Moving to Melbourne happened in slow motion and all at once. While I confirmed my PhD program with Dr. Jennie Pryce at La Trobe University prior to finishing my Masters in 2021, the COVID restrictions in Australia greatly impacted my departure and start of my PhD. After almost a year of applications, insurance forms, and health tests, I was granted my student visa in December 2022. I booked a flight to Melbourne for January 23rd and though I had been preparing for nearly a year, I felt no where ready to move. I slowly started stocking my travel gear and organizing what I would like to bring with me. And, as the professional procrastinator I am, I didn’t start packing my suitcases until two days before my flight.
Honestly, selecting my most cherished books and knick knacks was the most challenging part of this pack since they were bulky and heavy. Somehow, I managed to fit everything (including my two hiking packs) into four suitcases and a backpack.
The process of leaving was bittersweet – sad to say goodbye to my family and friends, but very excited to start this new adventure! Luckily, I had the best airport drop off crew that helped me navigate with all my luggage.
My flights took me from Minneapolis to Dallas to Melbourne.
I left Dallas at 7 pm on January 23rd and landed in Melbourne at 6 am on January 25th yet the flight was only 18 hours… (yes, thinking about the time zones makes my brain hurt).
I was a little anxious about being stuck in a plane for 18 hours, but the flight went exceptionally well. Qantas kept me plied with high quality entertainment and lots of good food. I also got to share the row with the nicest Australian couple Michael and Eileen. They were lovely to chat with and share lots of advice for living in Australia!
Somehow all my luggage made it through the connections and to Australia (I had been warned that luggage was often delayed when traveling to Australia or New Zealand). I managed to wrangle a cart for the luggage and made it through customs without issue despite coming from a farm.
My labmate Michelle was kind enough to pick me up from the airport at 7 am – and she brought breakfast for me to enjoy on the car ride back to Korumburra, Victoria (just a little ways outside Melbourne).
I have spent the first few days relaxing and adjusting with Michelle and family at their farm. It was lovely to be around cows so soon after leaving home. On my first day, I got to help put back a cow who had broken out of the fence, and it felt like home. It also made me laugh that dairy farmers will always have escape artist cows as a common problem.
The abrupt change in weather was a little shocking, but after applying extra sunscreen, I have been enjoying the beautiful summer weather!
It’s been a wonderful start to my time in Australia – I can’t wait for the next adventure!
The Daily Laura 
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