Lennart Ullner

Course: Business

Country: Germany

University: Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin

UTS Year and Session: Spring 2018

A Study Abroad semester is no small feat as it requires lots and lots of planning and since the big move was to Sydney - lots and lots of saving. As a German accustomed to short flights around Europe, the 30-hour flight was a shock to the system but with my wife and 6-month-old in tow, it felt longer. Yes, I brought my little family on my semester abroad. Granted, my wife is an Aussie so living in Sydney is just like coming home but having a baby on the journey with us has certainly made it all the more exciting.

For my wife and I, a semester abroad made sense because it would give her the chance to see her family and friends again and I could gain some international experience. But when our baby came, we really asked ourselves if moving across the world was possible? And it totally is. My semester abroad will probably look different to most other students who move across the world to embark on their great adventure. They'll probably be on the hunt for the wildest parties, while I peruse Gumtree for the best-valued baby monitor.

Balancing uni life/work/being a husband and dad was something I would have had to do in Berlin anyway, so I feel pretty chuffed that I could do this in one of the best cities with the best weather with the best beaches. Not to mention, the best coffee! Seriously, Sydney's coffees are unrivalled and there seems to be a hip little cafe on every corner. Even with so much going on sometimes, the daily grind and all the busyness that life brings, this city makes me feel relaxed, maybe it's the chilled people or the constant sunshine and fresh air, but whatever it is... I am glad I am here.

Here are a few of my favourite things, that have made Sydney feel more like home.

Fave cafes:

1. The Tuckshop - you can find this little gem in Glenhaven, in the north-west region of Sydney

2. Devon - trendy cafe with really instagrammable food in North Sydney and while you're there, walk down the road for an extra ten minutes and check out Blues Point for the best view of the Harbour Bridge

3. Against the Grind in Neutral Bay

Best Icecream:

Best gelato is without a doubt found in Marrickville at Gelato Franco, try the tiramisu flavour, it will not disappoint!

Fave beaches:

Freshwater and Curl Curl because they are wide and beautiful but without all of the tourists.

Fave foods that you must try:

Laksa, pad thai, spinach and cheese rolls, dumplings, hot chips with heaps of chicken salt and sushi rolls. Hot tip - wait til after the busy lunch rush at foodcourts to score cheap, yet super delicious sushi.