Melbourne is one of the places of my dreams. I can organise and enjoy my life in my favorite way, making it enjoyable and colourful. The city offers a vibrant lifestyle. A wide range of art, sporting and cultural activities colour life in this city. Some of these events are held regularly, like the Grand Prix motor race and while some are special carnivals such as the Commonwealth Games. It makes the whole city exciting. You can enjoy the exhibitions in a great number of galleries and museums. The most amazing thing for me are the fireworks and the program on the Yarra River at night during the Moomba festival.

I was most surprised by the trams in Melbourne. Trams enable me to touch the history and culture of this city closely. I suppose it serves as a symbol of Melbourne, preserving the mystery of the city and allowing us to experience the past.

I used to live with a local Melbournian which enabled me to become familiar with the lifestyle in this city quite quickly. I moved into an apartment near the campus, sharing with other two roommates which enabled me to take part in programs held by the university and to communicate more with classmates. My housemates and I sometimes cook together or hold a party to enjoy ourselves. From the experience of living with roommates, I've learnt to become more independent and to manage my own living expenses.

There are many libraries located on campus at my university. They not only offer various facilities, such as computer access, wireless networking, laptop loans, self-photocopying, but the libraries also provide a wide range of services, for example, language and learning skills and guides for software applications. If there are not the resources you want in the libraries, you can apply to borrow from other university libraries.

My friends and I always chat and have a rest in the Graduate Centre where lounges and discussion rooms are located. The Graduate Centres also offers 24-hours access carrels for the research students to study. The most amazing thing there is a gallery. You even can book it for practice and rehearsals.

The university staff and teachers proved to be more helpful than I expected, especially the advisors in the Diverse Service Centre for students. No matter what kind of trouble, ranging from the language to accommodation, if you get involved, you can obtain the assistance from the staff.

The most different thing about studying in Melbourne, compared to my country is that in Melbourne we are always required to complete group work. It requires cooperation with each group member, makes us learn how to express our own opinions better and how to persuade others or accept their points.

Secondly, lectures and tutors encourage us to think of the solutions to questions and problems by ourselves. Challenges to their arguments are always welcome. It makes me more confident to have and express my own opinion. The study timetable is also quite flexible. We can schedule our courses and our study periods in the way we think is best for us.

I have become a volunteer working in a heritage and conservation organisation, twice a month. Working with the friendly staff there, I have gained knowledge of the city's history and culture. Meanwhile, I have learnt and enjoy being able to provide satisfactory customer service to their customers.

I believe the most vital thing for studying and living here is the proper management of time. Since you will be confronted by a great number of activities and programs which may color your social life or interrupt your studies, you should be organised and plan your time.

When studying and living in Melbourne, you will always find something surprising. Therefore, the only thing you need to know, is to try your best, to enjoy and experience the lifestyle.