What I've learnt from studying abroad.

After a long and tiring day and a half hours of travelling, I'm finally back home in Brisbane. Over these past 36 hours, I have had a lot of time to reflect on the past five months of my life. I have learnt so much, about growing up and myself as a person. So I thought I would share with you some of the things that I have discovered.

I'm back. New year, better me.

Sorry I've been absent for the past few weeks, I have been so busy and have just not had the time to write at all. But don't worry, I'll make sure to catch up up on all my adventures! I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Now I know a lot of people don't believe in New Years resolutions, but I personally think that can be a great source of motivation, if you choose carefully what you want to change about your life. The number of years my resolution had been to "get fit" or "be healthy" is unimaginable, and I can promise you that it never lasts. I find that making resolutions more personal to yourself and your lifestyle in the best way to ensure their success. That is why this year I have chosen to bring back the independent, courageous, outgoing person that I have become in Leeds, back home to Brisbane.

I have grown so much as a person over the last few months, and honestly I like the person that I have become from it. I'm worried that when I get back home, I'll fall into old patterns and the old lifestyle I used to lead. Now don't get me wrong, it's not a bad lifestyle. But after living the way I have in Leeds, I don't want to go back to the way that I was before. I want to say yes to more opportunities and start have less of a reliance on my parents.

And from this I have also found that I want to travel so much more. I find myself nowadays starting to plan my next adventure before I've even finished the one I'm on. While I'm young and have no real commitments at home, I want to see as much of the world as possible, in the most authentic way possible. Try to break away from tourist hotspots, and be amongst the locals. As that's the only true way to experience a city, if you ask me.

Having this state of mind excites me for the incredible possibilities that 2015 has to come!

A weekend in Milan.

As my final weekend in Leeds for the semester, I decided that it was time to celebrate my academic year...with a trip to Milan! Italy is a country that I have always wanted to venture to, as Italian cuisine would be up there as my favourite in the entire world. As well as just eating, I have always wanted to view the phenomenal architecture and wonderful culture that this country has to offer. Milan would never have been my first choice for Italian cities, but I think after this weekend I have fallen in love. The city is filled with life and is just amazing in general.

A day in York.

As I had managed to stay in Leeds for the past few weeks, over the weekend a few friends and I boarded an early train to York. Almost everyone I have spoken to, both tourist and local, has insisted that a day trip to York is imperative...and I would have to agree with them. York is only quite a small little town, but my goodness it is adorable. The city is completely different to Leeds, still having lots of little winding streets and shops immersed within. Even though the weather was its stereotypical gloomy self, I would have to say that this would have to be one of the most beautiful places I have ever been too. I felt that I was just walking around with my mouth wide open. Oh, and to top off this amazing day...it started to snow!! How surreal.

Catch-up over lunch.

I've just sat down to have lunch in a cute little coffee shop across the road from uni, when it dawned on me how long it's been since I have written and posted anything on my blog. The last few weeks have been absolutely mental and jam-packed. So I thought this would be a great time to just sit down for a little catch-up with you all, and tell you about where I have been up.

A weekend in Edinburgh.

Yet again, I have spent another weekend out of Leeds. Our entire group ventured up north to the chilly town of Edinburgh for a few days to celebrate one of the girls 19th birthday. Now I have never been to Scotland before, but I had heard so many glorious things about Edinburgh. So when the trip was initially suggested, I was very keen to join. Even though we had a few BIG nights, we all managed to pop a smile on the next morning (accompanied by some trusty sunglasses) and explore this beautiful town.

Bonfire Night.

Every year on November 5th, all of the United Kingdom come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night. It was so lovely cuddling up in all our cosy coats, watching the fireworks explode above us. There was also a massive carnival across from where we watched the display. For everyone back home, the history behind this famous evening includes the arresting of member of the Gunpowder Plot, Guy Fawkes, while he was guarding explosives that were plotted to be placed beneath the House of Lords. Celebrating the fact that King James survived this assassination attempt, people lit bonfires around London, and years later it was made a National celebration day.

A day in Sheffield.

Today my friend and I jumped on an early train to Sheffield, and spent the day exploring around. Now I know what you're thinking, Kate are you ever in Leeds? However, I have vowed to make the most of the insanely cheap and convenient British rail system. So I have been visiting as much of the UK as I can while I'm over here. Sheffield is a picturesque little town, and we managed to pick an amazing day to come and visit. Upon our arrival, the streets in the city centre where filled with rides and carnival treats, as it was towns annual Halloween fair. A lot of shopping and eating was completed throughout our short stay, and the weather managed to clear up and was even a little warm. I know, it was bizarre!

A weekend in Machester.

This weekend I ventured to Manchester to visit my family friends that live there. Manchester is only a 1.25 train journey through the lovely English countryside. Also free food and accommodation, it would be a crime to decline that offer! It really made me miss a nice home-cooked meal, and lounging around watching television. Even though the weather was a little dreary, I was fortunate enough for this lovely family to show me around the greater Manchester and spoil me rotten for the weekend.

A formal affair.

On Sunday, Devonshire Hall students were undertook their first formal event for the college year. We were to all attend a formal Sunday roast lunch, where we would be in the company of our Warden, student president, and other noteworthy members of staff. Before this, a photo would be taken of the entirely of our residence in their formal attire, as a way to capture the wonderful year (or six months) that we would all spend here.

The calm before the storm.

Today I decided to have a look around where I will be living for the next five months. As it's only international students trickling in, the entire campus is extremely quiet and eerie, like some sort of ghost town. However there will only be a few more days of this peace, as before the week end is out, almost all students will have moved in and the campus will be buzzing with life.

The final preparations.

It's now getting to the pointy end of the countdown, only three sleeps to go. All of my paperwork is (finally) in place, I have had my last shift at work, and I am beginning to say my final goodbyes to family and friends. It doesn't feel real, that in a few days time I will be packing up my life in Brisbane and moving across to the other side of the globe...alone! All that is left to do now is pack. Something that I have been dreading and putting off for a long time. I think the main reason for this is because once I have packed, that means that this is all real and about to happen.

The First Step in a Somewhat Large Adventure.

Hi there.

Welcome to my blog! My name is Kate and I am nineteen year old student from Brisbane. About three months ago I received an envelope that I have been anxiously awaiting for....my acceptance letter to study at the University of Leeds in England. This was the main reason for me starting this blog, as I could keep my family and friends updated about my overseas adventures. I also love fashion, beauty, photography and food, so I think this will be a great way for me to share my appreciation for it.