i will definitely meet some "real aussies" but at the end of the day, i'd still like to be able to kick back with some asian faces. nothing is worse than feeling the lack sense of belonging, even though i'm sure non-asian aussies are very friendly and open-minded. i have many non-asian friends here too, but we relate on a diff. level than those of the same racial background. it's hard to explain.
anyways. i'm sure sydney and melbourne are both great, multi-cultural cities where i will have no problem fitting in. i think my issue is choosing the right institution. what i look in a campus is some place that is not too far all the action.. i actually heard it takes about 30 min - an hour from Macquarie University to the centre?? that's.. far. i'm a city girl, not by need but preference, so i'd like a campus that has easy access to the city so i can explore. pardon my ignorance, but when i hear that Macquarie University is that far away, i imagine the campus to be out there by itself in the green, where everything around you is either grass, trees, campus buildings, and/or residential housings
i want to be able to walk around the city and stop by the cafes, go in the little boutiques, maybe do a little shopping here and there, etc.
30 min-an hour isn't all bad at all, but considering the public transportation will be my "car" over there.. it's gona be sucha hassle.