Finding Balance Between City Life and Coastal Vibes

Hanna Werner

Autumn 2025 Study Abroad student from Hochschule der Medien

Stuttgart, Germany

Studying at UTS

My semester abroad at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) was a truly

enriching experience, both academically and personally. UTS offers a wide range of

resources, and the campus itself is large, modern, and centrally located. The first two

weeks were dedicated to Orientation, which included a variety of events such as the

Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, a gallery visit, and a day trip to Palm Beach. These

activities provided the perfect opportunity to ease into the semester, explore the city,

and get to know other students.

Academically, the semester was well-structured and clearly guided. Unlike in

Germany, assessments are spread throughout the semester, including quizzes,

presentations, group assignments, and final exams. While this required consistent

effort, good time management made it manageable. This structure also allowed

enough free time for personal activities, city exploration, and travel.

Life in Sydney

During my stay, I lived in the UTS Housing “Yura Mudang,” located right on campus.

This housing option turned out to be ideal, offering not only a convenient location in

the heart of Sydney but also a vibrant student community. Regular events organized

by the housing team made it easy to connect with others and feel at home quickly.

Sydney as a city exceeded all my expectations. It offers everything one could wish for:

beautiful beaches, a dynamic city center, great food, and countless cultural

experiences. The combination of urban life and nature is especially unique. A typical

day could start with a morning at Bondi Beach and end with dinner in the CBD followed

by a night out with friends. The city's diversity and energy made every day exciting.

Travelling in Australia and Beyond

One of the biggest advantages of studying in Australia is the opportunity to travel and

explore the region. With only two days of classes per week, I had plenty of time to

discover the country during weekends and semester breaks.

One of my personal highlights was a trip to Fiji with a friend. Within just a three-hour

flight, we arrived in paradise and spent our time island hopping, snorkeling, and

relaxing on some of the most stunning beaches I’ve ever seen. I also travelled along

Australia’s East Coast, visiting places like Byron Bay, Noosa, Melbourne and the Great

Ocean Road – each destination offering its own unique charm and unforgettable

memories.