47 days

Finding Accommodation

Heeeeello my friends! :) I hope you have all been well. When you're going halfway around the world for a solid one or two terms/semesters, it is more than optimal to find a place to stay. I cannot say that I am too experienced in this field, as I will be moving out (though only for about 9-10 months) for the first time when I leave for exchange. However, here are some things I found useful when trying to find accommodation:

1. If you want to save A LOT more money so you can spend more on travelling or shopping, then definitely opt for off campus housing. However, you may be compensating an awesome on campus social experience, especially if you're in America (good ol' Greek system of fraternities and sororities WHOO), and sometimes you just can't replace that with $$$$.
But, in Queen's, the entire surroundings is pretty much all occupied by students, so whether you're on or off campus, there's something going down ;)

(ladies, defs keep an eye out for a frat like this hehoheho)

2. Do your damn RELIABLE research. Always start off with your host university's website and thoroughly read their on campus rooms and facilities. Usually they will also have information and guidance on finding a place off campus, which is definitely good since some people can be a bit sketchy and take advantage of poor uni students.

3. Research the crime rate of the area in which you are staying. You always gotta put safety first, right guys?! Make sure to avoid certain streets or parks after hours, always walk with a friend, and CONSTANT VIGILANCE!

4. Look into any meal plan availabilities and offers. After finding a bed and four walls to surround it, food is probably most likely DEFINITELY your next priority. Meal plans are definitely an individual preference, but PLEASE make sure you are full and eating somewhat well!

5. Public transport availability/hiring bikes. Getting from wherever you're living to uni or the rest of civilisation is something that we should do regularly, as much as we would prefer to be in bed and not participate in life. Google "(insert YOUR LOCAL CITY + TRANSPORT)" and you will definitely find information on trains, trams, taxis etc. etc. If where you're going will let you hire a bike to get around, especially in China, it is such a great convenient way to get around and I strongly suggest it!

6. THE POWER OF FACEBOOK. Almost every university of college will have their own Facebook page, where they will then have a group called "Housing/Accommodation". It is THE place where people will come together to quickly post up if they are renting out a place, or request a place to stay.
Usually on Facebook you can guarantee that things are pretty legit, since you can suss out the person's profile (ACTIVATE STALKER MODE MY BRETHREN), as well as Google Maps the advertised place.


7. DON'T STRESS TOO MUCH ABOUT WHERE YOU ARE GOING TO LIVE - so what if you're not in a location where you don't receive Wifi at the speed of 14376264823mb/sec, or you don't have bathroom tiles in the shade of pearly fuchsia. Remember that you are on exchange, and that you will most likely be out and about having the time of your life! Also, it's all about WHO you are staying with, not so much where :) :) (cue the corniness)

(ok not too sure how this is particularly relevant but MAKING F.R.I.E.N.D.S WITH YOUR HOUSEMATES/ROOMMATES IS SOMETHING YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY STRIVE TO DO!!)

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48 days

Picking the right university

This post is going to be all about picking the right university to go on exchange to. I'm going to be honest, I never thought that I would end up at Queen's University. My initial thoughts were Europe or China, but then I asked myself certain questions and I eventually ended up at Queen's. 

Here are some questions to consider when you're making your decisions:

1. Do I want to practice a certain language whilst on exchange?

If you've been learning a language during high school or university/college, then by all means choose that country! As a Chinese girl myself, my Chinese improved exponentially when it was just my brother and I staying with my aunt and uncle in Guangzhou who don't know a smidge of English. Getting immersed in the culture and language is the best way to polish your bilingual (or multilingual) skills.

 

2. Where have I already travelled?

This makes your decision slightly easier, as it rules out those countries that you have already been to - or maybe travelling to those countries has burned a desire in your heart to return! I have been to Europe twice and China far too many times, so I decided to not apply to those countries. 

3. Are there any particular universities or countries that are particularly suited for my field of study?

China - in particular Shanghai and Hong Kong, are growing hubs for business, which is why the ability to speak Mandarin is such a desirable trait amongst business graduates. The same situation applies to America, where their business and law schools are some of the most prestigious in the world. If you're a practical guy/gal and want to attend a university that is going to make your CV absolutely slaaaaaaayyyyy, then by all means apply for those ones!

4. Where will your current marks/academic standing take you?

I didn't want to include this one, but we gotta be real here. Exchange applications are based on your marks from your previous and current semesters, and since it can be very competitive to get into the top, popular universities around the world (University of Toronto, UCLA, University of Hong Kong). You will need a very high WAM or GPA to even be considered. 

Your best bet is to contact/email your exchange coordinator, and based on your current marks, the universities that you are likely to gain a nomination and acceptance to. 

(oh man I am really feelin' this image HAHAHA)

5. Does the university's reputation matter to a great extent?

This goes off of the above point. If you want to attend a university that has an international status as one of the killer diller business or medical schools, then you have no choice but to be the cream of the crop at your university with TOP marks. On the other hand, if you're not overly concerned about the university's reputation and you have other priorities, then you can...settle (I FEEL YA FEELZ MAN). 

6. Set up a meeting with your exchange coordinator. 

This is by far the most important tip I can give you - your exchange coordinator is going to your Messiah, your Jesus Christ, leading you to the light and haven of knowledge of all the partner universities you are considering (hopefully they won't end up crucified on a cross). Always make sure you have questions to ask if you have set up a meeting. Don't get agitated if they're taking more than one hour to respond to your email, because there are so many other emails from students JUST LIKE YOU that he/she has to respond to. 

7. What lifestyle and recreation am I seeking?

Are you planning to study hard and bring home the High Distinctions and 4.0 GPA during exchange, or do you want to let loose and have a bit of fun? I definitely fall into the latter, but that's not saying that everyone does. I have a friend going away to Hong Kong who is hoping to find an internship whilst he studies to win EVERYTHING. However, I definitely do not want to stereotype and segregate people into those two groups - some people may want to work hard yet party harder ;) ;) 

However, think about what you want to be doing in your leisure time. If you're keen to backpack all around Europe and experience the various cultures, then choose a university in Europe. Love national parks and snow sports? Canada for you then my friend! Based on your own interests in certain cultures and what they have to offer, you can definitely narrow down where you want to go. 

8. What will be the cost?

Money. Need I say more? You have to consider the cost of living when you're going to certain countries, and how your own country's currency performs against other currencies. Also, check out if there are any scholarships that you can contend for, or any loans that you can take out. 

I have taken out a government loan called the OS Help (other Australians you can check this out here; I will do a separate post if you want!) where I could take out $6000 a session to help me out with my expenses. Your university should definitely offer exchange scholarships, however, my guess is that MOST of them are based on either your academic performance or if you are financially disadvantaged.  

However, I am not telling you to be a miser and not spend AT ALL - this is your exchange, so you really should invest in these experiences and making memories. 

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49 days

Hello friends! My name is Holly, and I decided to start up this blog for when I go gallivanting to Canada for my year of exchange, since I spend all so much time on the Internet.

Just to be polite and introduce myself, I'm a second year Commerce International at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, off to Queen's University in Ontario, Canada, for two semesters. I love food, my bed, dogs, and waking up but then realising that you can afford to stay in bed for a little longer. I depart for my year away on August 18th, 2014, which is scarily close but still has not hit me yet.

Why did I choose Queen's?
Let's be real guys - I am definitely not smart enough to go Toronto University (dem feelz go out to my bruthaz who are also sitting on a very fine line between a Credit and Distinction WAM), yet I still wanted to be somewhere that was close to the main cities on the east side (Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa), yet close to the American border where I can pop on over to New York and Boston - I am also a tad clinically insane for Broadway Musicals. I assure you, I cannot sing or dance, BUT I STILL DO BOTH ANYWAY.
Queen's in located in Kingston, which is right on Lake Ontario (waterfront views WOT WOT), and has the most restaurants per capita of any city in Canada......CAN I GET AN AMEN??!?!?
Also, the sandstone Hogwarts-esque buildings immediately reeled me in and revived my hopes of attending the school of witchcraft and wizardry. There's also extra points for the school year beginning on September 1 :')

(I have no idea as to what buildings they are, I literally just Google Image'd 'Queen's University Canada' and look how pretty they are?!?!)

This blog will mostly just be a record of all my travels, as well as any tips and tricks that I find useful whist going through this whole exchange procedure. IT'S NOT AS EASY AS IT LOOKS Y'KNOW; you don't just pack your things and hope for an amazing year away, there's actually tonnes and tonnes of stuff to do.

Thanks for reading, and see you guys veeery soon!

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