Who does not love Netflix? Binge watching shows, laughing at comedy specials, and crying during sappy romantic comedies is something that most of us have probably done – and probably a little too often. Netflix can suck you in and trap you into its endless stream of content that just automatically plays without you even needing to lift a finger. Before you know it, you have spent hours upon hour, sometimes even an entire day, looking at your screen. Because Netflix and other streaming services can be so addictive, I have tried not to use them that often while abroad in Melbourne. Truthfully, the title of the article is a little dramatic and I do not think you actually need to terminate your Netflix account, but you should just avoid using it that frequently because there are so many other unique things to do that you can only do while abroad and because time will go by way faster than you could ever imagine.
The main reasons why I would not actually end my Netflix subscription is because of its convenient feature of allowing you to download episodes to watch when you do not have access to the internet. During my 45-hour-long journey from Boston to Melbourne, I certainly used that key feature to entertain myself and have used since being here as well during other trips. Additionally, it is undeniable that once in a while you will want to have a movie night or will want to watch a mindless film or TV show to unwind from a busy day. I have found myself being more in that movie night type of mood since it has been getting colder in Melbourne. Lastly, Netflix is different in every country, so it can be worthwhile to investigate what they offer in the new country you are in that is not offered in the United States.
At the end of the day, the main idea is to use the short time you have wisely and not spend too much of this precious thing doing activities that you could do back home. One of the things I love the most about being a study abroad student is having that as an “excuse” to try so many new activities and having people around me who feel similarly. Last weekend, for example, I went windsurfing for the first time. It had never even crossed my mind that I would one day try windsurfing, but when one of my friends told me she had found a Groupon deal for classes, I decided that I could not say no to the opportunity. To my surprise, I was able to stand up on the board and began learning how to turn on it. Although windsurfing itself was fun, my favorite part of it was feeling like I had allowed myself to try something new. Another thing that I tried for the first time was playing tennis, a sport I never imagined playing. I took a few lessons close to my house and although I cannot truly play the sport yet, I have more of an idea of what it is about. Additionally, I went diving for the first time and it was one of the most incredible and magical experiences I have ever had. Lastly, I plan on going surfing in two weeks, which is something I have done before but had told myself I would never try again, until now. I think studying abroad is all about taking chances and getting yourself out of your comfort zone. I cannot think of anything that might be more comfortable than spending the day in bed watching Netflix, but that you can do from anywhere in the world.
Not all of the things you can do besides watch Netflix has to involve trying a new sport or activity. Other things that I have really enjoyed in Melbourne have included going to live music events, trying different restaurants, visiting museums, going to markets, watching comedy shows, attending local sporting events, and overall just finding various events around the city to attend. I try to say yes to most things that are suggested to me because I know that I will not have the opportunity to do many of these things ever again. In full disclosure, I am a huge Survivor fan and it has been difficult for me to not watch the current season that is streaming while I am here in Australia, and difficult to avoid spoilers. I just knew that if I were to start watching that show weekly it would turn into a snowball effect and I would also begin watching other shows and I do not want to dedicate that precious time while I am here to being caught up with a show.
Lastly, there are days that you may find yourself at a loss for what to do or who to hang out with. What I have done on those days is try to seize the moment and enjoy Melbourne. A thing that you can do is simply leave your house or take a break from studying and just walk around. I love walking around purposelessly to find new neighbourhoods and cute places to explore. This activity is cost-free, provides you with some good movement/exercise, and it is something that will be so unique to where you are living. Although actually cancelling your Netflix account might be a little drastic, the idea is to not devote too much time to watching TV, something you can perfectly do when you are back home. Try saying yes to new opportunities and things you have not done before because your time abroad will be over in a blink of an eye.
