Torontonian in Melbourne?

Hello All,

I will be pursuing my masters in Melbourne in 2011. I'm really nervous and have never left Toronto before. I'm wondering if anyone has any insight on what it's like to live in Melbourne compared to Toronto. I pretty much love Toronto...will I love melbourne? I'm a really open minded person and love cultural diversity. I've heard that Oz in general can be quite racist. Is this true? What can I expect in Melbourne? Is Sydney or Melbourne more like Toronto?

any advice please!

Melbourne is like Toronto or anywhere else for that matter - if you're looking for racism, you'll find it. (eyes rolling). I'm of Chinese ethnicity and have not experienced any, there are probably more East Asians per capita here than in Toronto.

Melbourne is more like Toronto than Sydney.

There's cultural diversity, but because it's on the other side of the world, don't expect to see the same cultures (example: food from Jamaica such as jerk chicken, or for that matter any of the nations in the Americas such as food from Latin America, or some food you would take for granted from the U.S. such as real American-style BBQ or cajun or even something as simple as Buffalo Wings, is hard or impossible to find. People here are completely clueless when it comes to food styles from North/South/Central America and the Caribbean).

Hey hey,

I'm a Waterloo-ian and and I love it here in Melbourne. I've been here since November and it's been a second home for me.
The thing with the racism here is that aussies are more outspoken in their opinions than us politically correct Canadians, so it can be a bit affronting to hear a racist comment. Generally I would say that most people are very accepting of people of different backgrounds so you have nothing to worry about. Just tune out the ignorant people.
I agree with the above poster about the food. I finally saw a taco place for the first time in 8 months called "Taco Bill" about an hour and a half outside of Melbourne. Sausages here are terrrrrrible. I don't know what they think sausages should taste like, but make sure you find a good deli to buy them from because the ones at the supermarket are nasty.
Aussies overall are very similar to Canadians. Most are pretty laid back and like to have a good time. Melbourne is amazing for live music, pubs, arts, sport and pretty much anything you want. I am sure you will love it.
Hit me up if you have any questions!!

Jay