Amelia Chisholm studies within Queen Mary’s School of English and Drama. As a Turing Scheme grant recipient, Amelia is currently studying abroad at the University of Melbourne in Australia.

Amongst many, my main reasons for choosing to study at the University of Melbourne were the city’s reputation for being Australia’s cultural capital, the university’s beautiful Southbank and Parkville campuses, and the travel opportunities surrounding the city. Melbourne has an abundance of renowned dining experiences, art collections and exhibitions, leisure activities, travel opportunities and world-class entertainment. A few favourites of mine are the botanical gardens located south of the river Yarra, Hamer concert hall at Arts Centre Melbourne, and Supernormal Asian fusion restaurant.

Since moving down under 6 months ago, I have spent a great deal of my time in Melbourne, immersing myself in my new city, often by simply wandering around different suburbs in order to get a sense of what defines each suburb. Each suburb has its own quirks and is known for something different. Whether you are a keen thrifter and would love the many op shops dotted around Brunswick and Fitzroy, are a culture vulture and would enjoy seeing a show at Arts Centre Melbourne or visiting the National Gallery of Victoria along Melbourne’s Southbank, or enjoy the general hustle and bustle of city life in CBD, Melbourne has a lot to offer when it comes to entertainment and leisure.

The Turing grant has helped me hugely in funding my travels and has allowed me to take day trips outside of Melbourne, into rural Victoria and even beyond. To name a few of these places, it has given me the opportunity to visit Phillip island’s wildlife, beaches and nature reserves, explore Tasmania’s mountains and islands and taste wine in the Yarra Valley’s famous vineyards.

What to bring to Melbourne:
● An umbrella – it really is 4 seasons in one day out here!
● Something which reminds you of home (Australia is verrry far away)
● A keenness to try new things, explore and get involved in societies