Anthony Murtland, TEAN Abroad: Australia Fall 2024
During my program I lived in an off-campus apartment right next to the beach, which was truly a dream come true! The apartment was shared with a few other roommates who were part of the same program but came from different universities across the United States. Our apartment felt like a resort; it featured multiple pools, a quiet lounge that became a favorite study spot among us students, and a full gym that overlooked the city. These amenities made it extremely easy for us students to fall into the active Australian lifestyle, but my favorite part was how close we were to the beach. From the building, it took about two to three minutes to walk to the beach, which offered warm beautiful water, crashing waves, and stunning sunrises and sunsets that became a cherished part of our routine. The location itself was ideal, we were in a central area with easy access to just about anything in walking distance. In the surrounding area, there was heaps of shopping, restaurants, and lively nightlife, so we always had something new to explore! The only minor challenge that I faced was having to prepare all my meals. Because I did not live on campus, I did not have a meal plan, which left all the cooking for me to do. At first it seemed a bit daunting, but the fully equipped kitchen in the apartment made the adjustment manageable. I quickly learned to plan my meals when grocery shopping as well as meal prep for later in the week for quick, easy meals in between classes or plans. The other TEAN students and I had so much fun cooking inside our apartments and the outside flat top grills that a group of us decided to make homemade Chipotle bowls one night. Overall, my apartment felt like a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience, making it truly an unforgettable part of my experience abroad.
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