Anna Grimaldi, 2012-2013 at University of Minas Gerais

Top ten things

Belo Horizonte offers an extensive list of museums and galleries which will no doubt be on the top of your cultural to-do list, but in case you’re looking for something a little less generic, here is a list of the local gems which can offer a more personal experience of the city.

The campus: Although it might sound silly, spending a few hours between classes getting lost around campus is actually highly entertaining. The grounds seem never ending, and wandering around you will find students practising at a drumming jam session, learning how to tightrope walk, or having a debate in an abandoned courtyard. It’s also a great idea to check out each department eatery – Music, for example, may treat you to some live samba while you eat your omelette. Also – check out the hundreds of cats in Letras.

Praça do Papa and Parque Mangabeiras: Praca do Papa is a great day out – Continue reading “Anna Grimaldi, 2012-2013 at University of Minas Gerais”

Kaitlyn Mak, 2012-13 at University of Melbourne

Accommodation

There are generally three types of accommodations in Melbourne: residential colleges, private halls and housings, all have their advantages and are popular among the students.

Residential colleges

Residential colleges are part of/run by University of Melbourne and consist of 11 different halls; all vary in size and location, most of which located in an arc around the cricket oval at the northern edge of the campus, known as College Crescent. They are pretty much in the campus and generally are only 5-15 minutes of walking distance from classes depending on where your class takes place. The furthest college, Whitney College, is also only 15 minutes walking distance from Parkville campus.

Residential Colleges are the only type of accommodation in Melbourne that offers meal plan (catered). They offer three meals per day, with take-away lunch available if you are busy during lunchtime. Continue reading “Kaitlyn Mak, 2012-13 at University of Melbourne”

Abi Yates, 2013-14 at University of Melbourne

Top Ten Things

1) Food: As a bit of a food fanatic, I loved trying out all the different cafes and restaurants Melbourne had to offer and I was not disappointed! Some of my favourite places include: Toast, Errol Street, which does an amazing brunch and gave me a free cupcake on my birthday, Little Richards, next to RMIT village, where you can find great food at great prices with great staff, and Dumplings where $15 will get you all you can eat! The best meal to have in Melbourne is their speciality: the Parma. Breaded chicken topped with ham, tomato sauce and cheese, this dish is a must-have. I would recommend a visit to the Albion Hotel at Melbourne Docks, which offers different parma recipes so you can try a classic or mix it up with something a little different.

2) Festivals: The music scene in Australia is very underrated – not only does the country have its own talented musicians gigging around, including Chet Faker, Vance Joy and Flume, but there is also a long selection of festivals for all music tastes which have the reputation to pull major global artists. I attended: Continue reading “Abi Yates, 2013-14 at University of Melbourne”