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.

A fortnight in London & Paris.

Over Christmas and New Years, I was lucky enough to have my family come over to England for two weeks to come and visit me. It was so lovely to see them after four months of being away from home. After being on a Uni student budget for so long, it was nice to be treated to nice hotels and meals for a fortnight.

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.

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.

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.

Getting involved.

The University of Leeds offers a club or society for pretty much anything your mind could ever possibly imagine. From food to photography, quidditch to skydiving, there is a group out there for literally every single one of you. Being a fresher, the university's Union really pushes and encourages us newbies to sign-up for and join as many different societies as we possibly can, which I for one think is a great attitude to have. After the initial overwhelmingness of all the different clubs, I finally decided upon four, which I think I will have the most fun in and get the most out of.

Afternoon strolls.

The sun is setting on my first full day in England. I'm back and have arrived safely...so mum you can stop worrying now. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful family who have been very patient with me, with my severe jet lag. I swear, no matter how much sleep you get on a plane, it never seems to be enough. I anticipate that mornings will be when I am most aware and functioning, as I will be waking up early for the next week or two, as I did this morning at 4:30am. This afternoon, my aunty tried her best to keep me awake by going for a lovely stroll through their local parklands.

Nineteen years into two suitcases.

My final goodbyes have been said. Today is my final day in Australia for 2014. 141 days until I will be back home. Waking up this morning I realised that it would be the last time I slept in my own bed for five months. Out of everything I have had to do in order to organise this trip, packing was definitely at the top of my most dreaded list. It's crazy to think that I have to cram my entire life into two suitcases. Nineteen years, everything I own into two suitcases, that's mad. And let me tell you, I've been struggling to to squeeze it in. I thought I would let you have a sneak peak into my bag, so I could show you what I'm taking.

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.