, even if this meant lugging them with me everywhere I went. I learned to allow enough time at airports and to always factor in extra time. When in Fiji alone, I left my valuables out of sight, but I really felt no threat.
I really didn’t discover too many traveling secrets while in Australia. I found that when traveling in large groups, an Airbnb is usually a cheaper option than a hostel and it enabled us to have our own space. In the same way, an Uber is sometimes cheaper than taking public transportation. Melbourne is full of small lanes and secret alley ways and the best way to discover these is simply by wandering. These lanes and alley ways are chalked full of fun restaurants and bars that must be explored.
