Living In Australia
Australia is a land of diversity and culture. Living in a new country can be very different and your lifestyle is likely to change. To help you adapt to Australia specifically, we have compiled resources detailing what life in Australia is like:
Map and Climate
For international students from Europe and North America, the climate in Australia may take some getting used to, as the Australian seasons are opposite to those in Europe and North America. The climate in Australia varies widely depending on the area, as Australia consists of a variety of environments: from beaches to deserts to grazing lands to coral reefs. For international students from the Middle East and Africa, the weather will be suprisingly quite similar to home.
People and Culture
Australia is an extremely culturally diverse country. It is varied in its religion, language, history, and art. International students who study in Australia will find themselves studying in a fascinating and diverse environment.
"Living in a new country can be very different and your lifestyle is likely to change."
Accomodation
One of the first things international students will have to determine when preparing to study in Australia is where to live. The majority of Australian students live off-campus through homestay programs, in hostels, or rental properties. However, some Australian universities provide housing options, which allows international students to socialize with local students.
Getting Around
Australia is an extremely large country, making transportation very important. The public transportation system is very efficient, and international students should always be able to get to where they need to go, whether by bus, train, rideshare, bike, or plane. The most convinient being by train.
Money Matters
Tuition in Australia is generally less expensive than tuition in other countries like the United States or United Kingdom, but it is still important for international students to budget and be careful with their finances. Dining out is rather pricy. A typical Australian restaurant entrée is priced between 20-30 Australian dollars, which is often too much for anything more than the occasional celebratory splurge. Yet most cities have cheaper “fish n’ chip” shops where one can pick up a quick bite to eat with true Aussie flavor. While on the road and staying in a hostel, the truly frugal student can “adopt” leftover food from previous travelers. Most Australian hostels have an area in the kitchen for departing guests to leave any unopened and unwanted food. I often found an unopened can of soup or package of biscuits through this method “pass it on” food network. Basic living expenses such as toiletries and make-up are also quite expensive in Australia.
Leisure and Night Life
The night life and the pub scene is an integral part of Australian culture. From dancing to techno beats to having a beer with the blokes while watching footy, Australians of all ages converge together to enjoy the night scene. It is important to note that “hotel” in Australia means the same as “pub.” So, if you see a sign advertising “hotel” is likely not a place to sleep but rather, more likely, a bar. Also, Like food and toiletries, alcohol is quite expensive in Australia. There are various venues in which friends can go out and wind down after a long week of study and work. When journeying home after a night out, one can also sample some of the typical Aussie nighttime food and snacks. Stands catering to late night partiers feature food items such as BBQ,mince meat and pea stuffed shepherd’s pie are quite common.
Visa Requirements
The Australian Government allows people who are not Australian citizens or permanent residents to study in Australia. There are several requirements that must be fulfilled. Find out which forms you need and where to obtain them.
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