Semester Abroad in Australia: Studying at the University of the Sunshine Coast 🌴🇦🇺
From August to December 2023, I had the chance to spend a semester abroad at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) in Queensland, Australia – an experience I’ll never forget.
As part of my Master’s double degree in International Management, I chose USC not only for its academic offering, but also because I wanted to live somewhere close to the beach, surrounded by nature – and it was everything I hoped for and more.
✈️ Quick & Smooth Prep: From Vienna to the Sunshine Coast
Everything came together pretty fast after I got accepted through my university in Vienna, Austria. The process included:
- Applying for the student visa (around €400 – pricey, but simple)
- Paying tuition fees
- Organizing my accommodation and flights
I flew with Emirates (highly recommend, especially with the 10% student discount!) from Munich to Dubai, then Dubai to Sydney – the longest flight I’ve ever taken! Fun fact: I even got a free upgrade to Business Class on the first leg due to overbooking – not a bad way to start the adventure 😉
One thing I would do differently: I booked my return flight later, but in hindsight, I’d recommend booking a round-trip ticket with flexible dates – it’s usually cheaper and more convenient.
🏡 Living Off-Campus: Airbnb
Since I’m a Master’s student and already used to a certain living standard, I chose to stay in an Airbnb instead of the student dorms. Best decision ever!
A lot of other Master’s students did the same, and while I worried at first that I might feel a bit “disconnected”, that never became an issue. If anything, it gave me more independence and comfort.
Looking back, I might even have chosen a place right on the beach – because how often do you get the chance to live by the ocean?
🎓 Studying at USC: Relaxed & Manageable
University life at USC was very relaxed. I had classes only twice a week from 12–4 PM, and while there were quite a few assignments, they were easy to handle and not too time-consuming.
That left me with plenty of time to enjoy Australia, explore the coast, and connect with people from all over the world.
👋 Making Friends from Around the World
I met other Master’s students right away during orientation week. I was also lucky to have connected beforehand with another Austrian student who was doing her semester abroad at the same time – that made settling in much easier.
The international student community at USC was super diverse – mostly Germans, Swiss, and lots of Scandinavians (from Finland, Sweden, and Norway). Everyone was friendly and open – it was really easy to make connections.
🏖️ Life on the Sunshine Coast: Pure Paradise
The Sunshine Coast is just… wow. The university is about 20 minutes by bus from some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen. The entire area is laid-back and surrounded by nature – perfect for students who love the outdoors and want to slow down a bit.
The balance of peaceful surroundings, good weather, and beach life made it feel like the ultimate Aussie student experience.
🌍 Travel Highlights During My Semester Abroad
Of course, I didn’t miss the chance to travel. Some of the highlights of my semester included:
- 🌇 2 days in Sydney right after landing
- 🌴 Fiji trip during semester break
- 🌾 Western Australia during the holidays
- 🐠 Weekend trip to Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef
- 🌆 Multiple day trips to Brisbane (only ~1 hour away)
- 🌊 Great Ocean Road day tour from Melbourne
- 🧘♀️ Ending the semester with a beach trip to Byron Bay and the Gold Coast
Australia is huge – but even in just a few months, I managed to see so much of it.
💬 Final Thoughts: Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely.
My semester abroad at the University of the Sunshine Coast was one of the most enriching, exciting, and beautiful chapters of my life so far. If you’re thinking about doing a semester abroad in Australia – and especially if you want a mix of relaxed lifestyle, international vibe, and stunning nature – then USC is a great pick.
Would love to go back one day… but for now: thank you, Sunshine Coast 🌞
Have any questions about USC, student life in Australia, or semester abroad tips? Feel free to drop them in the comments – happy to share more! 🌏
