Guest kel24 Posted May 9, 2011 Share Posted May 9, 2011 Hi there, I'm a 31 year old, single female from London who's seriously thinking about emigrating to Sydney or Melbourne at the end of this year. I was in Oz for most of 2008 and absolutely feel in love with the place. In fact, I've been dreaming about getting back out there ever since I landed back in the UK in December 2008! I work as a qualitative researcher and have been assured by various companies that sponsorship would not be a problem, however.... I'm becoming more and more worried about doing it alone Are there any other single British girls out there of a similar age that made the move? If so, I'd love to hear your experiences... how did/do you find Oz vs. UK? How easy/difficult has it been to make new friends? What advice do you have for someone like me? Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thanks x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petals Posted May 9, 2011 Share Posted May 9, 2011 Speaking about Melbourne there is a good group of young people who meet up monthly I think and if you look here in the Social and Getogether forum you will find a thread about these. You could then send a message to one of the members who I am sure would be able to give you all the information you need. http://www.pomsinoz.com/forum/socialising-get-togethers/113253-melbourne-cbd-drinks-saturday-28-may.html Also look in the Victoria forum there are others just like you who have posted there. For NSW just try the forum for that State as well. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kel24 Posted May 10, 2011 Share Posted May 10, 2011 Thank you! I'm very new on here, so still trying to find my way around! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest siamsusie Posted May 10, 2011 Share Posted May 10, 2011 A big welcome to PIO Kel. There are some single girls who have moved to Melbourne whom I am sure will give you a helping hand. Kathryn Hall has a social thread going for Melbourne, so maybe have a read there also. http://www.pomsinoz.com/forum/socialising-get-togethers/113253-melbourne-cbd-drinks-saturday-28-may.html Wishing you well for your travels. Susie x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huddy Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 Hey ! I am 28 and moved to Sydney almost a year ago (wow) its gone really fast. I felt the same as you, I have never lived abroad before and never even lived out of the same little town where all my friends and family are. I was excited.. but VERY apprehensive - I applied for a job in Sydney from the UK and gained sponsorship... I had never even been to Australia before ! haha,., Looking back a bit mad really !? I cant speak for Melbourne as I have only been there once, but I certainly can speak for Sydney - I love it ! I was totally on my own and through this website I have met some great friends, some going out friends and also a couple fo really close friends. One thing I would say about Sydney is, the amount of people that are here on their own is amazing and you never feel out of place or awkward.. its relatively easy to make friends IF you apply yourself to it.. I started goups on here, posted social meet ups and from that things snowballed and I met friends of friends etc etc. The best thing you can do is get out here and get into a house share, this can be a god send if you get the right people (the people were more important to me that the place when I first got here) Sydney is relatively safe on your own, obviously there are places you dont go - but otherwise I have never felt edgy here... well not like I would in Manchester or London - infact nowhere near as on edge. The lifestyle is great.. from the office you can be on the beach in 15 mins - the pubs, bars and reseturants are amazing and a new one pops up every day. I am single, here on my own and have gone through the last year with a lot of highs and a lot of lows.. but the highs for me have far out wieghed the lows. I went to fiji the other week for 4 days and I loved it so stayed longer - you cant do that from the UK. So in a nutshell my advice would be - If you are dreaming about coming here and love OZ, then do it.. infact do it now.... Otherwise whats the alternative ? I moved here because I didnt want to look back when I was 60 and say "oh well I had the opportunity, but didnt" and ya know what... if you dont like it and for whatever reason it doesnt work... you are only a day away and at least you could put your mind at rest.............. Wow.. long response there. Dont know if this helps at all, but they are my thoughts ! haha If you want to know anything specific - just ask Emma xx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kel24 Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 Thanks so much for your message Emma. It's great to hear your experiences, especially regarding Sydney as many people have told me it's quite a lonely city for newcomers (especially when compared to Melbourne), so to hear positive things is very welcome! You've basically reiterated everything that's in my head already, particularly the "I didn't want to look back when I was 60..." bit. I say that to my friends and family all the time!!! I've just been getting cold feet recently about making the move and need a bit of reassurance that I'll be doing the right thing... it's such a huge step. I'm not quite ready to make the move now (career and home commitments), but should be in a good position by the end of the year. I'll let you know when I'm on my way and perhaps we can meet up for a drink and a chat if you're interested?! Thanks again Kelly x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huddy Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 Hey Kelly, No problems at all, I suppose it can be a lonely city - but so can any city if you dont put the effort in to meet people. This girl and I that met when we got over here were saying that it was great how we felt comfortable doing things on our own out here.. going for a coffee, theatre stuff like that - I wouldnt dream of doing that at home in the UK. (people would look at you funny) . But meeting friends is easy and the flatmate thing is a must, Its a massive step, however when you have been here two weeks it just feels the norm - everyone I have spoken to feels the same as well.. its a strange feeling ! Yes for sure we will meet up WHEN you get here (haha) and if you need any help - just shout :-) Em x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2and3 Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 Gosh what I wouldnt do to be in your situation - do it !!!!! Whats the worse that could happen - you come back.....and you have had an adventure on the way. Go for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul1Perth Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 I've visited both Sydney and Melbourne and I much prefer Sydney. Both would be pretty expensive to find somewhere close to the City but being single and (hopefully) with a decent income I would get myself a decent place where you don't have to drive everywhere. Sounds like you may have made a good contact already. Sydney is great. I have had several weekends there and have walked around the City a lot. We stay in the Holiday Inn at Potts Point when over on business and have never felt apprehensive about walking anywhere, even around the Kings Cross area. Fair enough, you see some dodgy characters but there are some great pubs and clubs around that area too. Strange how that area in particular changes from backpackers places to multi million dollar properties with harbour views within a 10 minute walk. 30 minute walk from there and you can be at the Opera House via the botanic gardens. Love Sydney!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest VickyMel Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 I gave up what my parents called a "good job" and went and did some different things and travelling at that age - totally on my own. Yep occasionally I was lonely, but at the same time I think people were more likely to say hello, and I was also more likely to get chatty with others because I wasn't part of a couple or group. I think you will meet people quickly - or find ways to. Never regretted it, as 2and3 say - what's the worst that can happen you realise its a mistake and move back to the UK? At your age the world is your oyster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kel24 Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 A BIG thank you everyone! Very honest and motivational advice from you all... I think those cold feet of mine could be thawing I hope I'm lucky enough to meet people as genuine and helpful as you guys WHEN I finally make the move! All the best Kelly x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Slainte Posted May 21, 2011 Share Posted May 21, 2011 A BIG thank you everyone! Very honest and motivational advice from you all... I think those cold feet of mine could be thawing I hope I'm lucky enough to meet people as genuine and helpful as you guys WHEN I finally make the move! All the best Kelly x Do it - I'm, a 32 year old male and will be leaving for QLD in just over a week. I spent 7 months in Sydney when backpacking a few years ago and it is a very safe city - many a time I wandered the streets drunk (and sometimes on my own!) in the early hours and I never once felt even close to being in harm's way. I'm not sure the same could be said about the UK or Ireland (where I am from). Do it - what really have you to lose? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Dottielott Posted May 22, 2011 Share Posted May 22, 2011 Hi there, I'm a 31 year old, single female from London who's seriously thinking about emigrating to Sydney or Melbourne at the end of this year. I was in Oz for most of 2008 and absolutely feel in love with the place. In fact, I've been dreaming about getting back out there ever since I landed back in the UK in December 2008! I work as a qualitative researcher and have been assured by various companies that sponsorship would not be a problem, however.... I'm becoming more and more worried about doing it alone Are there any other single British girls out there of a similar age that made the move? If so, I'd love to hear your experiences... how did/do you find Oz vs. UK? How easy/difficult has it been to make new friends? What advice do you have for someone like me? Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thanks x Hi there I'm a single female too, wanting to make the move alone, but I have to go to Canberra, so these posts have been great to see what peoples experiences have been. Its just the giving up of the job, home and friends at this end to arrive in Australia with just a suitcase. All very scarey. Anyway, lots of helpful advice on this forum, so alot of thinking to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kel24 Posted May 22, 2011 Share Posted May 22, 2011 Thanks for your message Slainte. I was in Australia for 8 months back in 2008, but spent only two weeks in Sydney and ten days in Melbourne (it was winter and I was following the sun, so headed to Queensland!) That's why I'm finding it difficult to decide which city to settle in... your thoughts on Sydney are much appreciated Good luck with your move to Queensland - I absolutely love that state and had some great times there, I'm sure you'll be very happy. If only there were jobs there for me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kel24 Posted May 22, 2011 Share Posted May 22, 2011 Hi DottieLott - there certainly is A LOT of thinking to be done before making the final decision... I'm driving myself (and my friends/family) crazy talking about it all the time! This forum really does help - it's great to hear other peoples experiences. Good luck with the decision making! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pablo Posted May 22, 2011 Share Posted May 22, 2011 Hiya Kel I think going anywhere on your own to live and work is character building and confidence boosting,ive worked around the uk on my own and germany,being alone encourages you to interact with others more instead of staying with the same circle. Even when i was staying in a hotel full of brits in germany i would take meself out for a beer on my own,that way i had no choice but to pick up bits of german and to meet some locals,its good to get out of your comfort zone,even if being alone sometimes means you have to think on your feet a bit more,all the best with your journey,im sure you'l be sound! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PommyPaul Posted May 22, 2011 Share Posted May 22, 2011 Hiya KelI think going anywhere on your own to live and work is character building and confidence boosting,ive worked around the uk on my own and germany,being alone encourages you to interact with others more instead of staying with the same circle. Even when i was staying in a hotel full of brits in germany i would take meself out for a beer on my own,that way i had no choice but to pick up bits of german and to meet some locals,its good to get out of your comfort zone,even if being alone sometimes means you have to think on your feet a bit more,all the best with your journey,im sure you'l be sound! hit the nail on there head there mate.... he who dares rodders, he who dares Good luck Kel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pablo Posted May 22, 2011 Share Posted May 22, 2011 hit the nail on there head there mate.... he who dares rodders, he who dares Good luck Kel Yeah i do think its a good thing mate,im sure you've grown as a person in oz for instance,its just that bit more difficult not having mates around if yer hit trouble isnt it? I was working in Bath once,i went the pub for a cpl of pints dinnertime that turned into 3 hrs,so when i came out the pub me tools and level were placed against the pub wall:laugh:,sacked! now this was my first week,it was payday but the boss had a gob on and done one back to wherever he lived,so i had to wait a week to get paid,IF i was with mates i could have got a few bob off them to tide me over,but i was on me jack with a tenner in me pocket and no hotel to stay in,so i had been getting on well with the barmaid in the pub who had told me she lived in a flat above the pub:idea:,so i had to speculate me tenner on trying to cop off with her for a roof over my head till i got paid,so altho im no oil painting this barmaid looked like ronald bleedin mcdonald mate,awww the spit of him she was:yes:,translucent see thru skin as well,so i did end up staying with her,she used to play darts for the pub team,so i'd pretend to be asleep when she got home so i didnt have to do anything:wideeyed:,but she just shook me "awake" anyway the biaaaatch!:laugh:Awwww i tell yer,the things yer have to do to survive:wubclub:,but these are the things yer look back on and laff about arent they? oh yeah she had a flatmate who was nice,anyway the barmaid kicked me out a week later for trying to cop for her flatmate:policeman:,i'd been paid by then tho! but such are the joys of travelling alone... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pablo Posted May 22, 2011 Share Posted May 22, 2011 Soz Kel,sort of offtopic that,just emphasising that it IS different on your own,all the best:wubclub: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Ropey HOFF Posted May 22, 2011 Share Posted May 22, 2011 I was a £10 pom in 1977 and i was going out with 4 cousins, but i cried off, if i was 31 and single i would be off in a shot, you have nothing to lose and what a fantastic life experience it will be, best of luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Slainte Posted May 22, 2011 Share Posted May 22, 2011 Thanks for your message Slainte. I was in Australia for 8 months back in 2008, but spent only two weeks in Sydney and ten days in Melbourne (it was winter and I was following the sun, so headed to Queensland!) That's why I'm finding it difficult to decide which city to settle in... your thoughts on Sydney are much appreciated Good luck with your move to Queensland - I absolutely love that state and had some great times there, I'm sure you'll be very happy. If only there were jobs there for me! Thanks kel24. There are jobs available all over the country especially in the rural areas so you should check out QLD as I'm sure there are jobs you could go for there, especially in the Brisbane area. I'm no expert on what is available in the qualitative research area but check it out anyhow! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest slain Posted May 22, 2011 Share Posted May 22, 2011 so i'd pretend to be asleep when she got home so i didnt have to do anything:wideeyed:,but she just shook me "awake" anyway the biaaaatch!:laugh:Awwww i tell yer,the things yer have to do to survive:wubclub:,but these are the things yer look back on and laff about arent they? oh yeah she had a flatmate who was nice,anyway the barmaid kicked me out a week later for trying to cop for her flatmate:policeman: Hah Haa class pablo love that bit but things you do to get on counting down the hrs I bet you were Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gebb2k Posted May 22, 2011 Share Posted May 22, 2011 29 year old guy, from London. Looking to move this Dec / Jan, and I want to go to Melbourne. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 22, 2011 Share Posted May 22, 2011 Do it.. Do it ... DooOoooo it !!! Sydney and Melbourne beat the ****e out of smelly old london any day. But thats just my point of view :-) :biglaugh::jiggy: Go and see for your self..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirsty M Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 Hi Kel24, Sounds like you are keen to try something different. I would say go for it. I came out to Oz (Sydney) on a working holiday visa the week after I turned 30 and that was 5 years ago. Sydney is an awesome city in my opinion, especially if you are young free and single. You do need to put a bit of effort in to make friends in the first instance but once those connections are made you can be out and about as often as or as little as you like. I didn't know about this site until fairly recently but it's great for social networking. I also used Meetup.com.au and went to various social events that were organised in Sydney (not all booze ups) :wink:. I'm still good friends with people I met at these meet ups and incidently met my husband through it too! I'd recommend a flat share to get you started...there are so many nice suburbs to choose from. I don't know what your situation is but I rented out my flat in the UK just in case things didn't work out. I'm now living in Melbourne, and although it has a lot to offer, my heart belongs to Sydney. I'm moving back to the UK soon I hope, but I have certainly thoroughly enjoyed my time here. There is so much to see and do and it is a great thing to move out of your comfort zone. Best of luck to you whatever you decide. Kirsty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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