Is Canberra boring? What is living there like?

Hi all. Thinking of moving to Australia for grad school and hesitating between Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra. So I figured, who knows better than the locals?



Since school is going to be intense, I probably won't have that much spare time. But during that spare time, I'd like to be able to sit outside in cafes and parks on most weekdays (and not be the only person there), enjoy a nice weather, go clubbing every once in a while, go have a drink at the pubs, and meet educated people who are not afraid of cultural and ethnic diversity.



Also, the less religious, the better. No offense to anyone, but it's a rule of thumb I've confirmed through empirical observation in several countries. As the late George Carlin said, though shalt keep thy religion to thyself!



A lively city center with restaurants, shops, and people walking around is a must. That city center must not be deserted after 6:00 pm on weekdays, as in Philadelphia and Baltimore where I used to live.



I'm a male in my mid-20's and not American, in case you wondered, but I've been told I sound like one. And since I brought it up, what reactions to my accent, if any, should I expect? Would that be different in the three cities?



Thanks for reading!Is Canberra boring? What is living there like?
i dont live there, but the year 7s at our school went on a tour there. apparently it is boring due to all being about government and that but i here there are some nice resturants there...
From what you've said I think you'd be happy in Canberra, but also happy in each of the other towns. Canberra is not overly religious (though few large towns are now). It is the most educated of all Australian towns and thus respects diversity. I don't expect you'll have trouble because of your American accent.Is Canberra boring? What is living there like?
Canberra is boring for some. It really depends on what you make of it. Personally, I would pick Melbourne.
I didn't mind Canberra at first - no traffic and lovely trees, countryside and bushland. I stayed three years and the jobs are good and so is the pay.



Nightclubs and pubs are almost non-existent - the Phoenix is the best you'll come to an alternative pub and the Wig and Pen, which brews its own beer, is also good. But I found Canberrans insular, cliquey, highbrow and oblivious to the outside world. Sure they are rather well educated but that doesn't mean interesting. Almost everyone is a public servant and concerned with what APS level you are etc.



The place is deserted after 6pm - you can hear the wind ruffling the flags and wonder at the sound of footsteps coming from no where, while a few people loiter near the interchange. That's central Canberra after 6!



However, if you want to bring up kids and have a nice relaxing time, see the art gallery and museum and don't mind being isolated, then Canberra's alright and there are a lot of contented people.



As for your accent, us Aussies don't mind accents as long as we can understand you. But Canberra ain't too multicultural - try Sydney or Melbourne for a more diverse crowd and for a good party and music scene.
Hi!

Everything you want is here in Canberra! The ANU is the best university in Australia and is right next to the city centre of Canberra. The city of Canberra has great shops, clubs, bars, cafes and parks. There is even shops, bars, cafes at the ANU, which is a beautifull campus full of green park space. Manuka and Kingston just south of the lake is full of bars, clubs, cafes and boutiques. If you go to the right parts of Canberra you won't end up in deserted places.



Lot's of people in Canberra have no religion status.

No one will care about you so called american accent, all they might do i ask if your american which they wouldn't discriminate against anyway.



The good thing about Canberra compared to Melbourne and Sydney is that the university is right in the city and there is basicallly no traffic problems in Canberra.



Main shopping centre of canberrra:

www.canberracentre.com.au



Factory Outlet:

www.dfo.com.au/canberra



Some of Canberra nightlife:

http://www.canberrascene.com/



Edit:

Not to be rude but Polly was wrong about saying that almost all the population is in public service. Around 40 percent of the population does work for the goverment, including public servants, nurses, teachers, cleaners etc.



Canberra has a population of 330,000.
I would vote for Melbourne.



Canberra is ok and would fulfill your criteria for the most part, but when I've been there I've noticed a gap time. Between 6pm and until clubs open, there is hardly anywhere to get anything to eat in the CBD. The on campus bar might be open during those times though, I haven't studied there so I don't know.



Sydney is damn expensive, so either go to Canberra, or go to Melbourne where you get the same as Sydney for cheaper prices. I've never known race or religion to be an issue on a uni campus and no one is likely to care about your accent.
Canberra is one of the most boring places in Australia if you want to go clubbing, shopping, or do anything cultural you wont find it in Canberra, It has no city centre and even if you did count it it shuts after 5:30pm and doesnt even open on weekends, its weather is ok, only go there if your into a well planned city that works well. Id go to Melbourne but the weather is terrbible, so maybe Sydney, but it is very expensive to rent there



ANU is the best uni in Australia though because it has a very very very low amount of courses available there and i think all it really does courses in is teaching.