“I started thinking about further study after finishing my undergraduate degree in late 2016 and had an interview with my current supervisor while still in the UK. The interview was a success and I was offered a place in the group, but was also informed my supervisor would be moving to the University of Sydney and I would have to come too! Studying abroad was not something I had given much thought to and especially somewhere as far away as Australia. I am a firm believer in pushing yourself outside your comfort zone and knew immediately that the chance to pursue my studies in a new environment while also establishing connections across the globe was too good to be missed.

“Having decided to accept the position I was faced with the task of navigating the mire of applications and found Study Options when searching for help online. On a whim I decided to send an email asking how they could help (a free service seemed almost too good to be true) and swiftly received a multitude of advice and guidance. The team were able to tell me exactly what I needed when and where, co-signed my necessary documents, triple-checked all aspects of my application and even arranged my overseas health insurance. I have spoken to many other visitors to Australia who had a number of struggles arranging visas and documents – the time and effort saved by working with Study Options is invaluable.

“I found the transition to life down under a breeze and have loved every aspect of my time here. I live in the heart of Newtown, a 12-minute walk from Sydney Uni and brimming with restaurants, pubs and venues to enjoy. I have been fortunate enough that the chemistry department has a great social buzz and regularly play Aussie rules and 5-a-side with other chemists, and often sample a good Aussie beach. One thing I did find daunting on arrival was the speed the housing market moves in Sydney – you have to be very pro-active in finding a room or they’ll be snapped up from under your nose!

“At just over a year in, I am extremely happy with my decision to pursue further study and to do so in Australia. I feel the move has helped me become more independent, develop many of my professional skills and filled my life with great new experiences and a huge number of international friends. I recommend Study Options highly for how smooth they helped the process become, and have already told a new student joining my group from the UK to drop them an email soon!”