Living in Australia

Insurance

As an international student, you will have attained Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) insurance. But, to increase your level of insurance coverage, you might also want to invest in other forms of insurance. For example, travel insurance will offer protection if your airline cancels your flight and you need accommodation or you the airline loses your luggage. It also covers you are somehow injured on your travel. Another useful insurance is contents insurance. It will cover the cost of your valuable items in your home (i.e. TV, game consoles, jewellery and furniture). Lastly, third party car insurance is compulsory in Australia if you own a car or motorbike. This provides with insurance against damage caused to other cars. An additional insurance is recommended for vehicle holders. It is the comprehensive car insurance and it covers damage to your car in the event of an accident.


Tipping

Tipping is not compulsory in Australia. Yet, if you’d like to show appreciation for good service, you can tip food and drink waiters up to 10 per cent of the bill. Likewise, you don’t need to tip taxi drivers, but you can leave a small tip for efficient service if you choose.

Living in Australia as an international student


Shopping

There will be lots of opportunity to shop in Australia when you arrive. Australia features many large shopping malls in the town centres and capital cities. You will find a selection of world-class shopping facilities. Shopping hours vary but generally are from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm seven days a week (with late-night shopping until 9.00 pm on Thursday or Friday). Also, some supermarkets open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Others, like Coles and Woolworths, are open until about 10pm every day.


Banks

In Australia, there are four major banks including: Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, Westpac and National Australia Bank (NAB).Tthey each have many branches across the country. In addition to these banks, there are plenty of smaller banks with good coverage (as well as credit unions) and large international banks such as ING, Citibank and others.

Banks in Australia are open during normal trading hours from 9.30 am to 4.00 pm Monday to Thursday and 9.30 am to 5.00 pm on Friday. You can also find some banks open on Saturday mornings, but all banks close on Sundays and public holidays. If you need to access your bank account after hours, you can use the many Automatic teller machines (ATMs) that are readily available for withdrawals 24 hours a day. Lastly, most stores and supermarkets have Electronic Funds Transfer At Point of Sale (EFTPOS) terminals where you can pay for goods directly. For this reason, carrying large amounts of cash with you is unnecessary.


Postal services

If you need to send mail or pay a utility bill (like electricity, telephone or gas bill), you will need to go to an Australia Post office. They also sell stationery, post bags, phone cards and stamps and office equipment like fax machines. Another service they offer is delivering mail. This happens once a day from Monday to Friday. If you receive a card from Australia Post for a large parcel, just take it to your nearest post office for collection. You might also need ID with you to claim the parcel as yours.

There are many Australia Post branches throughout Australia. Australia’s postal service is reliable and efficient. You can purchase a special next day delivery service within the same city or to other major cities around Australia. Most post offices are open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday.


Telephones

Australia has a reliable and modern communications system. It costs 50 cents for a local phone call from a public payphone (using change or a phone card you can buy at a newsagency) and about 30c from private lines (depending on which telephone provider you use as there are several). In general, these calls are not timed. However, interstate and international call costs will vary. In this way, be sure to know the cost of the call before you make an interstate or international call so you don’t run up an expensive bill.

If you would like a cheaper way of making phone calls, and you have broadband access at home, you can look into setting-up a VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) plan for your calls. They can offer considerable cost saving plans if you intend to use the phone often.

Mobile phones are another good way to keep in contact with people as you travel. There are mobile phones and plans to suit every budget. Be sure to shop around before committing to a plan (these can last up to two years) or buy a prepaid service to cap your call costs. It’s a great option for students with limited funds. Basically, you pay for the phone handset upfront (i.e.  buy a basic phone for under $100), and then purchase credit that can be used for several months. However, if you look carefully, you might find some plans that cost as little as $20 a month. These are great if you mainly use message text (i.e. SMS). Try visiting the telephone service providers direct to compare their deals. Some service providers in Australia are: Telstra, 3, Virgin Mobile, Vodaphone and Optus.


Internet

As an international student, you will more than likely be using the internet for researching or catching-up with friends. You’ll be glad to know that Australia has hundreds of Internet Service Providers. Depending on your needs, plans vary in services and costs.  To find an appropriate plan, visit broadbandguide.com.au. Also, take into account whether broadband services are available in your area. If not, you may need to use the slower dial-up service. Dial-up Internet is available everywhere (but you can also get cable, ADSL and satellite broadband). Cable and ADSL are generally available in most capital cities and large regional centres, but if you live in a more rural centre your best option for a fast Internet connection might be to go satellite.


Libraries

To join the library, you will need your ID to complete a membership card. Most public libraries in Australia are well-stocked and serviced. This is a great place for you to study. So, aside from using your institution’s libraries, you may find public libraries are great place to work and meet new friends. Generally, most public libraries are open six days a week. They are usually closed on Sunday. You can find books, CDs, DVDs, newspapers, magazines, journals and ebooks. Also, if your library does not have what you are looking for, you can usually ask them to order it for you from another library. And lastly, borrowing items is free! But take note, if you’re late returning a book, you will be required to pay a late fee before you’re allowed to borrow again.
 

Television

Watching television can be a great way to relax. Australia has five free-to-air analog channels. (The free-to-air digital network is expected to expand from March 2009 -- adding another 15 digital channels in addition to the existing ones).  If you want more programmes, you can try the dozens of pay-TV channels. For a monthly subscription fee, you can access these additional channels through Foxtel, Austar, Select TV and several others.


Newspapers

To keep up to date with daily news and events, there are a variety of news publications available. Australia’s national paper is called The Australian. There are other regional papers too, including:

•    The Sydney Morning Herald
•    The Melbourne Age
•    The Brisbane Courier Mail
•    The Canberra Times
•    The Adelaide Advertiser
•    The West Australian
•    The Northern Territory News
•    The Hobart Mercury

You can also source locally produced foreign-language newspapers at your larger newsagencies. Some international papers can also be found at these selected newsagencies.


Multicultural community groups

A good way to build your social network and find support when you first arrive in Australia as an International student is by joining a group associated with your home community. It might also be a wonderful way of introduce new friends to your culture and heritage. To contact a local group that you might be interested in joining, try visiting one of the following websites:

•    Australian Capital Territory www.communitiesonline.org.au
•    New South Wales www.communilink.org.au
•    Victoria www.multicultural.vic.gov.au
•    Western Australia www.multicultural.online.wa.gov.au
•    Tasmania www.tas.gov.au/tasmaniaonline
•    Queensland www.multicultural.qld.gov.au
•    South Australia www.multicultural.sa.gov.au
•    Northern Territory www.nt.gov.au/dcm/multicultural


Making friends

One of the best aspects on being an international student is gaining new friendships from people around the world. In fact, having a good social network is key to enjoying your time in Australia, Friends can help support you, share leisure time with you, and give you people to share feelings and experiences with. The wonderful news is that when you start your studies, you’re going to be surrounded by people who are just like you! They will be about the same age as you, possibly the same interests if you’re taking the same classes, and can emphasize with having the same study pressures. This shared experience can go a long way in creating opportunities to connect with new people and form new friendships. Take the time to talk to people. Friendships are rarely formed overnight, but after a few days or weeks of bumping into each other around school, college or university, those brief conversations might flower into friendships! So strike up a conversation where you can. Don’t be afraid to ask people at school to have a coffee with you or catch up during lunch. Before you know it, you’ll have a new friend and possible many more as time goes on.

Where and how to find new friends
Wherever there are people, there’s a chance to start a friendship. Here are some tips:

•    You could try joining a clubs on campus such as: sporting clubs, drama clubs, cooking clubs, reading clubs, cultural clubs, book clubs, chocolate-lovers clubs, English clubs etc. Also, while it might be easier to make friends with people from your home country, you’ll do yourself a favour by making an effort to reach out to Australian students and people from other countries. This will enrich your social skills and network. In particular, your Australian friends will help you to quickly adjust with your new home in Australia, and you’ll improve your English skills very quickly. Practice makes perfect!

•    Look around your community for other events. Australia has a huge culture and arts community. See your local paper or education/ community board for: film nights, music nights, trivia nights, joining a local sporting team, religious group activities, community volunteer work, music nights, online discussion groups for your institution and dance/ social nights.

•    Talk to people. Not everyone you know may turn into a life-long buddy, but you’ll increase your chances in gaining new friends.

•    Remember to make eye contact with people, and smile. The friendlier you are the more people are likely to respond to you in a positive way.

•    Make small talk with people. Discuss the weather, the class you just had and make sure you tell them your name. Generally, people will respond with their own name, and this familiarity will make it easier to talk to them next time.

•    If you ask people to coffee, see if share any common interests (like a favourite TV show, a band, a love of animals). If you find a common interest, see if you can suggest an outing or opportunity to discuss your interests further. If you want to take things slow, until you’re comfortable with speaking to the new person, ask to exchange email addresses. You could suggest helping each other study for a class you have together.

•    And lastly, don’t be discouraged if your initial effort in making new friends is challenging. It takes time to build friendships. So, if someone isn’t responding to your efforts to make friends, try not to take offence: that person could be really stressed with work or have a major problem on their mind. Others take a long time to open up to new people, are shy or aren’t looking for more friends. The again, some people like to keep to themselves and focus just on study. Everyone is totally different, and you’ll need to respect their differences and boundaries. But eventually, you’ll find a group of people that you can socialize with together. So, let things happen naturally. Don’t force the friendship. However, if you’re finding it hard to make friends and it’s making you upset, speak to your institution’s guidance counsellor. They’ll understand how challenging it can be at times for an international student to make friends. They’ll help you find a way to engage with others and expand your social network.  They may know someone in the same situation who you might get along with!

Culture and society

Australia is considered a comparatively liberal society. Australians are also pretty informal bunch (which can take some adjustment), especially if you are more accustomed to a different set of social rules and etiquette. However, Australians generally value politeness and friendliness. Aside from general social niceties, there aren’t obvious characteristics of Australian culture which you should adhere accommodate: however, we’ve placed together some handy tips on Australian culture to help you along with your transition into Australia’s society as an international student:

• When addressing people, Australian’s usually use the first name. This is especially true for addressing people of your own age (or younger).
• As a matter of courtesy, when speaking to people older than you, you can call them Mr, Mrs or Ms followed by their surname until you know them well (or they ask you to address them by their first name).
• A standard formal greeting when you first meet someone is “good morning”, “good afternoon” and “good evening” formal greetings.
• Informal greetings for friends and acquaintances are hello or hi.
• Always say “please” and “thank you” when requesting something
• When you receive your requested item, it is good etiquette say “thank you” when anything is provided to you.
• Try to leave at least an arm’s length of space between you and another individual.
• Casual dress is customary in Australian. Unless you’re attending a formal event. However, feel free to dress in the way you feel is culturally appropriate for you.
• Australians queue in lines when waiting in turn for something (such as a taxi, bus, at a ticket counter, or for a cashier). They never push ahead of others (or “jump the queue”)—this is considered rude and won’t be tolerated.
• Punctuality is expected in Australia. If you find you can’t keep an appointment or invitation (or are running late), give the organizer a courtesy call to explain before the event.
• Smoking is prohibited many public spaces. For example, it is banned in government buildings, on public transport including domestic and many international flights, theatres, shopping centres, many indoor and outdoor public meeting places, selected restaurants and cafes. Always ask for permission to smoke.
• Generally speaking, Australians consider themselves to be egalitarian. That is, they believe all individuals have equal social, legal and political rights. These are protected by the Australian Constitution. Being treated equally and fairly is expected by all Australians.
• Spitting in public is an offence. It is socially unacceptable.
• Personal hygiene is a must. This not only guards against the spread of germs and disease, but is a social necessity. In this way, be sure to: use a tissue or handkerchief when you sneeze or need to blow your nose; wash your hands before eating, after going to the bathroom, after playing with animals, or when you have a cold; try to shower daily and use deodorant; practice oral hygiene daily by brushing your teeth and using breath freshener in-between flossing and brushing.  
• Never littering. Australia is an environmentally conscious country and littering is illegal. If you litter, you may be fined.
• Table manners are expected in most social situations (unless it’s an informal situation like a picnic). For example, you are expected to use cutlery for meals at home or in restaurants.

Culture shock

International students can sometimes find living in a new country a “culture shock”.  However, with time most individuals can easily adjust. This takes time. So, if at first you experience frustration, isolation or homesickness, try exercising or calling a friend to lift your mood. These feelings are natural and normal and Remember are experienced by all travellers. As you continue to experience new things, grow and as you become more familiar with your surroundings and make new friends, these initially feelings will dissipate or disappear altogether!

• In the meantime here are some ways to help you settle in:
• Remain positive! Recall the reasons why you chose to study in Australia.
• Talk to others in the same situation or that have gone through a similar experiences as you. They may have valuable insights to help you.
• Write down your feelings by keeping a journal. By doing so, you can vent your feelings. It also gives you a new gain perspective on things so you can work through your feelings and find solutions.
• Stay occupied and busy. Keep your mind and body active. Fill-in your spare time by playing sport, joining a club or taking up a hobby. This can also help you meet new people and make new friends.
• Try something new. Socialize with Australians and students from other countries. This can help to minimise your feelings of isolation and loneliness.
• Enrich your study experience by having a “study buddy”. Someone who can help you study and visit the library with together.  
• Actively listen to others. Observe their behaviour and communication of others. If you don’t understand, ask questions. Give yourself time to master the English language if you are still improving your English.
• As an international student, you’ll have access to an advisor or counsellor at your institution. Use their services if needed as they can help you through difficult times. You can discuss any issues you may have with them.
• Try to be flexible and prepared to adapt to the changing environment. Expect change and work through challenges with confidence.
• Be receptive to learning about Australia and its culture and be willing to share your own. As a multicultural society, Australians enjoy open dialogue with people from various heritages.
• If you have cultural food restrictions, let people preparing foods for you know about them. You can also help educate people by discussing the reasons behind your needs so people can better understand and be open to accommodating them.
• While you may grow to appreciate some aspects of Australian culture that may have initially confused you, you might not enjoy other aspects. If so, just be mindful and tolerant of aspects you don’t particularly enjoy like you would at home.
• Australians are approachable and tend to be kind and helpful. So, if you need help, ask for it! For example, if you’re ever in public and lost or unsure of what to do in a particular situation (i.e. how to use public services), just ask someone until you get the help you need. They will be happy to answer your question.