ONE:
Melbourne is known for its alleyways filled with café’s and intricate graffiti. My first day in the city I spotted graffiti across the street worthy of your typical “tourist” pictures. The cobblestone alley appeared to be everything one would expect (sketchy), and not somewhere you would willingly walk or even consider checking out. Once I got closer, I noticed the walls on both sides were covered in beautiful graffiti artwork. In addition to the graffiti, there were small cafés tucked away where one would not be able to see without venturing down the alley. I’ve heard café owners actually pay artists to come and decorate the walls, which would certainly not be the case in the states. The small things such as this have been most enjoyable while studying abroad.
TWO:
You have to pay for plastic bags? Shortly after arriving here in Melbourne, I was in dier need to get toiletries and a few groceries to tide me over for the week. A group of us went to Target, because I don’t know about you, but at home it’s my go-to shop for everything. Let’s just say I haven’t been back to the one here. It’s not the same! The Targets here don’t have nearly as much of a selection and everything is way more expensive than the grocery store. I swear I think my body wash cost nearly ten bucks! But, one thing they did have that I think should be implemented more in the States is having to pay 10 cents for each plastic bag. Although 10 cents may seem like an insignificant amount of money, it forces and convinces people to buy $1.00 reusable bags that they can use for every shopping adventure. I’ve noticed the majority of people at the grocery store also use reusable bags. I think this is such a great way to get people to be more environmentally friendly and does not take much effort!
THREE:
Minimum wage is upwards from $15. Once I learned this, it was no wonder everything costs an arm and a leg here! Secondly, I found out that you get paid more the older you are. Plus, you get paid more on the weekends. After hearing this, I was set on finding a job where I could work flexible hours, and still have time to travel and explore all that Australia has to offer. One of my friends, who is also an international student, gets $22/hour. Crazy, huh? I found a job at a frozen yogurt bar close to campus, and I get $20/hour. I wasn’t planning on getting a job when I got here, but after finding out about the working wages and seeing how expensive everything is, I figured it would give me extra spending money. It’s definitely going to be a wake-up call when I get back to the United States!
FOUR:
Triple J Radio Station. This may come as a shock, but I’m serious! Australian radio stations play songs that would never be played on the radio back in states. Everything from mixes, dubstep, to locally known artists. It has been very refreshing to not hear the same ten pop songs played over, and over, and over again in a span of 30 (or less) minutes. You can stream Triple J from your computer, and I think all of you should take the time to do it. Your ears will be thankful.
FIVE:
The drinking age in Australia is 18. I’m 20, on the brink of turning 21, and although being here has been somewhat of a tease, it has been enjoyable nonetheless. There is even a bar on campus! The only thing that makes drinking not fun, is the fact that alcohol is much more expensive here. A liter of tequila (not even good tequila) costs about $30. Most all of us international students stick to “goon,” which is essentially Australian’s term for boxed wine. It’s disgusting, but when you are on a budget, it’s the second-best option. When I told all of my Australian friends about $15 handle of Burnetts (college kids go-to drink), their mouths dropped to the floor.