By: Rebecca Kumar

Settling into accommodation at the University of Wollongong has been one of the most interesting parts of my exchange experience. What has stood out to me most is how inclusive and globally diverse the environment is. I genuinely expected to be surrounded by mostly Australian students, but surprisingly, I’ve only met one Australian so far. The rest of the people I’ve met come from all over the world, from Europe, Asia, and North America, and it’s created such a unique community atmosphere.

While this hasn’t necessarily connected me deeply with the locals, it’s opened my eyes to just how international the student community here is. We’re all in the same boat, figuring out a new country, adapting to a new lifestyle, and exploring Australian culture together. It’s made me appreciate how different perspectives can come together in one space, and how we can all learn from each other while sharing the same experience of living abroad.

The accommodation itself is set up in a way that really encourages social interaction. Most of the housing is arranged in units of four or five people, so you’re naturally living with others and getting to know them quickly. There are single apartments for families or staff, but most students live in shared units. This setup makes it much easier to make friends and settle in. It feels less isolating and more like a little community within a larger one.

Another thing I’ve really appreciated is how convenient everything is. The campus is five minutes from the beach, which still feels surreal. It’s such a beautiful environment to live and study in. The nearest grocery store and local town are only about a 15-minute walk away, so it’s easy to get what you need without relying too much on transport. On top of that, a free shuttle bus runs between the accommodation and the main university campus, which makes getting to class or into town really easy.

Living by the Coast is like living inside a little summer bubble all year round. Everyone’s a bit more easygoing, there’s always someone heading down for a swim or a walk, and the sunsets are unreal. It gives the uni such a chill, happy vibe, making it easy to balance studying with enjoying life. I think that coastal energy really adds to the sense of community here; it’s not just about learning, but about living and soaking up the experience.

Overall, living here has been such a rewarding part of my experience. The accommodation provided a comfortable space to live and connect with people from around the world. I have so easily made lifelong friends here.