Tasmania - the natural paradise

At UTAS you will meet heaps of international students from all around the world. I don't know the exact numbers, but I would estimate they make up to 75% of all students. In general, lecturers at UTAS try to vary within their teaching methods, which makes the lectures more exciting. In comparison to my German home University, I had plenty more assignments during the semester. Thus, the final grade of the unit better reflects the actual engagement and knowledge of the student. I also liked the online platform MyLo which can be used for several things, such as asking questions and submitting assessments.

Right from the beginning after my arrival, people were very open and helpful. It was no problem for me to adjust to the Australian culture. At University you constantly meet new people at the numerous events and during the orientation week. While traveling around, you will meet many other backpackers which are open-minded. I participated in many events run by the University (e.g. Sustainability picknick).

Unfortunately, the public transport in Hobart is very disappointing. I did not have a car or bike. I mainly walked. On weekends I studied, met friends, went to the city (e.g. the Salamanca market) and did several road trips together with some peers. In Tassie, there are plenty of beautiful places to discover. Just a few named here: Maria Island, Bruny Island, Montezuma Falls, Rainforests, Bay of Fires, Little Blue Lake, Port Arthur, Cataract Gorge, Cradle Mountain, Russell Falls, Wineglass Bay. Furthermore, have a look for bioluminescence and ghost mushrooms.

I stayed in a private accommodation 2.5 km away from University together with locals. Please consider that Hobart is very hilly. I rented one private room, a shared kitchen, and a shared bathroom. It is hard to say if the price of 170$/week (including water and electricity; excluding Internet) is reasonable because the house was in bad conditions without a proper heater. On the other hand, the student accommodations are much more expensive and currently, there is a high demand for accommodations in Hobart.

No matter where you go, there will always be challenges. The special thing about Tasmania and in particular about its University is, that people make you feel as if you were part of a huge lovely family. It doesn't take long until you don't want to leave anymore. Combined with the beautiful nature, the cleanest air in the world and the fluffy native animals, studying in Tassie will be a perfect experience.