Alex Raven

Host University: University of Queensland
Year of Study Abroad: 2010-11

Where did you live? Would you recommend it?

I lived in two suburbs of Brisbane, Dutton Park and Yeronga. Of the two I would probably recommend the suburb of Yeronga, because in my case you got a better standard of accommodation for your money as it is slightly further away from the uni which is not a problem if you get a bike.

Which department(s) did you study in?

The department of Chemistry and the Institute of Molecular Biosciences.

How does the workload/classes/teaching styles vary to Sheffield?

Classes start an extra hour earlier in the morning, especially in chemistry, four out of the five days would begin with an 8am lecture, the class sizes were very small 30 at the most meaning you can get a lot more time with the lecturer one on one. There is a much greater emphasis on assignments, presentations etc throughout the year which all count towards a substantial part of the final grade so you are kept busy through the duration of the semester. There is less emphasis on the end of semester exams and as a result there is also less time to revise and they vary in weighting between 50 - 65 per cent of the final grade for the course.

What did you do for fun at the weekends and during the holidays?

Well because of the differences in the academic years you actually get a proper Australian summer holiday when you go out there of around 3 months between the end of November and the end of February. So a couple of my friends came over and we did a bit of a tour down the east coast in a converted van/campervan, which was nice. Some of my friends chose to return home and see their families over the Christmass period, but if I had the chance to do it again I would go travelling on my own because you can please yourself and see a lot more of the country.

Did you join any societies or clubs?

During my first semester I was a bit overwhelmed with getting used to everything to think about joining a club. I joined the UQ Boxing club In my second semester, mainly as a way to keep fit but it was great fun as well, ideal for men and women of all abilities, with the opportunity to spar if you wish. I found that It was difficult to maintain going to the sessions with my workload at uni towards exams, but I highly recommend it.

Describe the University/City/things to do

Well the university itself is based adjacent to the Brisbane river in what I can only describe as beautiful surroundings. It boasts two lakes containing turtles, numerous eels and loads of birds including the strange bush turkeys that freely roam the campus and a few lizards to boot.

Apart from the scenery, everything you really need is on campus, but it can get a bit busy. Brisbane is a pretty big city with loads to do there are two main stadiums where rugby, aussie rules and cricket are regularly played throughout the year. I would recommend going to see the Brisbane Bronco's play at the Suncorp stadium, or if you fancy being confused for 2 hours go to see the aussie rules at the Gabba.

There is a botanical gardens that has a nice outdoor arena where a few big acts play and I was lucky enough to see the Foo Fighters when I was there.

Could you give any travel or immigration tips?

Travel tip number one; when you book a return flight make sure you don't forget about re-scheduling the return flight when you are out there or it will end up costing you an arm and a leg to get back!

Travel tip number two; Brisbane has a great public transport network including trains, buses and ferry's. I would recommend getting a 'go-card' to get around with especially as students get 50 dollars off!

Could you give any advice or tips to a student preparing to go or tell them anything you wished you knew in advance?

Probably my advice would be to make getting a place to live your first priority when you arrive because the best places will go fast and youth hostels lose their charm after a week.

Would you say it is cheaper or more expensive to live than Sheffield?

I would say that the cost of living is a bit more expensive when you base it on what you would earn in England, but after I got a job over there washing pots for 20 dollars an hour which is roughly about 13 quid it suddenly seemed much more reasonable. Average rent is around 140 dollars per week. You can get places for around 100 dollars per week but they are that price for a good reason....

Any other information or comments

Don't look for work on gumtree or you will run the risk of getting propositioned for some inappropriate work! New years spent in Sydney is a good shout.