Details

• Australia
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months
• Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

I would suggest to start preparing as early as possible. Take your time to explore all the exchange options online and compare the universities. Look at the courses they offer, where they are located, and think about what matters most to you. When writing your motivation letter, be honest about why you want to go on exchange. It is also worth thinking about what makes you a strong candidate and why you, in particular, should be nominated for your preferred university. Also make sure to check all the application requirements early, especially whether you need an English language certificate, so you have enough time to arrange everything without unnecessary stress. Once you have been accepted, the process becomes much easier. Both university will send you plenty of emails with clear instructions and deadlines, so as long as you keep track of them, the remaining preparations are quite straightforward. I didn’t really look into flights, beforehand so mine we’re quite expensive, because I booked them separately.

2. Accommodation

I stayed in UTS Housing at Yura Mudang. The application process opens quite early, so I would recommend keeping an eye on the application dates and submitting your application as soon as it opens, as places are limited. Overall, I had a good experience living there. It is a typical student residence with a much larger international student community than domestic students, which makes it a great place to start your exchange. They regularly organize social events, making it very easy to meet new people and make friends, especially during the first few weeks. One thing to keep in mind is that you are locked into your contract, so it is less flexible if you plan to travel for an extended period at the end of your exchange. They also have quite strict safety policies, for example regarding overnight guests, which could be a bit inconvenient at times. However, the staff and residents were all very friendly, which created a welcoming atmosphere. One of the biggest advantages is the location. Yura Mudang is right next to the UTS campus and Central Station, making it very convenient for both classes and exploring the city. It is close to Sydney’s CBD, within walking distance of Chinatown, and the beach is easily accessible by public transport. In general, I always felt very safe in Sydney, including around the accommodation.

3. Academic life at host university

The academic experience at UTS felt quite different from what I was used to. One advantage is that they also use Canvas, so it is very easy to navigate if you are already familiar with it. Most courses consisted of a lecture and a tutorial each week. In my case, most lectures were held online, which was convenient but made the experience feel a little less engaging. Tutorials were much more interactive, and you were usually expected to complete exercises beforehand, which were then discussed in class. Compared to WU, there were more assignments throughout the semester and a greater emphasis on group work. Some group projects involved up to eight people, which could occasionally be challenging to coordinate. On the positive side, UTS is quite flexible with deadlines, and in most courses you can request a three-day extension without having to provide a specific explanation. I also had several online exams, which made the exam period less stressful. Overall, I found the professors to be approachable and supportive, and the general atmosphere at UTS was relaxed and friendly. The main campus is modern and pleasant to walk through, and the library offers great spaces for studying. One thing future exchange students should keep in mind is that many of the pre-approved exchange courses are introductory, first-year courses.

5. Every day life in the host country

I really enjoyed everyday life in Sydney. Getting around the city is easy because the public transport system is very reliable, with plenty of trains, buses, and light rail connections. It is also very convenient to get to and from the airport. Public transport is more expensive than in some other Australian cities, and unfortunately exchange students do not receive concession fares. However, you can simply tap on and off with your credit, and there is a weekly fare cap, which helps keep the costs manageable. Sydney always felt like a very safe city to me, and I never had any negative experiences. There is always something to do, and I found the lifestyle to be very active. Compared to many European cities, Sydney feels more like a morning city than a nightlife city. People spend a lot of time outdoors, whether it’s joining one of the many running or sports clubs, going for beach walks, hiking in the surrounding national parks, or meeting friends for coffee. The city also has a great selection of cafés, restaurants, and bars. If you do want to go out in the evening, there are still plenty of options, including, events, and nightlife throughout the week. I also really enjoyed going to the gym during my exchange. The UTS gym is well equipped, and the university offers a wide range of sports and fitness activities, making it easy to stay active and meet other students.

6. Testimonial

Looking back, I never expected Sydney to become my favourite city, but it truly did. My exchange was an unforgettable experience, I experienced so much in such a short time, met incredible people from all over the world, and made memories that I will always cherish. I would recommend this exchange to anyone looking for both an amazing academic and personal experience, and I would always choose Sydney again without hesitation.