Monash University

The halls were good for a semster. They are close to campus and give an excellent opportunity to meet other students. However it is difficult to get to the city (about an 1 1/2 to 2 hours on public transport). I would live off campus if I returned because I know my way around now and have met so many people I would be able to adjust with out needing the enivronment that halls provides. I went to Monash basically on my own, so meeting as many people as possible was important. I got that from living in the halls, but they are still dorms and leave something to be desired.

I spent more money because of the difference in lifestyle, being an exchange student. I traveled heaps more, at least one weekend a month (usually more) because I wanted to see everything I could before I left. I also spent more money on nightlife, because I had a smaller class load than at home, and went out more. This is also influenced because students go out more here than in the states, because the drinking age is 18, so more people are going out overall than at US universities.

Accomodation is usually a little more expensive in Melbourne than it might be in Lyon. This mainly due to the importance of finding a well located appartment. Melbourne is a wide spread metropolitan area and it is very easy to end up living 50 kms away from unioversity. Therefore, primary spots tend to be very demanded, which brings the prices of accomodation up. Concerning the night life expenditures, the geographical distances also increase the costs realted to going out as in most cases a taxi ia required to return home (due to long distances). Further, the retail prices of spirits and beers are way higher than in Europe (where it is easy to buy cheap beer or other alcoholic beverages in supermarkets). Travelling is fairly expensive in australia because there are great distances to be travelled between destinations.

My purse was stolen the third week I was here and it was VERY dificult to get another passport and it was not convenient location. Just take the money you want to spend and maybe one credit card with you!! Travel to Bali if you get a chance, its pretty inexpensive! Get to know the people from AUstralia and don't just hang out with other people from America who are on exchange. Go home with a native of the country and see how they live - its really great!! Take advantage of all you can - this country is amazing!!

I would highly recommend it to students who enjoy a small university that is away from everything. You are not close to much nightlife - everywhere you go requires a cab, even the grocery store. The classes are great and the profesors are wonderful -they are very layed back and willing to help in any way they can! THe accomodations are good also!

That I should have mixed around with more of the locals instead of just mixing with the people I went to the University with from home.

It's got a good balance of study and social atmosphere. Lecture halls are big and comfortable and the lecturers and tutors are approachable.