Student Bloggers

Making the jump from the non-stop hustle of New York City to the laid-back, sunny vibes of Brisbane, Australia is a culture shock—but a good one! I spent a whole semester (summer to winter) at the University of Queensland, and going from dodging subway rats to spotting kangaroos in the suburbs was a wild ride.

If you’re a NYC student headed to UQ, or just curious about what it’s like, here’s my friendly,
honest survival guide to help you settle in and enjoy the Aussie way of life.

1. The Rats Are Out, Possums Are In
   If you’re from NYC, you’re used to seeing rats on the subway doing their own thing. Brisbane’s wildlife is distinct but equally fascinating. Possums hang out in trees and look like furry little thieves stealing your heart. Kangaroos are neighborhood pets, and bush turkeys strut around like
   they own the place.
   What I learned: Don’t freak out when you hear rustling at night or see a possum chilling
   nearby. It’s all part of living in Australia, and honestly, it makes for some fun stories to tell
   friends back home. Just don’t feed them, as they can become aggressive or sick from human
   food. Plus, you’ll quickly learn that these critters are surprisingly shy and usually mind their own
   business, unlike NYC’s fearless rats!
2. Say Goodbye to Dunkin’, Hello to Local Cafés
   I missed my Dunkin’ runs at first (RIP the convenience of cheap coffee on every corner). But Brisbane’s coffee scene surprised me. Instead of chain cafés, it’s all about these cozy, small spots where baristas know your name and take their craft seriously.
   Pro tip: Order a flat white: Australia’s signature espresso drink, smoother and creamier than a
   latte. And try the banana bread or avo toast; they’re legendary here. Exploring new cafés became
   my favorite way to study and unwind. Plus, these places often have cute outdoor seating perfect
   for people watching or catching up with friends without the NYC rush.
3. Walk Like You’re on Vacation
   NYC sidewalks feel like a fast-moving river—everyone’s power-walking, dodging tourists, and
   hustling to the next thing. Brisbane is different. People stroll, stop to chat, and smile. It felt weird at first, but then I realized how much less stressful it was.
   Tip: Slow down and enjoy your walk. It’s okay to take a moment to breathe and appreciate your surroundings. Your Fitbit might get confused by your slower pace, but your mental health will thank you. You might even find yourself noticing street art, beautiful parks, or the occasional rainbow lorikeet flying by, a nice change from subway ads and honking cars!
4. No Subway, Just Buses and Ferries
   The NYC subway is iconic but can be overwhelming, noisy, and sometimes gross. Brisbane’s public transport is quieter and cleaner, mostly buses and those scenic river ferries. Taking a ferry isn’t just a commute, it’s a mini sightseeing trip with great views of the city.
   What helped me: Downloading the TransLink app and getting a Go Card made getting around so easy. Plus, Aussies are super polite about public transport, so don’t forget to say thanks to the driver! Also, be prepared for fewer frequent runs on weekends or evenings compared to NYC, so plan your trips accordingly.
5. From City Sirens to Gecko Chirps
   In NYC, the city never sleeps. The constant noise is kind of comforting: sirens, car horns, subway rumbles. Brisbane nights are quieter. The main soundtrack? Chirping geckos, crickets, and the occasional kookaburra laugh.
   At first, it felt almost too quiet, even spooky. But after a while, it became peaceful and relaxing. I slept better without the city noise. And once I got used to it, those nighttime sounds became like a lullaby, reminding me I was somewhere new, somewhere a little more connected to nature.
6. The Weather Is a Whole Other Story
   NYC has four seasons (sort of). Brisbane? Think humid, sunny summers and mild, almost spring-like winters. The sun here is brutal year-round, so sunscreen is a must even on cloudy days. I underestimated this and got burned more than once.
   Packing tip: Bring breathable, moisture-wicking clothes and always have a hat and sunscreen handy. A small foldable umbrella saved me from surprise tropical downpours more than once! Also, don’t forget to pack a couple of lightweight long-sleeve shirts for sun protection. The cold here is very different, too more about damp chill than freezing temps, so cozy hoodies and layers were my best friends.
7. Dress Code: Keep It Casual and Comfy
   NYC fashion is all about layers, statement pieces, and streetwear. Brisbane is all about shorts, flip-flops (called “thongs”), and casual totes. Everyone is way more laid-back, partly because of the weather, partly because of the Aussie lifestyle.
   My wardrobe change: I should’ve packed more lightweight, comfy clothes and fewer dresses. I brought heels and boots, but only wore them a few times in six months. Comfort wins here. Also, I wish I had brought more light layers for the cooler, damp days; those mid-season chills caught me off guard.
8. People Say 'Hi' Here
   NYC is famous for its “don’t make eye contact” vibe. In Brisbane, strangers smile, ask how your day is, and even chat on buses. It took me a minute to adjust, but it was honestly refreshing and made it easier to make friends.
   My advice: Don’t be shy. Smile back and say hi. You’ll be surprised how friendly Aussies are once you open up a bit. Also, coming from NYC, a city that prides itself on diversity and acceptance, I noticed something different here. People in Brisbane either love Americans or not so much. It depends on who you talk to. Some Aussies are super curious and welcoming, while others might be more skeptical or even joke about stereotypes. Don’t take it personally, it’s all part of the experience.
9. Aussies Keep It Real — Political Correctness Is Different
   One big shock? Aussies are not as politically correct as New Yorkers. Back home, saying the “wrong” thing can get you into serious trouble, whether it’s at school, work, or even online. Here, people joke about topics that would start arguments in NYC. They call it “laughing,” but sometimes it feels like walking a fine line.
   What I learned: Don’t be too quick to get offended, it’s often just Aussie humor, which can be dry, sarcastic, and sometimes borderline rude by NYC standards. If you’re unsure, watch how locals react before joining in. It’s all part of the culture shock, and once you get the hang of it, it makes socializing a lot more relaxed.
10. You’ll Miss NYC... But You’ll Gain So Much More
    Of course, I missed the NYC hustle, the bodegas, the pizza, the crazy energy. But I gained beach days, chill study sessions by the river, and a fresh perspective on life. Australia taught me to slow down, enjoy nature, and be open to new experiences.
    Final tip: Don’t try to recreate NYC in Brisbane. Embrace the differences, laugh at the weird moments, and soak up everything this amazing country has to offer. It’s a chance to grow, learn, and come home with stories that’ll impress your friends (and maybe make them a little jealous).

Embrace the Adventure and Enjoy the Ride

Studying abroad at the University of Queensland was one of the most eye-opening, challenging, and rewarding experiences of my life. Moving from the fast-paced streets of NYC to the sunny, laid-back vibes of Brisbane pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best ways possible. Yes, there were moments of culture shock and days when I missed home (and my favorite bagel spot), but every challenge came with new friends, fresh perspectives, and memories I’ll treasure forever.

If you’re heading down under or anywhere new for your studies, my biggest advice is to stay open-minded, be patient with yourself, and soak up every experience—even the weird or unexpected ones. This journey isn’t just about academics; it’s about growing as a person, discovering parts of the world and yourself you never knew, and having stories that will last a lifetime.

So pack smart, bring your curiosity, and get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget!