A couple of weeks ago I wrote about going on a trip to the Great Ocean Road, one of the most popular trip destinations for exchange students in Melbourne. I went on that trip with one of the clubs at my university, Swinburne University of Technology. I had a lovely time during that trip with the Explorers Club and felt interested in joining other clubs and going on other trips hosted by such clubs.
Swinburne offers a multitude of clubs. With more than 85 clubs available, there is something that will appeal to everyone. These include many recreational sports clubs, cultural clubs, as well as ones that are focused around a hobby such as dancing or public speaking. Just like in many other universities, if you are interested in a club that does not exist, you are more than welcome to start your own. At the beginning of the semester, there are club fairs where you can sign up for various one that may catch your attention, and there are always events being hosted by these groups.
Swinburne was originally a university designed to be more of a night school for professionals that were looking to earn a degree while also working full-time. Nowadays, most of its students belong to the undergraduate program, so there have been a lot of changes to the university. Due to the initial purpose of the school, it has a large and strong online program. Additionally, Swinburne’s campus was not truly built for students to socialize. Due to this fact, the school really tries to push students to be part of clubs as a way for people to meet each other. I have also heard that the university has plans to redesign the campus to make it more open and friendly for students to socialize, although I must say that I really enjoy how small and cozy the campus feels.
With clubs being so highlighted, it was easy for me to join a few of them. Many, just like in the United States, have weekly meetings. The Explorers Club, which I previously mentioned, hosts weekly meetings and members often go somewhere else after they meet to eat or grab a drink somewhere close to the university. This is a great way to bond with students after the more formal part of the club concludes.
The last trip I went on was with the Swinburne Boardriders Club, which is essentially all about surfing and the beach. I found that even though surfing is part of the core of this organization, members are super welcoming to people who are just beginners, who have never surfed before, and even to those who just want to have a good time and enjoy the beach. The trip was to Phillip Island, which is just short of two hours away from Melbourne. Students could either take public transportation to the Island or arrange a ride with other people going. I was taking the train and ferry there with a friend, but halfway through the journey the trains stopped running and we had to be “rescued” by some kind people that were driving down as well. This small hiccup certainly did not ruin the trip, and as we arrived at the accommodation where we would be staying for the weekend, we were welcomed with the traditional Australian barbeque which includes sausage and a slice of toast.
On Saturday, we spent the day driving around the island and going to various beaches to surf and enjoy the sun. I myself did not surf because the waves were too big for someone with essentially no experience like myself. After a long day, we spent the night unwinding, playing games, and enjoying a lovely meal. On Sunday, our last day, we once again went to the beach and then headed home afterwards. For the price of just AU$40, about US$27, we were given accommodation for three days and two nights, as well as breakfast, dinner and snacks through the day. The price is so cheap because Swinburne University helps out financially by paying for some of the expenses.
What was so nice about this trip was getting to meet new people that I otherwise would not have a chance to meet. Everyone was extremely excited to do all of the activities, talk to each other, and just have a fun time enjoying the beach and exploring Phillip Island. Additionally, joining clubs is a great way to meet Australians, because international students tend to gravitate towards each other. This is completely normal, but it is super fun to also meet and interact with the locals. If you ever study abroad, joining a club can be a great way for you to experience new things and meet new people.
