Study Abroad in Sydney, Melbourne, or Townsville? (2014, home) - City-Data Forum

mngopher_2014 · 08-07-2011, 02:35 PM

I am a U.S. student looking to study abroad in Australia form Feb-June next year. (Currently, I study in Minneapolis, MN, which is a larger city-so I'm used to this).

I have been making lists of pros and cons of where to go, and I can't narrow down my choice at all! Having students who have studied abroad, or live in Australia would be the opinion I need to help me make my choice.

Here are my choices in no particular preference:

James Cook University - Townsville
Pros: Close to the Great Barrier Reef
Cons: Smaller city, difficult to travel to other places in Australia/New Zealand

I guess I've kind of ruled out this University.... unless someone has a REALLY good reason to go here over the other 2.

University of Sydney
Pros: GLBT community

University of Melbourne

I guess I really don't know a lot about either Sydney or Melbourne to compare the two. I'm leaning towards Sydney, but I need to know why people prefer one city over the other? What's the difference between their culture, cost of living, coastal life, nightlife, etc??? Also, the quality of the Universities intrigues me in either city?

I value your opinion, thanks!

minibrings · 08-07-2011, 04:25 PM

have you searched the threads on C-D.. discussions on both cities have occurred in the past, ad infinitum. I assume money is no object.. the AUD is at an all time high so you will find almost everything expensive.

mngopher_2014 · 08-07-2011, 04:34 PM

I've looked, but I guess I'm looking for more information regarding university life, within the city and university itself. Which place would be better for a university student?

BCC_1 · 08-07-2011, 06:14 PM

What are you studying?

Vichel · 08-07-2011, 11:13 PM

How often do you plan on going out to the Reef? It costs quite a bit to do so. I'm not sure you'll do it that often to make studying in Townsville an advantage. Yes, I agree there'd have to be something else there to chose it over Sydney or Melbourne. Not sure what that would be as I didn't think Townsville was anything to write home about. It's alright. Small place.

I love Melbourne more than Sydney. Others love Sydney more than Melbourne. So the answer to which of those two you should go for depends on the personal preference of the poster. Personally, I think where the University of Melbourne is located is fantastic. The neighbourhoods around there are vibrant and fun. The tram system makes it so easy to get around.

mngopher_2014 · 08-08-2011, 01:41 AM

I'm studying Genetics, and all three schools are proficient in there Biological Sciences Departments, and I would prefer I a large research University, because that is where I am studying now. Thanks for the information about the reef! I didn't know that. So, right now I am almost positive I am going to Melbourne, because after a day of research, it has the most pros for it. Also, the public transportation in Melbourne seems very helpful.

Thanks for your help!

Derek40 · 08-08-2011, 04:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mngopher_2014

I'm studying Genetics, and all three schools are proficient in there Biological Sciences Departments, and I would prefer I a large research University, because that is where I am studying now. Thanks for the information about the reef! I didn't know that. So, right now I am almost positive I am going to Melbourne, because after a day of research, it has the most pros for it. Also, the public transportation in Melbourne seems very helpful.

Thanks for your help!

Townsville is pretty big on the Life Sciences, and one of it's strong points.
I have had a look at postgraduate courses up there.
On this score I would not rule it out.
Sydney seems to be more biased towards engineering, computer and other sciences -but this is somewhat of a generalization.
Cannot comment on Melbourne universities, but lifestyle is comparable to Sydney.
Although not on this list, Canberra -specifically ANU ie Australian National Univerisity - is renowned in this course subject.

izbelle · 08-16-2011, 08:09 AM

I think you should definitely go to Melbourne! I lived in both sydney and melbourne for 6 months each I can tell you that Melbourne is definitely the best option.

twit23 · 08-18-2012, 03:06 PM

While reading post here about Australia Moderator cut: No advertising allowed. I come to know that Australia is third most desired country for international Students who are looking to study abroad.