Sydney City Guide - Accommodation, Highlights, School Options

Sydney Snapshot

Sydney is home to the Sidney Opera House, the single most recognizable landmark in Australia and one of the most recognized buildings in the world. But, beyond the Opera House and the famous harbor on which it sits and Sydney life revolves, this expansive metropolitan area is home to several top universities and is an important world centerfor business and finance. A laidback, cosmopolitan lifestyle, extensive sports and outdoor activities, well-established arts and culture, and world-class dining, shopping and entertainment draw international students from around the world to study in Sydney and experience all that this enticing city has to offer.

Study Options

Students interested in international study opportunities in Sydney can choose from some of the top universities in Australia, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in business, research, arts, science, social sciences, language studies and many other majors. Some of the schools in Sidney that offer programs for international students include:

• University of Sydney
• University of New South Wales
• Macquarie University
• University of Western Sydney
• Charles Sturt University
• University of Technology, Sydney
• University of Notre Dame, Sydney

There are also a number of language schools that offer programs for international students and other study options that provide the opportunity to live and learn in one of the most well-known cities in the world.

Local Scene

Students who choose to study in Sydney will have the opportunity to enjoy an average of 300 days of sunshine each year, which will allow plenty of time to find the perfect spot to relax on one of the area's 60 beaches. Students who can tear themselves away from the beach will also have the opportunity to experience the best shopping in Australia or to tour some of the oldest buildings, such as the Sydney Hospital and the Parliament Building. As Australia's oldest city, Sydney is home to numerous opportunities to learn about the diverse history and culture that has made both Sydney and Australia the world leaders they are today.

The Sydney Opera House is an obvious center for local activity and is home to an entire entertainment complex that offers year-round shows, as well as several eateries and shopping opportunities. Also in the harbor area, students have the opportunity to climb the famous Sydney Harbor Bridge, take a harbor cruise or visit the Royal Botanic Gardens and enjoy the expansive views from Mrs. Macquarie's Chair. There is truly no end to the things to do and see in Sydney and students who study in Sydney can spend countless days exploring the city, and endless nights catching up with friends at sidewalk cafes, grabbing a pint at a pub or partaking in Sydney's lively nightlife.

Accommodations

Your options for accommodations will depend partially on where you choose to study in Sydney. For example, if you take part in the University of Sydney's Study Australia Sydney program, you will have the option to reside with other international students in self-catering, off-campus apartments that are equipped with Internet and local phone service, or to find private accommodations. Other Sydney schools offer housing support services that assist students in finding the accommodation that suits them best, whether that is a home stay with an Australian family, a studio or apartment, a shared house or on-campus housing with full room and board. Residing in a hostel may also be an option for students partaking in short-term programs.

Sydney's excellent public transportation system makes living both on- and off-campus a viable option with easy connectivity to and from school and area attractions.

Sydney Highlights

Sydney consistently ranks at the top of the charts as one of the world's most livable cities, the most important world city in the Southern Hemisphere and home to residents that enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world. Sydney is also known for having the best shopping of any city in Australia and is well-known for its international cuisine, which includes European, Asian, American and African fare.

As the largest and oldest city in Australia, Sydney offers a rich history and cultural diversity that includes a population of 4.2 million residents from around the world. Because of this, students who choose to study in Sydney have the opportunity to expand their global knowledge and broaden their education both in- and outside of the classroom.

The vibrant nightlife and plethora of outdoor activities and sports that are available in and around Sydney may seem to contradict the overall laidback lifestyle that international students are sure to appreciate, but the two fit together well and provide an environment that is perfect for learning, as well as leading an active lifestyle.

Sydney is notoriously accepting and tolerant, meaning that students from all walks of life can feel comfortable in this cosmopolitan city that opens its arms to all who choose to call it home, whether for a short time or permanently.