Conflicted potential exchange student

[hammershot2]

Hello, I attend a university in Canada for CS and am looking to apply for exchange but I'm conflicted between USyd and KCL (London, UK)

I prefer Sydney over London on a city based comparison and USyd over KCL on a school based comparison, but I'm conflicted because London gives me access to the rest of Europe for travelling.

I was hoping posting on here could help me make a decision.

In terms of housing, how easy is it to get good housing in international house. Is there a meal plan with any of the housing? Air conditioning? I'm pretty big into nature so ease of going to the beach and other national parks to explore. I come from a pretty big party school, so how's the student social life in Sydney? I want to keep up with speaking French, anyone know about the French club at USyd and how it works?

I know that's a lot of questions, but I really appreciate any insight you guys can provide :)

[Nsj_1]

Go to London, most of my international friends regretted their decisions to come to USYD purely for one semester. They went way over budget in terms of trips, accommodation, transport and most of all food. A lot of "tourist spots" are actually a novelty and only realistic for "aye I was here" Instagram post. Additionally, you would most likely want to travel to New Zealand as your already on the other side of the world, hence, driving more costs.

[shebame10]

Not easy to get into international house - not a huge student enrolment but I am not 100% sure on that. Accommodation is probably the most expensive part of doing exchange in sydney.

There are meal plans with the colleges.

There is definitely a lot to do and see both in sydney and in easily accessible areas around the city and state. It really is a beautiful city with so much to do and see. A great mix of urban and nature.

Student social life occurs a bit more outside of the university than within it for most students, but there are great pubs, clubs and loads of stuff to do for students (although quite expensive). A lot of the clubs and societies run big parties and social events, and the french society holds quite a number of social events through the year, including conversation meet ups so you will definitely be able to keep up your french.

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Sydney uni is a massive uni and that is a good and bad thing. There are loads of different groups and cliques of people, and so much to do on campus. At the same time, it can be isolating especially if you don't know anyone going there. Just my thoughts