Hello from Melbourne! It’s hard to believe it’s already been a month since I landed in Australia for my exchange program. As a first-time international traveler, the journey was packed with excitement, challenges, and a fair share of surprises. Here’s a peek into my first few weeks Down Under!

Coffee: Liquid treasure

Now, let’s dive into Australia’s coffee scene. Melbourne is renowned for its coffee, and defiantly did not disappoint. Imagine sipping a cup of coffee so smooth, it’s like sitting by a tranquil lake at dawn. No bitterness, just pure bliss. I loved the coffee so much that I scored a job at the best coffee shop on campus. With all of my favorite perks, FREE COFFEE! My go-to order? A flat white with honey. It’s nothing short of magical.

Sky-high adventures

So, this journey to Australia started with 48 hours full of flights and layovers. In Los Angles, the first international fight was ready. My trio of fellow exchange students and I boarded a flight that could only be described as “epic.” We boarded an Asiana Airlines double-decker plane, Yes, double-decker! Which felt like we were flying in a fancy, two-story bus. We even had a camera showing the pilot’s view — talk about a front-row seat! The 48-hour journey flew by (pun intended) thanks to all of the incredible meals like Korean pork and rice, spicy beef soup with soy sauce pickled quail eggs (I could eat this for every meal), and my newfound obsession milk tea. Let’s just say it’s my new liquid crush.

Dorm life: Settling into my new home

After we arrived on campus, we were blessed with the finest sleeping quarters (dorm style room from when dinosaurs were still alive) and surprisingly comfortable beds. I have been sleeping like a queen, thank you, modern miracle of mattress technology. At a whopping 6ºC (44ºF for the non-Melburnians), the weather was a rude awakening. With zero insulation and no central air, I had to decode the ancient art of radiator operation. Spoiler alert: it’s just a knob. A single knob. After a few embarrassing attempts to use it, I’ve finally figured it out, thanks to my trusty sidekick, Google.

Getting the essentials

Shopping for dorm essentials turned into its own adventure. We made rounds to Ikea, Kmart and Woolworths. In true foodie fashion, I bought snacks first and then remembered to grab a towel. That’s right. My dorm was stocked with snacks but lacking in, you know, basic essentials. Nearly every crunchy delight is chicken-flavored. I thought Chicken in a Biskit was the pinnacle of flavor, but Jumpy’s — kangaroo-shaped potato snacks — have officially dethroned it. Stay tuned for more taste tests — I’m on a mission to find the best snack Australia has to offer!

Looking ahead

So far, Melbourne has been a delightful rollercoaster from solving the mysteries of ancient dorm radiators to discovering coffee that could make angels weep. I’m settling into my new Aussie life with a grin on my face and a month full of adventures. Stay tuned for more tales from this land of kangaroo snacks and coffee dreams! Until next time, cheers to living the dream in Melbourne!

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: Monash University