Student Bloggers

When people ask me what my favorite thing about studying abroad in Australia was, I always answer without hesitation: the beaches. I fell in love with the gorgeous coastline and stunning landscapes, so different from what I’m used to back home. With a short walk from my student accommodation to the shore, I found myself at the beach almost every day. Whether it was an early morning swim, an evening walk at sunset, or simply sitting on the sand with friends, being near the ocean became a part of my daily routine.

It wasn’t just the beauty of the beaches that struck me, but how well cared for they were. Australia’s deep connection to nature is something I noticed immediately. The beaches were clean, wildlife protected, and local communities seemed to take real pride in keeping their environment clean and healthy. Even in more urban areas, I was impressed by how much green space there was, like parks, bike paths, and walking tracks.

Being in this kind of environment made me slow down. I started paying attention to little things: the way sunlight filtered through the palm trees, the sound of birds in the morning, the colors of native flowers I’d never seen before. I wasn’t constantly checking my phone or racing from one thing to the next. Another cultural difference I noticed was how locals were not as much rushing through their day, as I find myself doing back home. People are really just present with their surroundings and spend a lot of time going on runs or walks outside. I found myself simply being present and I was happier for it.

One of my favorite memories was doing the famous Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, a must-do if you ever get the chance to visit! This clifftop path winds along the shoreline, passing several unique and beautiful beaches. I also went on hikes through nearby mountains with friends, rewarded by amazing views at the summit and waterfalls along the way. A highlight was our hike through the Blue Mountains, where we climbed around 1,000 steps to reach a breathtaking lookout. Closer to home, I spent a lot of time walking along Fairy Meadow

Beach, just five minutes from where I lived. Those peaceful solo walks helped me feel more independent and taught me how to enjoy my own company. Another one of my favorite memories was getting to see wild koalas and kangaroos reminding me how unique Australia’s wildlife is.

Living in a beach town surrounded by nature also meant I was outside more, and my screen time dropped naturally. Instead of spending evenings scrolling, I was swimming, hiking, watching the sunset, or just talking with friends under the stars. It sounds cliché, but I genuinely felt lighter and less stressed. Coming back home, I’ve tried to hold onto that mindset, to notice the small details, to spend time outside, and to care more about the natural world around me. My time in Australia reminded me that nature isn’t just something to admire from afar; it’s something we live in, something we’re responsible for, and something that shapes our well-being every day. Nature gives us so much, and it shouldn’t be taken for granted.