College student wants to study abroad

UMV414 · 01-01-2006, 10:11 PM

Hey everyone. I'm a college sophomore looking to go abroad spring semester of next year. Can someone enlighten me on some reputable universities in the UK (and also perhaps Ireland) and Australia? I'm trying to compare my study abroad options but I can't really do that without some kind of idea about the quality of each university (the rankings I found online seem like BS).

I'm considering University of Queensland, University of Melbourne, and University of New South Wales in Australia. In the UK, any university in or near London, and yea--- no need to comment on the reputations of Oxford and Cambridge.

Thanks in advance.

sid19 · 01-01-2006, 11:50 PM

Hi,

I only really know about Australian universities. As far as reputation goes i would say University of Melbourne would be top then UNSW then UQ. However all these unis are really good. Melbourne and UNSW may be more prestigious than UQ.

May i ask what your major is in? Melbourne is highly respected in the Arts while UNSW is highly respected in Engeneering and Science. I am most familiar with UNSW so if you have any specific questions about it feel free to ask.

I realise you didnt ask about each city but i figure it would be the best way of knowing which university you would prefer. Each of these cities are quite different. UQ is situated in Brisbane and has quite a hot climate. It is a pretty sandstone university set on the river. Brisbane is the most quiet city out of the universities you mentioned.

UNSW is in Sydney and has a milder climate. In spring it will be quite warm however it will be going into winter where you may get some grey/cold days (when i say cold it may translate as cool as we dont get snow etc). Sydney is a very metropolitan city and there is always a lot of things to do. UNSW is a 10 min bus ride from the centre of sydney and is close to the beaches. The campus is quite modern with lots of mulitistory buildings.

Melbourne is the coldest of the cities and is known for having 4 seasons in one day. Hot one minute freezing and raining the next. The univeristy is supposed to be really pretty with nice old buildings. The city itself is quite artsy and known to be sports mad. There are lots of art galleries and cafe's around melbourne.

UMV414 · 01-02-2006, 04:55 PM

Thanks! I appreciate the run-down on each of the schools/cities. My major is in psychology (psychological and brian sciences). My interests lie mostly in biopsychology rather than social psychology. It isn't *terribly* important that the university I pick has a strong program in psychology but it would certainly be a big plus. I'm pretty sure (or at least I hope) that I can finish all my psychology course requirements at my home institution, study abroad, and still graduate on time or a semester early, but I could just be in my own little world with that.

As far as climate goes, warm is good. Modern is also refreshing because I go to school where every building (while beautiful) is red brick! Sydney looks pretty enticing.

sid19 · 01-02-2006, 06:02 PM

Well im at unsw so feel free to ask me anything specific down the track. I know we have a program that looks after exchange students and will buddy you up with local students and we offer housing.

Does your university have a exchange program with these uni's or are you comming in via some outside program?

As far as subjects go just look on the websites and they should have course cataloges. here is unsw (it may vary each year though) http://www.timetable.unsw.edu.au/200...ectSearch.html
the school of psychology site would be more specific again.

I hope someone is able to help you with the UK uni's. Its really tough just going on what websites say. Good luck!

UMV414 · 01-03-2006, 04:12 AM

Thanks for the help; I'll be sure to come to you for questions about UNSW.

My school unfortunately has no study abroad programs in Australia so I would be going through another university. I know we've had many students study abroad in Australian universities so I'm hoping it isn't too difficult to get a nod of approval. I have to double check on the credit transfers and all that.

Out of curiosity, and since you mentioned it, how is housing for exchange students? It's not a big issue for me but I was just wondering. I have family in Australia but I don't think I would be staying with them.

sid19 · 01-03-2006, 04:38 AM

As far as i know there is a choice in housing. Most are apartments in the suburbs that surround the uni and in coogee (a beach) which is about 15 mins walk away. Some are actually lucky enough to have water views. From what i hear you tend to share an apartment with two or so other people and you get your own room. I know some other exchange students who go housing on campus in the colleges.