This week Her Campus have caught up with Alex Millward, a sociology student from the University of Leeds who has taken a year abroad to study at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.
What made you decide to go on a year abroad seeing as your course doesn’t require it?
I’ve always loved travelling so it seemed like the perfect thing to do!
How did you pick Australia and how did you manage to pick what uni?
I’ve been to Australia before and I fell in love with Melbourne so I always knew I wanted to come back so when I saw Leeds had lots of opportunities to study here I jumped on it. Plus the weather is the best- who wouldn’t want to spend Christmas on the beach in 30 degree weather?
Have you any advice to people in 2nd year looking to do a year abroad?
Go to the talks, information sessions or the study abroad office in Menzies and have a look through the country packs! They’ve got lots of information on each country, it’s useful if you’ve got a specific place in mind but also really helpful if you’ve got no idea whatsoever because you can see them all.
What is the campus like, could you compare it to Leeds in any way?
Nothing quite compares to Leeds, but the campus is great! Lots of places to eat and drink which is a top priority.
What’s university life like there, is the teaching style different?
It’s a little different, we have deadlines all throughout the semester here but lectures and tutorials/seminars are the same.
How does the social/night life aspect compare to Leeds?
Unfortunately there’s no fruity but it’s still really good. Chapel street is Melbourne’s Call Lane and there’s somewhere to go every night of the week!
What do you miss the most?
Chocolate! It’s definitely not as good here.
Are you excited to come back? Or do you want to move to Melbourne forever?
Living here has been the most amazing experience (everyone says that but it’s true!) although I am excited to see my friends, family and Leeds. But I’m probably most excited to get a Pad Thai from Mays followed my mountians of Dairy Milk.
Images are authors own.