This will be a very controversial review…read more But I absolutely despise University of Melbourne. BIOLOGY COURSE: I almost feel insulted by how Melbourne Uni treats me as if I'm a little kid. Honestly, attending Melbourne Uni reminds of high school. No wait.. worse. Middle School. They literally hold your hand and bottlefeed you the answers. Let's take a look at the lab system. There are 2 major important parts of having labs in Biology: 1) For students to have a hands on practical experience outside of a textbook. Melbourne Uni does this fine - the lab facilities look great as well and truth be told I was really excited. I get a female boner from seeing a great looking lab. 2) TO LEARN TO WRITE LAB REPORTS. The purpose of a lab report is to get students to learn how to write one - meaning a highly detailed paper on what you did during the lab, how it impacts the hypothesis and/or theory of what you are doing, everything. Truth be told every science student will tell you that writing lab reports are a pain in the ass, but it's important. Real-life lab reports go into huge detail so anyone with the materials will be able to replicate the lab and produce the same results. How do Melbourne Uni labs work? They print out all pre-written lab reports and all the students have to do is fill in the blanks - like a 5th grade science work sheet. "Fill in your results everyone that you got from this lab!" How the hell does this prepare any students for REAL LIFE lab reports at all? WEBSITE SETUP: For a "world-class" university, Melbourne Uni's website is really a steaming pile of horse shit. Their portal system is in dire need of cleaning up and it often goes down as well. Prepare to have to call their student service help line if you need to get anything done! This happened to me twice. CLASSES: What a god-awful system of picking your classes and timetable. At my home university as well as all the other universities my friends have attended under the UC System, it is RARE that someone has a timetable clash. At Melbourne University, you're in fucking LUCK if at first try, there is no clash. I actually had to pick classes that I did not want to avoid clashes. STUDENTS: Granted, this is a blanket statement. I recognise that a lot of Melbourne Uni students are very nice and alright, but my god does the ego go to a lot of people's heads for attending "the best university in Australia". What a fucking feat! BEST UNIVERSITY IN AUSTRALIA GUYS HURR DURR. But honestly, I've met a LOT of students where their ego is overly inflated. You go to MIT? Okay, you are actually tough shit. You go to Melbourne Uni? You're a privileged kid who did alright in high school and was able to afford it. The amount of pretentious air I've heard laced onto "I go to Melbbbbourrne Unniiii" is absolutely incredible. Especially the science students - where their science courses are not difficult and the equivalent of 5th grade worksheets. To be fair to Melbourne Uni, the architecture is cool and its also in a convenient location right next to the CBD, but I didn't feel like I learned anything there. Going into STEM is supposed to keep you up late at night pulling your hair out and studying regardless of whether or not you have a social life to balance it out. Going into STEM in Melbourne Uni feels like a walk in the park. If you want an easy degree from "the best uni in Australia", go for it. If you want a challenge and actually learn shit, I recommend leaving the country.

There's a plaque on one of the older buildings at University stating: "On this site, on 21st April…read more1856, workers on this site downed tools and marched to parliament, marking the start of the eight hour movement" Something along those lines, anyway. I forget the exact wording. And that, to me, is Melbourne University in a nutshell. They're a venerable institution, with a long history and a beautiful campus. They also don't quite get it. They don't get that being on the wrong end of the eight hour movement isn't exactly something to be proud of. They're ensconced in privilege and, nowadays, in visions of profit as well. They've been doing thinks like using their position to try and subvert the ability of students to finish their studies under the partially subsidised HECS system, and there's few amenities available on the campus which aren't owned by large corporations. Still, a degree from Melbourne Uni is probably worth more than most other places in Australia, and they do have some amazing academics on staff.

Fitzroy Learning Network is located right opposite the Fitzroy Town Hall and provides support and…read moreeducation with a focus on those in poverty or facing social exclusion. FLN offers courses in arts, immersion programs, literacy, maths, CALD and much more. I had the opportunity to volunteer here through a program at work and am so glad I did! I helped from 8:45-1:30pm for a day - Frank (teacher) taught a class of about 10 that day and volunteers helped with reading, writing, and math skills. Don't be scared if you don't have a Masters in English or mathematics! This place is friendly and students come from all sorts of background and hardship. Ever try learning and living in a new country where you don't speak much of the preferred language or have not had the opportunity to learn about how to save or buy items at the grocery store? These are the things we helped out with and I would love to go back here again in the future as I met lovely people that communicated with their eyes, hands, and smiles. No matter what backgrounds students came from, everyone put in hard work and helped each other out though hardly anyone spoke the same language!

Our hens party was amazing at House of burlesque Minsky Malone taught us the art of tease class…read morewith i between breaks a hula hoop contest I would highly recommend House of Burlesque to anyone Value for Money

Sitting discreetly on top of Calico with the entrance tucked in the secret laneway behind is a…read morewhole other world... the world of Burlesque. Yes, it certainly has become popular over the last few years with burlesque bars popping up all over the city - but where on earth do you learn how to do it? House of Burlesque offers classes all throughout the week, including some you may not have even thought of such as; * The Art of Tease * Hula-hooping * Fan Dance and of course; * Vintage classic burlesque These classes are not only a way for a woman to have a few giggles with her friends and meet some new people, but is a way to inspire day-to-day confidence. Minsky Malone, owner and manager of the House of Burlesque is so sexy I almost turned for her. Confidence really is the sexiest thing in a woman! So if you are looking for an original hens party idea, want to surprise your man on his birthday or are just after a bit of confidence, you should definitely pay Minsky a visit!

This quirky little business has some amazing alternative workshops for adults…read more I attended kink 101 on a Saturday and it ran for 5 hours. It was very informative and you can see what you will expect on the website but it's all in the delivery. The organiser is very well informed about what he teaches and provides a fun, safe and comfortable environment for all who attend. I would recommend all who want to broaden their minds and take a dive into open exploration!

Workshops on wacky subjects are always a fun way to try something new and break into a new skill. I…read moretried the Kink 101 and had a blast! I want expecting to be too into it but ended up learning a lot and appreciated the opportunity to explore subjects like consent and safe touch. As well as the chance to 'play' with some lovely people. These adult only spaces aren't as intimidating as you would think. In fact, it was really relaxed and the facilitators were funny and interesting. I especially liked how queer friendly it was and pro-poly; or whatever relationship style really! If you are a bit more conservative you could go for the heteronormative group events or if you are a 'gender bender' there is a group for you! Couples and singles are welcome as well and as a single female attendee I felt very safe. At the very least, here is an opportunity to spice up your relationship with some new ideas and discussion. Bonus: most classes have a pay as you feel option above the flat rate of about $40

Adriane is a patient and intelligent teacher, who structures her classes well and is very welcoming…read moreand encouraging to everyone whatever their level of ability. Sian

From the owner: Boutique painting classes for both beginners and those with some previous experience. Classes are…read moresmall and informal, and students may join at any time. Night classes include wine and cheese, day classes coffee and cakes.

For nerds who love to look at the work under a microscope.read more

Okay, maybe this review is a bit biased because I am a Biology nerd. Okay, maybe it's a LOT biased…read more Any decent medical research center is okay with me - especially if it works to employ a lot of people from universities. It provides opportunity in the medical research center for up-and-coming scientists and has a load of research facilities making some pretty cool discoveries. Seriously, check out their website! I took a tour of this place and they really seem to be doing a great job. I came out really wanting a research position because the labs look PHENOMENAL! Room For Improvement: I do wish that they had a better tour program for people who want to learn more about what's going on. Right now they just have a couple of doctorate students who kinda-sorta explain what's going on. Casual and down-to-Earth, but it might be hard for non-Biology students to truly understand their impact. After all, funding isn't necessarily decided by Bio-nerds. They're decided by people who need to understand the importance of all the "boring" specifics of a lab as well.

From the owner: The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) was the first medical research institute to be…read moreestablished in Australia.