Starting from scratch in a place where even the birds have an accent? Terrifying. But let’s be honest, it’s also a ton of fun (most of the time)!
Picture this: I’m stepping off the plane in Australia, a country where kangaroos might just outnumber people, and where even the smallest bugs seem like they’ve been hitting the gym. I came here for my higher studies on a full scholarship, which sounds fancy, but let’s break it down—moving to a country where I knew absolutely no one? Wild. But it’s also the best decision I’ve ever made.
Let’s rewind a bit. The moment I got that acceptance letter, I was over the moon. But reality hit me like a boomerang (because, Australia). Packing up my life into two suitcases and a carry-on, saying goodbye to everyone I knew, and hopping on a flight to the other side of the globe was both exhilarating and terrifying. I mean, I was trading my familiar Mumbai streets for places where people casually use words like “arvo” and “brolly.” What even is an “arvo”?
Landing in Brisbane, I was hit with the realisation that I was completely on my own. There’s something about knowing that the nearest person who knows your name is literally thousands of miles away that really makes you question your life choices. But then again, it also makes you feel like a total badass.
First things first: finding my way around. Navigating a new city is hard enough when you can read the street signs, but when everything sounds like a tongue twister? Good luck. My first day in the city, I got lost so many times (not that I’m any better now), almost boarded the wrong bus, and learned the hard way that “thongs” in Australia are definitely not what I thought they were. Spoiler: they’re flip-flops.
Making friends in a new country is also a unique experience. Imagine trying to crack jokes when you’re not entirely sure if the slang you just used is offensive or not.
But once I got the hang of things, I realised that Aussies are some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. They’ll happily chat with you over a coffee—or as they say, a “cuppa”—and they’re always up for a laugh. It’s like being in on a giant inside joke that you didn’t know you were a part of.
It’s like being handed a blank canvas and all the colors in the world—except in this case, the canvas is your life and the colors are…well, probably kangaroo-themed.
Of course, it hasn’t all been sunshine and rainbows. There have been moments when I’ve felt homesick, when I’ve missed the comfort of familiar faces and places. But those moments are far outweighed by the excitement of discovering something new every single day. Whether it’s trying out Vegemite or figuring out how to navigate the public transport system without looking like a complete tourist, there’s always something happening that keeps me on my toes.
Living in Australia has also given me a new appreciation for the little things. At the end of the day, moving to Australia has been the most daring and rewarding decision I’ve ever made. It’s pushed me out of my comfort zone, taught me to adapt, and given me stories that I’ll be telling for years to come. And the best part? This is just the beginning of the adventure.