Sydney Survival Guide: How Thrive in Australia During Your Semester Abroad (Katie Acheson ’18)
Who better to share travel and study abroad tips than a BU hospitality student? They live for travel, international exploring, and adventure! In our next travel guide, Katie Acheson (SHA ‘18) shares everything from what to pack, local lingo, to the secret beach waiting for your in Sydney.
Below is a sneak peak of Katie’s tips and guide, you can read her full blog post, “Sydney Survival Guide: How to Thrive in Australia During Your Semester Abroad” here.
PACKING TIPS
- Pack light! There are tons of clothing markets and shopping around the city, and you will definitely be purchasing more clothes in Australia!
- Bring light layers. Remember that Australia’s seasons are reversed from ours, so depending on the semester you go, Australia is bound to be a little chilly either at the end of your trip (Spring semester) or the beginning (fall semester).
- Make sure you have enough makeup and toiletries- many of these items are super expensive in Australia, so you will want to bring as much as you can!
SPEAKING AUSSIE
- How ya going? → How are you?
- No worries → You’re welcome
- Ta → Thank you
- Good on ya → Good work!
- He’s got kangaroos loose in the top paddock→ He is a little strange (Ok, to be honest I never actually heard this saying, but how hilarious is that!)
When in doubt, remember that Australians really like to shorten words. So, if you are confused about what someone just said, try to “finish the word.” For example, “brekkie” becomes breakfast, “arvo” is afternoon, and “Straya” is Australia!