International student guide to settling in Australia

Welcome to Australia! This guide aims to help you settle smoothly and make the most of your study experience in Australia.

Australia is a vibrant, diverse and rewarding country, making it a popular destination for international students. Moving to a country can bring about culture shock and uncertainty about how to start adapting. It is important to remember you are not alone in your experience with many international students going through the same journey as you.

Arriving in Australia

Once you’ve arrived in Australia, if you haven’t arranged student accommodation prior, consider staying in temporary accommodation while you search for your new home. Websites like Amberstudent, realestate.com and Domain can be a great place to start.

Opening an Australian bank account will be essential so that you can start to earn money and easily convert your money to the Australian dollar. Many of the top banks in Australia offer tailored accounts for students, so head into your local branch to get set up. Make sure you bring your passport or photo ID, proof of enrolment, proof of your accommodation and an Australian tax file number.

There are so many places to explore in your city, so open your maps and explore your local area to understand where the best cafes are, the closest public transport and plan how you will make your way onto campus. This will give you confidence when travelling and put some of your anxiety at rest.

Meet new people

It’s not easy meeting new people, no matter how confident you may be. Mixing with new people from diverse cultures and backgrounds can open up your mind and also help you settle into your new life in Australia. We recommend following your campus SRC or keeping an eye on the campus events so that you can meet people going through the same experience as you.

You can also join local groups in your community or on social media to meet new people and get involved in activities to introduce you to Australian life. There are so many free events held in every city, so check out your local city website to uncover the events near you. By engaging with local culture, festivals, markets and events you can learn about the local traditions and discover the diverse communities near you to enrich your experience in Australia.

Discover academic life

Log into your student account and start to utilise the academic support services offered by the university. These will include workshops on study skills, assignment writing, interview tips and much more. Making sure you can balance study, work and life is crucial, so ensure you develop a clear timetable to manage your commitments effectively.

Careers Connect is a platform that shares resume tips, current job opportunities and internships that could set you apart in your study and career journey. This is a great way to brush up on your resume and interview skills to help you get a part-time job.

Health and Wellbeing

Taking care of your health and wellbeing is important throughout your time in Australia. Familiarise yourself with the health services available to you as an international student and the services provided by your university. Your OSHC covers most medical expenses, but make sure you check and read the details of your policy.

Moving to a new country is an overwhelming and stressful experience, so make sure you seek support if you need it.

Remember, you are not alone in your experience. Enjoy the journey, embracing the challenges and opportunities that are presented to you. It is a one-in-a-lifetime experience that is immensely rewarding and there are many resources and people here to support you.