QUESTIONS? CALL: AUS: +61 424 295 050
PK: +92 21 37452000 | Mob: +92 330 9777709Book Online Counselling

Edvise Hub

  • Study Abroad
    • Study in UK
      • Why Study in UK?
      • Study option in the UK for International Students
      • UK Admission & Visa Process
        • UK GPA Conversion Table
      • Education and Living Expense in UK
      • Student work rights in the UK
      • Affordable cities of the United Kingdom for International Students
      • Best Universities and courses to study in the United Kingdom
    • Study in USA
    • Study in Turkey
      • Why Study Turkey?
      • Study Options in Turkey for International students
      • Live in Turkey
      • Turkey Admission & Visa Process
      • Student Work Right in Turkey
    • Study in Canada
      • Why Study In Canada?
      • Study Options in Canada for International students
      • Live in Canada
      • Canada Admission & Visa Process
      • Student work right in Canada
    • Study in Australia
      • Why Australia
      • Admission & Visa Process
        • Australia GPA Conversion Table
      • Live in Australia
      • Student Work Rights in Australia
      • Colleges & Universities in Australia
      • Document Checklist
      • Scholarship Documents
    • Study in Germany
      • Why Germany
      • Best Universities in Germany for International students
      • Germany Admission & Visa Process
      • Germany Education & Living Expense
      • Student work right in Germany
  • Services
    • About Us
      • Our Team
    • Free E-Books Resources
    • Admissions
    • Pre Departure Briefing
    • IELTS Australia
    • Visa & Immigration Services
      • Student Visa Australia
      • Parent Visa Australia
    • Institute Selection
    • Airport Pickup
    • Resume Writing
    • Education Counselling
    • Career Counselling
    • Student Tax Lodgement
    • Health Insurance
  • Tests
    • IELTS
    • TOEFL
    • GMAT
    • GRE
    • SAT
    • PTE
  • Scholarships
    • Scholarship in Canada
    • Scholarship in UK
      • Masters Scholarships in UK
      • PhD Scholarships in UK
  • Degrees
    • Foundation
    • Diplomas
    • Undergraduate
    • Postgraduate
    • PHD
  • Blog
  • Our Mentors
  • Contact Us
SubmitForm

Adjusting to Life in Australia

by Hamza / Wednesday, 11 January 2023 / Published in Education Blog
Adjusting to Life in Australia

Table of Contents

  • Understanding the cultural differences, social norms and customs in Australia
  • Finding housing and transportation in Australia
  • Setting up utilities and banking in Australia
  • Accessing healthcare and other services in Australia
  • Adjusting to the climate and natural environment in Australia
  • Participating in holidays and cultural events in Australia
  • Exploring the food, shopping, and entertainment options in Australia
  • Managing your finances and budgeting in Australia
  • Planning for your long-term stay in Australia
  • Resources for international students adjusting to life in Australia

Keeping a positive outlook towards life is very important and part of being optimistic is seeing challenges for what they are and responding in the best possible manner. When you are young and move to a new country for your education, you will go through an adjustment period which is completely normal. Here are some things that you can anticipate during the first few months of your stay in Australia. This guide is like a pre-departure briefing that will give you tips and ideas to take the right direction during this adjustment period so that you can easily focus on your studies as well. 

Understanding the cultural differences, social norms and customs in Australia

Participating in a new culture and leaving the comfort of your own support system in a familiar environment is a very big challenge. If you come from a conservative environment and experience the liberal and multicultural culture of Australia, you will experience a culture shock. All the customs and social norms are different (be careful about the table manners and business meeting etiquette) and you will feel like a baby catching up with the accent and new words. In this kind of situation, what you can do to overcome these things is keep an open mind and accept all these challenges as an opportunity to grow and adaptation into society by taking the following steps: 

  • Be vigilant and observe the verbal and non-verbal cues during social situations. If you feel confused or lost, ask questions and be ready to learn. In these kinds of situations, a good sense of humour really helps in lowering your stress. The more you expose yourself to new people, the more you will learn about dealing with language barriers and communication challenges
  • Stay in touch with family and friends at home. They will be able to help you transition into this new life 
  • Dedicate time to yourself and maintain the self care routines that you used to have at home. This will help you keep some constants in your daily life while everything else is going through changes 
  • By finding support and building a social network, you will slowly build a new family and adjust well 

Finding housing and transportation in Australia

In order to find the best accommodation for yourself, your search should start before you leave for Australia. Rent can vary depending on the city you are going to. The place you look for should be affordable and close to your campus. There are several options for you to explore: 

  • Purpose built student accommodation 
  • Hostels 
  • University dorms 
  • Homestay 
  • Shared apartments 
  • Single apartments 

Out of these, a shared rental apartment is the cheapest option (70 AUD to 250 AUD per week). On campus accommodation is another affordable option but homestay ( which costs around 110 AUD per week) will give you an opportunity to stay with an Australian family while you study which means greater cultural exposure. 

For transportation, the first thing you should do is to get your student card so that if there is any campus shuttle, you can use that for moving around. Depending on the city you live in, you can get student concessions on public transportation (trams, trains, buses and ferries) which can save you a lot of money. Download the relevant app for the transportation system in your city. You can check this page for more details. 

australia

Setting up utilities and banking in Australia

In order to attain utilities and accommodation, you will need a bank account in an Australian bank to make transactions. You can do this online before going to Australia by choosing any bank as almost all of them offer concessions for students. For this, you will require: 

  • Passport 
  • Personal details 
  • Residential address
  • Student visa 
  • Date of arrival in Australia

When choosing the bank, see if the monthly fee is affordable for you and whether it has enough ATMs around the city. If you send money abroad, check that the international fund transfer money should not be too high. 

If you have a student card, you can get a discount for your cell phone SIM purchase. Get a good connection on your phone first. Then, choose the right electricity and gas plan for your home. After this, get a good internet connection by comparing the prices and estimating what would be best for you and the people sharing the house (if you live in a shared space). 

Accessing healthcare and other services in Australia

Staying healthy and safe in Australia while you pursue your dreams is extremely important. As you are an international student, you must have the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) which is part of Medicare (Australian public healthcare system). This is attained by registering through your university or a registered provider (for e.g. Allianz Global Assistance, BUPA Australia, Medibank Australia, etc.) On average, you will be required to pay around 438 AUD for this insurance plan. Most of your emergency medical and pharmaceutical needs will be fulfilled by this plan except eye care and dental care. 

Another important thing you need to get done before finding a job is register for a Tax File Number (TFN) and Australian Business Number (ABN) if you are planning to work as a freelancer. 

Adjusting to the climate and natural environment in Australia

Australia has an arid to semi-arid climate while the north has a predominantly tropical environment. Most of the parts of the country are warm, pleasant and mild which gives you an opportunity to explore the landscape. You can explore more about the temperatures of different cities during the year on this website. Every year, the climate does change a little bit but there are no extremes of temperature. 

Participating in holidays and cultural events in Australia

Part of assimilating in the culture is to look forward to and attend the cultural festivals of the country. There are many colourful cultural events that will make you fall in love with the country and share joyous moments with your friends and classmates. Some of these events are: 

  • Mardi Gras- this is a sign of the open minded and friendly atmosphere of Australia as it is a celebration of the different identities in Australia
  • Vivid Sydney- Light artists decorate all the landmarks in Sydney with lights that make the city look like a fairytale at night. Take a trip to Sydney and catch these sights with your friends   
  • New Years Eve- Fireworks at the Sydney Harbour are an amazing display of design and colour which is a perfect way to start the new year 

Exploring the food, shopping, and entertainment options in Australia

You will be spending a portion of your budget on entertainment. It is impossible to avoid these expenditures if you have a social life after university hours. Most of the entertainment options are outdoorsy since the climate is very enjoyable- going to beaches, bushwalks, hiking and having barbecues with friends are common weekend activities. Australians are also big on shopping and have a variety of shopping centres that offer good discounts. Some major stores to check out are Woolswirth, Coles, Aldi, Target, KMart, etc. 

Food is very interesting in Australia due to the migrants living in the country- there is pho from Vietnam, European espresso coffee and spicy curries from India. Australia is known for its high quality meat so remember to try their meat dishes. 

Managing your finances and budgeting in Australia

You need to have a very good hold on where your money is going. This might be the first time you will track your expenses but this is the best way of managing your finances and staying within your budget. Here are some tips to plan your budget: 

  • Record your income from your sources and your expenses (fixed expenses, debt payments and unexpected expenses)
  • See the difference between the expenses and income- this money will be used for leisure and savings 
  • Set a goal for savings and adjust your lifestyle accordingly 

Adjusting to life in Australia A Beginners Guide

Planning for your long-term stay in Australia

Transitioning from an international student to a long-term stay is a plausible plan. You just need to do what path you will be taking by knowing your visa options after the current student visa expires. Planning one year prior to the end of your graduation is a wise idea because you can save money and budget accordingly. These are your visa options: 

  • Temporary Graduate Visa- 2 to 4 years 
  • Second Post-study work stream visa type for students who studied in regional area 
  • Student visa (subclass 500)
  • Work holiday visa- 1 year
  • Tourist visa- few months 

Resources for international students adjusting to life in Australia

There are plenty of resources for you to address all your fears regarding this huge step you are about to take. One of the lesser known ways to adjust to this new life is to befriend alumni or current students of the university you will be going to so that they can give you mini orientation and tips. You can find these options to chat on the university’s official website or online discussion forums like Reddit. Book a session with our helpful mentors to figure out all the complications of your visa and moving process.

  • Tweet

About Hamza

What you can read next

Secrets to become successful in your first job
Secrets to become successful in your first job
Affordable Countries to Study Abroad
Affordable Countries to Study Abroad
Civil Engineering Industry in Australia
Civil Engineering Industry in Australia

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

A Whole world of Opportunities Awaits You

IELTS | PTE | TOEFL | Undergraduate | Postgraduate | PH.D | Select Your Program

Apply Now
Whatsapp Now

LASTEST POSTS

  • How to Make the Most of Your Study Abroad Experience Tips and Tricks

    How to Make the Most of Your Study Abroad Experience: Tips and Tricks

    Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity to e...
  • The Top 10 Most Popular Destinations for Study Abroad

    The Top 10 Most Popular Destinations for Study Abroad

    Studying abroad is a once in a lifetime opportu...
  • The Perfect Statement of Purpose A Step-by-Step Guide

    The Perfect Statement of Purpose: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Writing a statement of purpose (SOP) is one of ...
  • How to Find the Perfect Study Abroad Program for You

    How to Find The Perfect Study Abroad Program For You

    Understanding the Benefits of Studying Abroad S...
  • The Ultimate Guide to Financing Your Study Abroad Experience

    The Ultimate Guide to Financing Your Study Abroad Experience

    Understanding the Costs of Studying Abroad The ...
  • Plan For Your Career

    Plan For Your Career

    A college education is a gateway to achieving y...
  • Key Things to Consider When Choosing an Overseas Education Consultant

    Key Things to Consider When Choosing an Overseas Education Consultant

    Choosing the right education consultant can be ...
  • The Benefits of Working With an Education Consultant for Students and Their Families

    The Benefits of Working With an Education Consultant for Students and Their Families

    The reason why people invest in education is to...
  • Things To Do Before Studies Abroad

    Things To Do Before Studies Abroad

    Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity to...
  • Financing Your Studies Abroad

    Financing Your Studies Abroad

    You’ve always wanted to study abroad but ...
Study Abroad

Internships

Our Mentors

Free E-Books

EdviseHub WhatsApp

Ask our team

Want to contact us directly? No Problem. We are always here for your

  • contact@edvisehub.com
  • Call (+92)-021-37452000

About Us

EDVISE HUB is a dynamic consultancy company for education and immigration abroad. We have a team of highly professional staff who are committed to working together in order to provide unbiased guidance and counselling services to students who wish to study abroad… Read More

 

 

Study Abroad

  • Study in UK
  • Study in USA
  • Study in Turkey
  • Study Canada
  • Study in Australia
  • Study in Germany

Test

  • IELTS
  • PTE
  • TOEFL
  • GMAT
  • GRE
  • SAT

Our Services

  • Career Counselling
  • Institute Selection
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Admission & Visa Process
  • PhD Application Guide
  • Essay Review
  • Online Tutoring
  • Mentoring

Scholarships

  • Scholarship for Australia
  • Scholarship for Canada
  • Master Scholarship for UK
  • PH.D Scholarships for UK

Overview

  • Become a Tutor
  • University Profile
  • Country Profile

Degree Details

  • Foundation Program
  • Diplomas Programs
  • Undergraduate
  • Postgraduate

Important Links

  • Student Visa
  • Courses Detail
  • Australian 476 Visa
  • Guide on How to Apply for PhD Application
  • Reviews
  • Events

Get in Touch

  • Email: contact@edvisehub.com
  • Australia Office Level 2, 696 Bourke Street VIC 3000, Melbourne, Australia Mobile: (+61)-424-295-050
  • Pakistani Office Level 1 62-C Commercial Area 'A' DHA Phase 2, Karachi, Pakistan Mobile: (+92) 0330 9777709

    Landline: (+92) 021-37452000

  • GET SOCIAL
Edvise Hub

Edvise Hub © 2023 All rights reserved. A website by NIFTY Consultants. | Become our Partner Partner with Us

TOP
  • Book a Session
  • Study Abroad Program
  • Whatsapp

Mahreen Malik

Research Analyst

Responsible for conducting thorough research on financial markets, capital budgeting, accounting issues, business law, economics and management related areas. Driven with motivation and committed towards guiding students in their areas of concern regarding educational institutions choice across Germany, Australia and UK. I’ve been conducting research regarding new scopes, area of studies, fee structures and amenities provided for international students by the Universities in Germany, Australia and UK. Bring up your concern and let the discussion begin!.

 

Contact Mahreen Malik

*
*
*
*
*

Phone: (+92)-021-35896409

Email: mahreen@edvisehub.com

Fahad Shamim

Founder / Senior Education Consultant

Master of Science – Leadership
Northeastern University

Master of Commerce – International Business
Swinburne University

Master of Professional Accounting
Victoria University

 

Contact Fahad Shamim

*
*
*
*
*

Phone: (+61)-424-295-050

Email: fahad@edvisehub.com

Khurram Shamim

Senior Education Consultant

 

 

Contact Khurram Shamim

*
*
*
*
*

Phone: (+92)-021-35896409

Email: khurram@edvisehub.com

Kiran Tariq

Education Consultant

As a research analyst, I am responsible for researching, analysing, interpreting, and presenting data related to markets, operations, finance/accounting, economics and other information related to the field they work or study in. I possess very strong quantitative, analytical, logical and good data managing skills. Due to my excellent written and verbal communication skills I have been successfully presenting as a Career Consultant. From basic career advice to students of all academic level till visa application process, I take it all with successful acceptance rates. So, if you are planning to pursue your degree in Australia, UK or Canada, for promising results, I can be a perfect choice. Everything is possible at Edvise Hub domain. So, if you want a one window solution, come join us for better and bright future of yours.

 

Contact Kiran Tariq

*
*
*
*
*

Phone: (+92)-021-35896409

Email: kiran@edvisehub.com

Apply Now

textbox6000
textbox5890
textbox8253
textbox2061

‹›×

    Contact Mentor
    *
    *
    *
    *
    *

    Tutor Name 

    textbox8564
    textbox2412
    textbox8986

    ‹›×

      Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy