So, it’s pretty safe to say that my brain and body didn’t fully comprehend I was moving abroad, leaving behind my familiar city and way of life, until I was literally on the tarmac at Heathrow. Funnily enough, it was only as I stared at the HSBC building and the engines of the plane started to roar that I got a little teary (don’t worry, Mummy, if you’re reading this - I am fine now and was moments later!), despite all those hugs, kisses and messages in the last few weeks. Perhaps it was just a delayed reaction over closing my HSBC account a few weeks ago after circa 10 years?
Anyway, after finally landing in Sydney Airport after two fabulously smooth flights and impeccable service from Singapore Airlines, I was ready to begin this new adventure that I had dreamed about for a while, and everyone was so excited for me to begin. It’s only been a week so far, but I’d like to think I’m already starting to adapt, learning a few things along the way.
The sun is no joke
Okay, despite my first week in the city being pretty rainy, they’re (whoever “they” are) not joking when they say that the sun is different here. I am lucky enough to not usually get sunburnt, apart from a little on my nose and forehead, however, I wear sun cream to protect my skin from future damage. It’s not usually a big deal if I forget one afternoon though, even on holiday - well, until here! Within a couple of hours on my first day, the entirety of my arms and the bridge of my nose were the colour of a strawberry daiquiri (I realised, while I sipping on a mojito by the Opera House). So, first lesson: ALWAYS wear some sort of SPF coverage. The ozone layer is thinner over Australia, resulting in more UV rays reaching the earth and people’s skin here. And trust me, you can feel those rays for days after….
Pack minimal and buy
I was given this advice time and time again, but as someone who is quite budget-conscious, I didn’t really see the point in buying things I already had. In the end, I took what I could, and anything I hadn’t worn in ages, even if it was a summer piece, I left behind. Also, any cosmetics that were more than half used were binned, rather than taking up suitcase space. Because of this, I was able to enjoy hitting up Kmart Broadway, part of the Broadway Shopping Mall, buying all cute homey stuff, like bedding and towels, as well as some new clothes. Kmart is SO cheap, yet everything is pretty and decent quality. Another recommendation I was given was head to Chemist Warehouse for cosmetics; again, so cheap and there are a lot of familiar brands. For a quick conversion rate, remember AUD is roughly double GBP.
There’s always someone to help you out
… be it old friends, new friends or a stranger. I’m pretty lucky to have a few friends and ex-colleagues living in the city and, this week, I’ve sent so many ‘quick texts’ with the most obscure questions, from what’s the best moisturiser with SPF to what apps should I download so I can watch TV (9Now, 10Play and 7Plus, FYI - thanks!). Despite being a major city, it’s a helluva lot quieter and less densely populated than London, but for the most part, I’ve had attentive and friendly service wherever I’ve gone.
‘Home’ is never that far away
Okay, so technically, there are 10,500 odd miles between London and Sydney, but thanks to technology, it really doesn’t feel it (for right now, at least). I’ve had two experiences so far that have really honed in on how incredible technology is for being on the other side of the world: the first is chatting to my family on WhatsApp while on my flight; the second is video calling my aunt in the middle of the day (who is based in the US, 17 hours behind Sydney) and having a catch up with her, showing her the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. This was before I bought my Aussie SIM card; there is Wi-Fi nearly everywhere here.
On the recommendation of my friend who has recently moved to Melbourne, I bought an Aldi SIM card which, after topping up, is only $25 (£13) a month and affords you pretty great coverage all over the city, 18 GB of data and unlimited calls to 15 countries, including the UK. In the mornings and evenings, I have managed to maintain such regular contact with my mum, boyfriend and friends that it feels like they’re busy at work, so we’re just chatting in the mornings and evenings instead - and once I have secured a job, I will be at work in their sleeping hours anyway.
That said, while everyone does things differently, I feel like it’s good to put down some roots; be sure to nurture your important relationships back home, while also being present in your new place to make the most of the time abroad… this is something that I have been actively encouraged to do by my support network.
I have been extremely lucky with living arrangements in Sydney. Due to impeccable timing, I have moved into a central, well-priced room in a shared house, where one of the housemates is a really good friend (and ex-housemate) of mine. What’s more, the other housemates are really friendly and have made me feel so welcome that I’ve not once felt like a stranger or impostor. The house has such a good air about it; having a good home base where you’re comfortable is so important when every aspect of your life is brand new. A top tip another friend gave me is to bring some things from your room back home, so there is something familiar in your new space; for me, this was my dream catcher from Bali, a painting by my brother and my fridge magnets. Walking is a good way to get familiar with your new area; however, when walking for more than 10 minutes, one should opt for trainers rather than flip-flops (or ‘thongs’… weird), cos that shiz ain’t supportive of the ankles. I’m making sure that I walk everywhere unless it’s over an hour away. And don’t forget, it’s okay to feel lonely, even in your first week. With the rain, I definitely got a bout of the blues, but I made sure I got out, went to the gym and made a list of fun indoor activities I could do (FYI, there are a lot of museums and galleries here).
Say ‘yes’ but also do you
You’d be a fool to move abroad and not make the most of every opportunity that’s thrown your way - you may only get one chance to do some things, especially if, like me, you’re only planning to stay temporarily. I’ve enjoyed great food this week, connected with friends of friends, and currently have plans to go to the Fire Fight Australia bushfire benefit and volunteer at this year’s Sydney Mardi Gras, all things I’d probably have not done back home.
However, don’t feel pressured to say yes to everything and run yourself ragged. Not only may you not enjoy it all, but also, if you’ve not got money coming in as yet, it can be worrying to see your savings deplete. Strike that balance; while I’m constantly job hunting in my spare time, I’m also making sure I enjoy the time that I don’t have a job. When else in adult life do you get extended time off work without many responsibilities? I’m very thankful for this time off, especially with jet lag hitting hard in the first few days. Many 3am messages and 4pm naps have occurred this week… A friend, who previously moved from Canada to London, also recommended finding an activity that you genuinely enjoy doing by yourself, so that you can still go out, see things and have a good time, even if nobody’s around.
So, there you have it. I’m sure I will be learning a lot more in the coming weeks and months. If you’ve got any Sydney recs, or advice for moving abroad, let me know!