Experience in Sydney, Australia by David T

What is it like to live in Sydney? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Sydney is an International city, they rely on tourism, they enjoy having visitors. It's a safe city and it's a fun city. It's an outdoor city with all the best any city in the world has to offer as well as being surrounded by beautiful beaches and set on probably the most prettiest harbor in the world

What is the student lifestyle like in Sydney?

Student lifestyle is as good as anywhere in the world they are used to receiving students from abroad you will find administration to be helpful. You will most likely find most native students to be non judgemental of foreigners, but it will find it's way in some places like every culture.

How much does it cost to live in Sydney?

Sydney can be expensive, it's not a cheap city at all, but if your resourceful you will find a way to keep it cheap, but it's a challenge there, it's a popular destination, so people are willing to pay.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Sydney? Is there any advice you can give?

Once again be resourceful, check community boards, papers for room rentals, university resources.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Food is top notch in Sydney, it is one of the best places for cuisine. Because of it's location there are influences from many cultures interpreting new dishes to suit the culture and the climate of Sydney.

What places would you recommend visiting in Sydney?

Visit the RSL clubs to meet real Australian people working class and older generation. Beaches are the best thing about Australia, go there often.Go to a Rugby League game. If you want to really see the immense size of Sydney harbor try and get on a hire boat that sails for most of the day, it will blow you away.

Is it good to eat out in Sydney? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

I would suggest getting away from the city center and hit surround suburbs to find the more authentic and cheaper places to eat

Is the nightlife good in Sydney? Where is good to go?

I don't like mainstream entertainment so Sydney lost it's edge by the end of the eighties for me.If you like mainstream entertainment you'll be well catered for, it's very where.

What advice would you give future students heading to Sydney?

Like any culture move in slowly watch how they act and play. Australians are drinkers and party people and they like to tease you to see if you take yourself too seriously, so be ready to be tormented and don't be afraid to torment them back, it's a way of communication.