Arriving in Melbourne

I've arrived in Melbourne!!! 

For my first week in Melbourne I was very fortunate to have a family friend who let me stay while I searched for permanent accommodation. Melbourne is a huge city but it did not take long to find my way around. I went to the study abroad office to ask for advice about accommodation, the staff there are very helpful, and decided to live in the student village. There are many options such as share housing and hostels but I think this is the liveliest and a good place to meet people. It is also very close (10 minute bus) to the Footscray Park campus where all of my classes are. 

The first week of term is O-week (Orientation week) and there is a day dedicated to exchange students to give a tour of the campus and give you all the information you need. There was also a show form some aboriginals to welcome us!  Everyone is very helpful and there are many exchange students from all over the world in the same situation. You also get a free lunch! There is also a day for each specific faculty to give you more information on the course. The rest of the week consists of getting to know fellow students and plenty of nights out!

 The following weekend I decided to rent a car again and travel The Great Ocean Road. It is defiantly worthwhile seeing. You need at least 2 days to see it properly; there are many sights to see along the way including the 12 apostles, London Bridge and plenty of waterfalls and surf beaches. We also managed to find a tent in the supermarket for $15! So were able to wild camp for 3 nights; however we discovered on the last night that it failed to keep the rain out!! There is an organised trip if you wish to do it through the University.