Life at The University of Queensland promises a world-class learning experience in one of Australia’s most beautiful cities. But what does a normal day look like when you’re studying at UQ?
Let’s find out what to expect as an international student at UQ.
Getting to university
UQ’s main campus is located in St Lucia, a popular Brisbane suburb with a large student population.
Like the other campuses at Dutton Park, Herston and Gatton, you can catch public transport to get there. To St Lucia, you can go by bus or Brisbane CityCat ferry.
UQ graduate, Sumayyah Abdurrahman, who recently completed a Master of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, says her daily commute from Toowong (a neighbouring suburb) was by bus. She used the trip as an opportunity to squeeze in some study.
“When I woke up in the morning, if I had class that day, I always prepared myself for the lesson with a pre-class reading or recording to look at on the bus.”
Classes
As a student, Sumayyah always loved going to campus.
“I was going to UQ to attend every class I could,” she says. “I always liked to interact with my class and I got along with my cohort really well.
“After class, we would hang out or go get food together. It’s something I enjoyed a lot, and I was also able to broaden my network.”
She also says that getting involved in UQ’s extracurricular opportunities like student committees gave her the chance to build friendships and gain more experience.
Ai Xin, an international student from Malaysia, recently graduated from UQ’s Bachelor of Biomedical Science. She says that her classes were a great mix of practical and academic skills.
“A typical day as an international student is quite dynamic,” she shares. “We usually had quite a packed schedule of lectures and practical sessions. Normally after that I would head to the gym.”
Ai Xin agrees with Sumayyah that UQ offers a variety of opportunities like sports and clubs.
“I was part of the UQ basketball team for nationals, so I would often train with my friends after class.”
Campus activities
UQ’s St Lucia campus is home to several great restaurants and cafes.
For coffee and lunch, popular options include Belltop, Patina at Alumni Court and BrewPoint.
For Sumayyah, relaxing on the Great Court lawns between classes was her favourite activity.
“There are so many places to chill during free time from class,” she says. “Great Court lawns definitely, but I think I have been to every coffee shop on campus!”
Life in Brisbane
As an international student at The University of Queensland, you also get the chance to live in and explore one of Australia’s most beautiful cities. ‘The River City’, as it is affectionately known by locals, has great weather and a calm atmosphere year-round.
“I have travelled to other states as well during my study,” says Sumayyah. “For those who love work-life balance, I think Brisbane is just right.
“Also, the weather compared to Melbourne or Sydney is just perfect. There are also many great beaches you can visit when you feel like a short vacation.”
Both Ai Xin and Sumayyah say that Brisbane is home to fantastic restaurants and cafes too.
“I've been to many restaurants in Brisbane, especially Asian restaurants like Thai, Korean, Indonesian and Malaysian, all around the city centre,” says Sumayyah.
Interested in studying in Australia? Let us introduce you to Brisbane.
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