Matteo Weinhardt
Spring 2024 Study Abroad student from Universität Regensburg
Regensburg, Germany
Sydney Opera House
After months of preparation and planning for my study abroad semester at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), I finally arrived in Sydney in mid-July. From the moment I got here, I was completely captivated by the vibrant atmosphere and the stunning cityscape. Since I arrived early and only took three courses during the semester, I had plenty of time to explore Sydney’s many charming suburbs and the surrounding areas. The combination of exciting trips and an engaging educational experience at UTS made my semester abroad truly unforgettable.
Sydney – The City
Sydney is the most beautiful city I've ever been to, and I highly recommend studying here to anyone! There’s no shortage of landmarks and beautiful spots, all easily reachable by bus. The Sydney Opera House sits right on the harbor and looks even more majestic in person than in photos. You can take a relaxed stroll there at sunset or enjoy the fantastic view from the Royal Botanic Garden, a “green oasis” right next to the Opera House. The city center is made up of many lovely suburbs, but I especially recommend Newtown, with its many shops, pubs, and small antique stores. Beyond the city center, Sydney is also famous for its beaches—Bondi Beach, Coogee Beach, and Manly Beach—all offering soft sand, blue water, and great surfing. I highly recommend the Coogee to Bondi walk or the Spit to Manly walk along the coast, where you’ll be treated to stunning views. For a deeper dive into Australian culture, you can catch one of the many rugby matches featuring the Sydney Roosters. The Koala Park Sanctuary is also just a 30-minute bus or train ride from the city center, offering a close-up experience with Australia’s unique wildlife.
Travel and Excursions
In general, Sydney offers amazing opportunities for hikes at different levels, surrounded by stunning nature—mountains and bushlands alternate with rocky coastlines and fascinating wildlife. It’s definitely worth exploring Australia beyond Sydney, and the weather is often better than the forecast predicts, even in the Australian winter. However, make sure to always use plenty of sunscreen, as the sun here is quite strong. The best time to travel is over the weekends or on university-free days, during StuVac at the beginning of October, or after the exam period. Since I’m still in the middle of the semester, I plan to visit the East Coast, Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road, and many more places. So far, I've visited the following locations outside of Sydney with my friends, and I can highly recommend all of them!
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