Life in Australia: A Guide for International Students

Moving to a new country is a journey filled with excitement and offers endless opportunities. For many international students, Australia becomes more than a study destination, — it becomes a second home. What follows is an insider’s perspective on life in Australia for overseas students, drawn from personal experience. 

Culture, Etiquette and Everyday Norms

Australia is a multicultural society grounded in the values of respect, fairness, and inclusiveness. Regardless of background, treating people with respect truly matters  — simple gestures, such as saying “Thank You” to staff in shops or restaurants make a difference.  Queuing etiquette is strong here: cutting in line or pushing forward is frowned upon.  On public transport, allow passengers to exit before you board, keep conversations quiet, and avoid eating in some vehicles as directed.

Australians are also generally open-minded about diversity in races, genders, sexual orientations, and backgrounds. While culture shock is a normal part of transitioning to a new environment, the inclusive ethos of many communities helps ease the adjustment and makes it easier for yourself to feel part of the local community. 

Academic Life & Student Experience

Australian universities and educational institutions strive to create a vibrant academic environment. Classrooms encourage active participation, critical thinking and collaborative learning. Students are supported through resources such as English language support, workshops on academic writing and study skills, and peer mentoring.

Outside the classroom, campus life is vibrant.  — Clubs, societies, cultural festivals, and events allow students to engage broadly with peers from all over the world. The balance between structured learning and social experiences makes student life in Australia holistic and fulfilling.

Working While Studying

One of the key attractions of studying in Australia is that student visa rules often permit part-time work, subject to certain conditions.  This allows students to earn extra income while gaining valuable work experience and becoming more engaged with Australian society.

However, it’s essential to understand your visa’s work conditions. Here at the most important things to do before working in Australia; Register for a Tax File Number (TFN), open an Australian Bank Account (CommBank, NAB, Westpac, and ANZ are typical choices and have dedicated student accounts), and ensure your Australian bank account is linked appropriately to avoid unexpected taxation. Students can explore roles via job boards such as Indeed, SEEK and Workforce Australia, campus services, or referrals from peers and networks.

Safety, Wellbeing and Support Services

Australia is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive environment for all residents, including international students. Universities and Colleges typically offer robust support systems ranging from counselling services, health and wellness programs, academic assistance and student advocacy.

To protect personal safety, follow basic precautions: know the emergency number (000), avoid walking alone late at night, if possible, lock doors, and inform someone of your movements. In public settings, safeguard your belongings and exercise awareness of surroundings.

Managing Finances & the cost of Living

International students must demonstrate they have access to sufficient funds to support their studies and living costs. Australia’s migration regulations stipulate indicative amounts for living expenses: for example, you can estimate your costs here: Living and education costs | Study Australia (These figures serve as a guide and may change over time.)

Although part-time work can help, students should not rely on employment alone to meet all expenses. Planning a budget for accommodation, transport, food, personal costs and course-related expenses is essential.

Visa, Health Coverage & Documentation

A successful student visa application hinges on proper documentation and compliance. Key requirements typically include:

• A valid passport
• Certificate of Enrolment (CoE) from the Institution
• English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, CAE or OET)
• Evidence of sufficient funds
• Overseas Student Health Coverage (OSHC)—mandatory for international students.
• Medical Insurance (travel, private or other)
• If coming from a country with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA), you are entitled to free emergency/urgent medical services (specifics apply, please visit Medicare | myGov)

Medical examinations may also be required, depending on your home country and duration of stay. It’s important to make sure no document is expired, and all submitted evidence is up to date.

Travel, Arrival & Packing

Arriving in Australia

 Plan your arrival with transport in mind. Options such as taxis, shuttle buses, Skybus, trams or trains are available in major cities. Some airports offer public transport directly into city centres (for example, Sydney’s frequent train service). Pre-booking or arranging transport in advance can ease the transition. 

Packing and essentials

 While Australia offers broad access to goods, there are some items worth bringing: appropriate clothing (weather varies by season & state), adaptors suited to Australian plug systems, initial funds, and important paperwork (visa, enrolment letters, contacts).

Be cautious of arriving in Australia carrying restricted items: food products, plants, animal materials and certain goods must be declared at customs. Importing large amounts of cash (over AUD 10,000) must be declared. Weapons and restricted items should be left behind or declared if unsure.

Accommodation & Housing Options

Choosing the right living arrangement is key to a comfortable student life. Common options include:

• Homestays: Living with a host family. Meals, utilities and internet are typically included, and you benefit from cultural immersion. Drawbacks can include less independence and possible travel distance from campus.
• Student housing / dormitories: Purpose-built, fully furnished residences close to campus, often including communal amenities and utilities. However, private meals are not usually provided, and rooms may be compact.
• Shared accommodation: Friends or small groups sharing a house or apartment to split rent and bills. It encourages social connections but may bring lifestyle conflicts or limited privacy.
• Private rentals: For greater independence, renting a private apartment or house is possible. This generally incurs higher costs and full responsibility for utilities and often requires understanding tenancy rules, bonds and leasing terms.

It’s important to familiarise yourself with tenancy rights, rental agreements, security deposits, and rules in your chosen state or territory.

Transport and Mobility

Australia’s major cities tend to offer excellent public transport infrastructure:

• In Melbourne, trams, buses and trains operate via the Myki card system, there is also a “free tram zone” in the CBD (Central Business District)
• In Sydney, transport is managed using the Opal card, which works on buses, trains, light rail and ferries.
• Adelaide has the “MetroCard” system, like Melbourne and Sydney. Cycling is a cost-effective, green option. But cyclists must wear approved helmets, be mindful of the weather, and obey road safety rules. Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road, so be mindful of this.

Driving can be convenient but expensive. International students should check whether their home country licence is valid in Australia, whether they need an International Driving Permit or local conversion, and always follow local road regulations and make sure you have relevant insurance

Communication, SIM & Internet

Obtaining an Australian SIM card typically requires proof of identity (passport, visa) and sometimes address or banking documentation. Many international students prefer prepaid plans for flexibility, while longer-term contract plans may offer better value if staying for a full year.

Home internet is commonly provided via the National Broadband Network (NBN) in many areas. For places not yet NBN-enabled, wireless broadband (4G/5G) options exist but may be costlier or capped in usage. Always compare speeds, data limits, and pricing.

Embracing Australian Life: Exploring & Discovery

One of Australia’s greatest perks is its natural beauty and vibrant city life. Students can spend weekends exploring::

• Melbourne: Famous for its arts, street culture, local markets (such as Queen Victoria Market), laneways, cuisines and southern beachfronts.
• Sydney: Home to the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, coastal walks, iconic beaches like Bondi, and harborside attractions.
• Adelaide: Home to the Adelaide Oval, Central Market and Zoo, offers a laid back, relaxed lifestyle.
• Other regions offer diverse experiences, from tropical beaches to mountain ranges, national parks, wine regions and deserts.

These experiences enrich your time as a student, creating lasting memories beyond academics.

For more information visit: https://www.tourism.australia.com/en 

Final Thoughts

Student life in Australia offers a vibrant, secure and enriching environment for international students. With the right preparation, i.e. by understanding visa and health cover requirements, budgeting for living costs, choosing accommodation wisely, and getting familiar with transport and everyday norms, students can thrive both academically and personally. Take in the experience, build meaningful connections, and give yourself space to grow, inside and outside the classroom.