[MTS]

Borders probably.

[Tsundoku]

Most of the major stores are selling it. Prices vary but not too much.

[Sindriss]

Wow, lots of awesome recommendations, I will try to see how much I can fit into my schedule. Problem is that they want me to study while I am down under, which will probably limit my possiblities. Although I know that the semester ends ultimo November, and my next one starts in february, so will probably try to see the most in this timeslot.
Btw, I will be staying and studying at Hawthorne since I am business major.

Good to see we got some active people down under, I will look forward to getting drunk with you. Danes are quite (in)famous for alcohol consumption, so I will enjoy experiencing how badass the aussies are

[Cold Iron]

There are actually two entirely distinct populations in Australia, those that support Aussie Rules football, and those that support Rugby. The Rugby supporters can be further broken down into Rugby Union and Rugby League supporters, but this is more an economic divide due to the historic ban on professionalism of Rugby Union players rather than a true cultural divide.

The influence of the Irish on Aussie rules football is apparent from the rules and playing style, which can presumably be put down to the large number of free Irish immigrants to Victoria during the gold rush of the mid 19th century. The settlement of New South Wales predominantly remained a convict colony at this time and was thus more heavily populated by midlands and northern English, as well as being more regulated and administered by the English crown representatives. As the popularity of the game of Cricket grew, winter sports were required to keep the Cricketers fit in the off season and the directions of the two major colonies were split - Aussie Rules football in Melbourne, and Rugby football in Sydney.

The influence of these two games has since spread around the country, with other major cities and regions becoming predominately players of one or the other depending on their history. Adelaide and South Australia is firmly aligned with Victorians, as is Tasmania and the Northern Territory. Western Australia is somewhat split but perhaps leans towards the AFL camp. Queensland is firmly aligned with New South Wales.

As you are moving to Melbourne you will be joining the Aussie Rules people. There is simply no other way to say this so I'm going to just come out with it - this makes you inferior.

[MTS]

Cold Iron, on 16 March 2010 - 11:19 PM, said:

As you are moving to Melbourne you will be joining the Aussie Rules people. There is simply no other way to say this so I'm going to just come out with it - this makes you inferior.

The mere fact that you feel compelled to say this proves that you are, in fact, the inferior one.

[Cold Iron]

I felt compelled only out of obligation to our poor Dutch visitor who can't be expected to know any better.

[Sindriss]

Dutch? Dutch????

I'm a bloody viking damn it! Or descesting from them at least

Anyway, here is an update on my journey. There is around two months until I leave the safe zone of Denmark and move to Aussieland. I am not sure the realization of that has completely sunk in yet, but I guess that is quite common for major changes. You don't realize it up until the point of you actually doing it. And damn, but I should spend more time seeking money from funds, instead of working and training. Stupid!

Also, got a new question for our australian colleges. What does it cost to take an australian driverslicense, how long does it take and would it transfer to Europe? I am quite sure that it would work up here, but always good to get second opinions.

[Centzon Totochtin]

no idea about transferring licences, but it costs around $100 in most states to get a licence (I think... had mine for a while now, might have gotten more expensive)

http://australia.gov...on-and-licences - this should help you

[MTS]

This might help you out.

http://www.australia...s_licensing.htm

$100 Centz? That sounds a bit steep...are you including any testing?

This post has been edited by MTS: 17 April 2010 - 09:31 AM

[Centzon Totochtin]

possibly, though my last renewal was definitely over $100, though that was for 5 years,.

[caladanbrood]

If you have a Danish Licence, you ought to be able to apply for an international one.

I don't know what the regulations are in Denmark, but here is a UK site, you might be able to find something similar? http://www.theaa.com/getaway/idp/ - Australia accepts an IDP 1949, apparently

[Sindriss]

Thanks for the help guys, but I think you misunderstand. I don't have a drivers license at the moment to transfer to Australia, since I haven't taken it at all. It cost around 1300 euro, and I heard it was a lot cheaper to take in Australia.

[MTS]

1300 EURO?! You're damn right it's cheaper here.

Dunno if you'll be able to get a full license then mate. If you've had a learner's permit or whatever in Denmark then you might be able to get your P plates (probationary license). Not sure about that one.

[caladanbrood]

Doesn't it take a few years to get a full licence in Aus? Even after you pass your test I remember there being a second level that's like a proper licence? Might be this probational thing MTS said...

[MTS]

caladanbrood, on 18 April 2010 - 11:37 AM, said:

Doesn't it take a few years to get a full licence in Aus? Even after you pass your test I remember there being a second level that's like a proper licence? Might be this probational thing MTS said...

Yeah, you have your learner's permit (L plates) for at least 6 months, then you have around 3-4 years on your P plates (probationary license) - in some states there are restrictions, like can only carry 1 person from 16-20 after 6 or something like that, then you get your full license.

I wouldn't worry about not having a license if you can't get it though Sin, the trains/trams in Melbourne are generally ok.

[Chiggerflea]

Hey Sindriss, welcome to Melbourne.

If you've got some money to throw around, and you're into the culinary arts, Melbourne is great for that. And you've no doubt heard about the bar culture here. Haven't explored much of Melbourne personally, but there is a tourist information centre at Federation Square, plus random old people in red uniforms who can help you out if you ever get lost in the city.

In Summer, you should check out some of the beaches SE of the city (Mornington Peninsula, or even as far south as Portsea). Or you could go west and do the Great Ocean Road for a few nights. There are also wineries in the country if you're into that.

If you're keen on Sydney... as a former Sydneysider of over 20 years, i'm qualified to say it's a big tourist trap. A big expensive tourist trap. Helps if you know people who can show you around and feed you. However, if you love the sea as much as i do, there are amazing beaches from the Shire (south) up to the Northern Beaches. And yes the Harbour is pretty. More fun if you just go exploring along the cliffs surrounding the Harbour than doing a tourist thing. Getting around Sydney on public transport is an aggravating, slow and often nauseatingly olfactory experience. It's cheap(ish), but you have been warned.

There are heaps of other Scandinavians in Melbourne studying or working (i'm living with a Norwegian student myself), so you'll easily find a network of people who can help you out and relate to you.

Feel free to PM me if you need advice about anything while you're down here. I don't check these forums often, but i'm currently re-reading the series and will probably have a few questions to ask.

[Sindriss]

I might take you up on that offer at some point Chigger

At the moment I don't have a lot planned out yet, as I think I'll do most of my tourist sightseeing when I finish the studies in late november. Until then I think most time will be consumed by the studies, I heard that Swinburne University is a real timestealer with regards to homework and class stuff (at least at hawkthorn).

@Drivers license: Maybe it would be possible to take the first primary test and then I would transfer that to Denmark. We only use two tests, one for rules and legislation and then an actual drivers test. And then you spend time in classes being taught the rules and you use some hours driving around with a teacher.
If the primary test is similar in .au then I can probably use that to gain full drivers license in dk. Of course I will investigate if it is actually possible before I spend any money, but I reckon there is a good chance.

By the way, I have a question regarding housing. At the hawthorne campus, they want around 240-280 for 1 room per week I think, which seems insanely expensive to me. Is the housing just generally that expensive at universities or close to them in melbourne, or are they trying to earn a lot of money from me?

[Centzon Totochtin]

If you don't have a license over there, you probably wont be able to go for your test here, you may be able to get your leaners permit, but probably not worth it.

Housing, no idea about melbourne, but that seems a bit steep if it isn't a self contained place.

[Adjutant Stormy~]

Just don't get punched in the nads by the locals wildlife while you're there.

[MTS]

Sindriss, on 18 April 2010 - 05:45 PM, said:

By the way, I have a question regarding housing. At the hawthorne campus, they want around 240-280 for 1 room per week I think, which seems insanely expensive to me. Is the housing just generally that expensive at universities or close to them in melbourne, or are they trying to earn a lot of money from me?

Depends. Does that include food? If so, from what I've heard from high school mates, that's ok for a catered college. At my uni people are paying upwards of $300 for a shoebox. So yeah, uni housing is ludicrously expensive for what you get. In Hawthorn you might be able to find cheaper housing around the campus, but I wouldn't bet on it.