UC experience

Well...My turn to share some experience during the stay in Australia. Long story

I never thought of studying in Australia or any other English-speaking country before. My second language is French, and I had been pursuing it for 12 years. I always dream about France, and planned to go there after highschool.

Even now I am still unsure about the reason why I turned my eye to Australia. But well, as the time goes by, I have been in this country for over one year. The first day it was raining heavily, the roads deserted and everyone seemed to disappear. That was sad I should admit.

However, while the new semester started, I quickly made new friends who came from various countries. We really had a great time together in University of Canberra College, the study was easy, the teachers were dedicated, and plenty of time to wander around. I specially love the windy Ginninderra lake and the other two lakes in Civic, which turn to be yellowish in autumn and kind of blossoming when it comes to spring. Ginninderra lake also seems to be a great place to do some barbie party, where you can fully lay down on the grass, and taste yummy sausages (Australian typical food I reckon;)) We went to Floriad, admiring fancy and numerous species of flowers. We joined the National Multicultural Festival and found fascinating belly dance, lion dance, African music and even our traditional food!

After one year in University of Canberra College, I transfered to University of Canberra. Probably because of harder program of study, I don't really have too many time to wander around like I did. However, the change brings me new challenge, new knowledge and even new friends. If almost of my friends in UCC are Asians, I begin making friend with more local students. They are really friendly and helpful, willing to help me with my assignments (grammar and spelling check) and even give me some useful shopping tips!

I am living in University of Canberra campus, in a block with 7 local students and 5 international ones. The common room is undoubtedly somewhat untidy, because everyone is lazy to clean up after themselves (Lol). But the stay offers me a another great chance to make new friends, listen to Aussie students' currently hot songs and watch fancy movie together (there is a tivi in the common room for everyone to use). However, sometimes, I still feel a bit hard to catch up with the conversation with local students, not solely because of the language problem, but mostly because of different concerned areas. However, the more I live with them, the more I realise it is not too hard to break the ice. Ah... campus living stays always green, with rabbits and kangaroos and birds. With a bit luck, you can see a pack of kangaroos hopping around ;)

Here are some of my little tips, extracting from my experience:

- do not just stick to your own circle, try to enlarge it as much as you can. It is not really hard to begin a conversation with a strange. What you need are a friendly smile and a will to learn new things and make new friends. That strange maybe just crosses your way and leaves you after a while, but they may stay and color your life with different colors. I did it and it worked ! :D

- try to go to the workshops held by the library if you have spare time. It is worth your time. Even if you can't learn something new, you still have a chance to improve your listening.

-never be shy to ask questions. Teachers and staffs in UC are more than willing to help you. However, how can they know your problem if you don't ask?

-join some club. The information of the clubs available is mostly given out during the orientation week (o-week). Walls and boards also help. Some clubs I know are Conversation club, Noodle club (both are in level C of the refectory), French club (International House on Thursday 7-8), and Commerce society ($5 for the registration)

-keep an eye on the annoucements on the walls, boards located in the library and around UC. You may find some secondhand but good textbooks, job advertisements, or information about a music band's recruitment.

-make a list before you shop. It is a way to save your money and don't buy something just because it is on sales. Manage your budget well during the period when the exchange rate is sky-rocketing :-s