MATTHEW WALFORD, Murdoch

MATTHEW is studying a Bachelor of Psychology degree at Murdoch University, Perth

 

“I’d travelled in Australia before I started studying here so already had a good idea of what to expect.

“Leaving to go to university here, knowing I wasn’t probably going to go back to the UK was scary but very exciting. I knew from the first time I came to Australia that I wanted to live here.

“For the first few days I was living with family in Melbourne, then decided to get right back into the swing of things by taking a road trip all the way from Melbourne to Perth, taking the Indian Pacific across to Western Australia. Another memorable experience!

“Murdoch University is a great place to study; it feels very laid back and friendly. As it is so laid back, I think you do need to be committed to your course, otherwise it could be difficult to get yourself together and get organised. Personally I haven’t had any problems though, 
psychology is a major passion for me so I’ve worked hard and happily that’s paid off with excellent grades. I am really enjoying the course, and the lecturers have all been friendly and approachable and extremely knowledgeable, ready to help whenever I needed it.

“There are lots of facilities available here, including the Teaching and Learning Centre. This offers academic help to all students in any aspect of their studies and has been extremely useful. The library is fantastic and has recently had an upgrade. Classrooms and lecture halls are all good. There is a gym on campus and it’s close to shopping centres as well as to public transport.

“I live on campus in the student village. It is a great place to live, virtually next to all the main halls and classrooms and close to public transport and the shopping centre. It’s spacious and has some great outdoor areas. I’ve been told it can be a bit noisy in the more central flats in the village but I’ve been lucky, I have a flat right on the edge overlooking the trees. I’m very happy with it – it’s cheap, clean and close to the university. It was easy to find but you do need to get in early with your application as the units are in high demand.

“When I’m not studying, I like to go down to the beach, or go out into Fremantle or Perth and have a look around to find the interesting shops and sights, or have a few beers and meet the locals.

“The cost of living is generally very good, although beer is relatively more expensive I think!!! Food shopping is very cheap, and day-to-day costs are generally low but you need to look around.

“I’ve done several trips around Western Australia already. The first trip was up to a place called The Pinnacles, where thousands of limestone pillars are all over the desert landscape, an amazing place. It’s around 250km north of Perth so we took my car up there and stayed for the night. Distances over here between places can be vast but driving is easy – there are no traffic jams and just straight easy roads. My other trip was down to the southwest of Western Australia, which is spectacular. Depending on the season, you can see migrating whales going up the west coast, which is an awesome experience. There are many sights all around the coast and inland. Far to many to list here; all I can say is that the people you meet are friendly and the places are fantastic.

“I feel very settled in Perth now. It takes a while to get everything sorted but once you get it all put together, you can relax a bit and start to find your own pace. Settling in is a gradual process.

“If I was going to dish out advice to someone thinking of coming out to study I’d say, make sure you are really aware that you’re going to be living a very long way away from the UK and that friends and relatives probably will never get over to see you, even if they say they will! Research your courses well and make sure you pick the right university and a place to live that is right for you. If you don’t like where you live, then you won’t enjoy studying as much. And  definitely don’t be afraid of the Australian tendency to take the mick. It’s usually just friendly banter – give as good as you get and you’ll fit right in!

 

Top three things about studying overseas?

The way of life, the weather, and the great experiences to be had.

Three things you most miss about home?

Friends and relatives; good old British pounds – the monopoly money over here is awful – and, I can’t think of anything else. I really love it in Australia!

Anything else you think people should know?

When you get here, don’t give in and go home when things get tough, because they will. Stick it out, get past it and you will be stronger for it.