Sydney or Melbourne????

Hi Everyone!

My name is Mike and I am an American looking to study abroad in Australia. I have heard amazing things about the country, and I am curious whether you all think I should go to Sydney or Melbourne to gain the full Australian experience (whatever that may be)

As of now, I am debating between New South Wales in Sydney, and University of Melbourne. From what I hear, Sydney is more like a New York City (very urban, busy), and Melbourne more like a Boston (more artsy, a little smaller, etc). However, I honestly have no idea where to go.

So- what's YOUR vote? What school out of NSW and Melbourne has the better reputation? Is it true that Sydney has much better beaches/weather? Where will I be more inclined to meet Australians and not be labeled as a touristy American?

I would really appreciate any input. Thanks so much, and have a great day!

 

prob'ly depends on whether you place more emphasis on going to the best school or going to the best town for having fun. i did my degree in sydney and i don't remember a thing! but melbourne's got a lot going for it. if i were just choosing now i'd pick melbourne i think. in these accelerating times slower, not faster, is better.

 

Thanks James! I guess I'm wondering if Melbourne still has the "total package" when it comes to good academics and fun. I guess I would say that I am 50/50 with the importance of academic prestige and overall fun factor. After all- I'm definitely not going abroad to sit in a library, nor am I going abroad to drink every night (which I can do here for free!). I want a good balance of the two.

Any other opinions?

 

Nothing over there is like NYC..... Sidney is a wonderful place! Austrtalia is a wonderful place... Check out Perth and Brisbane too,

 

sounds like you should go to sydney! sydney's got it all: pub scene, music, art scene, beach scene, drugs, everything you'd find in any international city but probably on a smaller scale, and it's a huge gay town as well (on par with san fran) which always makes it fun. melbourne's more like a big country town but it has good music, arts and all that too. it's colder btw and rains a bit. i think melbourne's considered a bit more substantial academically, but don't quote me on that. i always find melbourne a bit more real to be quite honest. everyone's not running around being busy and seen. anyway, that's just one opinion, keep asking til you get a range of views.

 

Check out Melbourne if you can man. But i guess Sydney is better for tourists, with the harbour and all.

 

melbourne is a better place,,,

in my worthless opinion its got a better vibes,,,, and yeah melbourne,,, hehe except take the sydney weather with you

 

Any other opinions? What about Perth? Is it true that all of Eastern Australia is very "American", whereas the west is the "real" Australia? Also, what about New Zealand? I hear it is beautiful!

Any input would be great. Thanks everyone!

Cheers,

Mike

 

suggest u listen to 'adelaide' by ben folds for an american's take of the west...

 

lol sydney is nowhere near as busy as NY

 

I'm from Melbourne originally but live in brissie now (too bloody hot) I'm hopefully transfering back to Victoria though for study. In terms of that, Victoria has so much more for study. Personally, i find Sydney boring and dull. Melbourne has the famous 4 seasons in one day, with great beaches and the snow. Culture, sport, festivals.

 

By No means am I any authority on Australia, but I recently took a trip to Darwin in the Northern Territory and had a blast. It has great beaches, a laid back tropical atmosphere, and 2-4 hrs. outside is Kakadu National Park which is a World Heritage site, is filled with Aboriginal culture, and is one of the most unique worldwide. If you get the chance it's definitely worth checking out for the fun factor.

 

I think they both suck. I entered melbourne recently and had to get out of there ASAP. Check my website .... you will see.

 

Im going to study in Australia too!!If u go to Sydney i guess ill see u I was trying to decide between Syd and Melbourne too but I now stick to sydney becos it has better weather and less rain.Melbourne is more like europe and things are quite easy going..relaxing, including the people.Sydney ,like all capital cities, people r not too friendly and u have to fight to get a seat in a train lol Ive never been to Australia but i have friends in both cities and when the cost of living is almost the same why not live in a capital city where there are great beaches and nightlife, and better weather!!
Now im just deciding between UTS and UNSW

 

Melbourne has way more opportunities than Sydney for academic careers. Not opinion but truth for those getting their back up. Also, walk through Melbourne in spring or summer and you won't think twice about going there.

 

at this point i am really sick of sydney and god willing i will have extracted myself from the whole business by the end of next year. the only reason i stay here is to complete my apprenticeship. when i finish, i go. other apprentices i know from queensland have done some time here and are buggering off to queensland next semester. the state government (labour) has f*cked sydney. come here if you want to be mucked around and exhausted. if you come here to study consider other cities it may well be cheaper and more rewarding in the long run. this place has been the developers dream - endless fields of shimmering rooftops out in the heat of the western suburbs and massive appartment blocks have destroyed any charm sydney might have had. whatever you decide i wish you the best of luck.

 

I envy you for going there at all, whatever city you pick haha. I wouldve been there now if it werent so effin expencive.

 

It can't be that expensive if we all live here. There is uni accomodation you know. Google Aussie uni sites, then look up the accom or email them. I'm at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. There is so many international students there and a lot live at the 3 separate accomodation ranging from $140 to higher. It's near the beaches and one hour from Brisbane city.

 

Having recently passed through all three states of the east coast recently, I'd have to say that Queensland is the best option. Not that I think I can talk from a student's perspective of course I do like it how you don't have to pay for internet in NSW libraries. Anywhere out of Sydney would possibly be nice, picturesque and cruisy. Sydney would be allright if you're working/studying with no time for anything else. I was going to go there, but went to Melbourne instead as I ran out of money (VERY glad I picked up the guitar when I was a teenager).

 

well id say Sydney if you want a more happening city. then again i live here and i love it. ive been to Melbourne and can i just say there are just as many - possibly more even - posers there. all that artsy crap, take themselves so seriously

anyway i have many friends at UNSW and they are all friendly nice people im sure you wouldnt be dissappointed and would friends easily. plus we have the best weather and the nicest beaches! well thats not entirely true - the beaches get better and better as you go up the coast