The first two weeks in Brisbane have been a whirlwind of new experiences and getting settled into a new routine. After arriving, we were greeted with an unusually warm +35°C, which I later learned is quite rare for this time of year—it’s still technically winter here! Coming from Calgary, where the sun stays up until 10 PM, adjusting to the early sunset at 5 PM was a bit of a mental shift, and it took about a week for my sleep schedule to normalize.
Acclimating to our living accommodations and learning the ins and outs of public transit kept us busy during that first week. I’ve always had the convenience of driving, so transitioning to using buses and trains has been a learning curve. However, there’s a silver lining: it’s given me the chance to see the city up close and personal, and I’ve never walked as much as I do now! The daily exercise is a nice bonus, and I hope to continue this habit when I return home.
One of the highlights of my time here so far has been exploring the university campus. The grounds are beautiful, and the staff have been incredibly welcoming, making the adjustment process smoother. QUT even organized a variety of activities for us, which has been a great way to get to know both the city and my fellow cohort. My favourite experience so far was a visit to the Brisbane Museum, which cleverly blends history with interactive art installations—right up my alley.
Looking ahead, I’m eager to strike a balance between social activities and downtime. The first two weeks were definitely packed, but I’m looking forward to slowing down a bit and enjoying more moments of calm amidst all the excitement. All in all, it’s been a fantastic start, and I’m excited for what’s to come!