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Exploring Student Life in Australia

Updated on 13 March, 2024

Kanika Pruthi

Kanika Pruthi

Sr. Content Writer & Study Abroad Expert

Wondering what living in Australia is like? Australia has much to offer, including world-class universities, diverse cultures, coral reefs, and varied recreational activities - no wonder it’s popular with those looking to study abroad.

As a student, adapting to the living conditions might take a while. To help you on your way, here’s all you need to know about Student Life in Australia.
 

What International Students Should Know About Culture in Australia

Relocating to a new country inevitably involves an adjustment period to embrace different cultural experiences. This holds true for Indian students preparing for their journey to Australia. Here, we highlight essential elements of the country’s culture to facilitate your transition into the Australian lifestyle.

  • Australian English: has a distinct accent that might be difficult to grasp initially. Additionally, Australians tend to use a lot of slang, usually in the form of shortened words. For instance, “brekkie” is short for breakfast, “arvo” is short for the afternoon, and McDonald’s is called "Macca’s.” 
  • Coffee Culture: If you like coffee, you’re up for a treat. Australia is renowned for its good quality coffee, and it's consumed frequently. Walking around campus, you'll likely find students with cups of coffee all around you.
  • Friendly Atmosphere: When it comes to everyday interactions, you’ll find that most Australians are laid-back, friendly, and approachable. 
  • Shopping Hours: If you’re used to late-night shopping or going out for a midnight snack, it might be challenging in Australia, as shops and restaurants usually close early. Most retail shops close around 6 PM, and a few stay open till 9 PM. 

Living in Australia: City Life 

For international students, many cities in Australia offer a unique study experience. The city you choose depends on your academic aspirations and preferred lifestyle. Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are popular among international students and have the best education in Australia.

Life as an international student in Australia encompasses diverse cultural experiences, academic challenges, and opportunities for personal growth. 

Interestingly, Melbourne and Sydney are the most student-friendly cities, ranking 4th and 7th on the QS Best Student Cities Rankings in 2024. Known as the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne has a lot to offer students, especially if you’re into sports activities, live music, or comedy.

The city is home to seven distinguished universities and offers great opportunities for employment. Subsequently, Sydney is the financial and economic capital of Australia, offering students access to well-known universities in the world. With beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, and pleasant temperatures year-round, it is a remarkable city to study and live in. 

These cities are bustling centers of trade, industry, and government. As many big cities are coastal, activities like swimming, boating, and surfing are a part of city life. Moreover, due to multiple cultures, you will find cuisines from all over the world.

If you are looking for a more relaxed study experience, regional cities like Hobart, Wollongong, Gold Coast, and Perth would be the best. You can keep yourself occupied by attending festivals and cultural events, visiting beaches and theme parks, and enjoying the vibrant nightlife. 

Social and Campus Life That Enhance Australian Lifestyle

As an international student living in Australia, you are sure to get multiple opportunities for networking and building relationships and connections. Several community events will be organized to engage the local community and international students, enabling you to experience a truly multicultural environment.

Besides, you can also actively partake in student associations and clubs. From study groups to movie clubs and gaming groups, you will find something that will pique your interest. Remember to check the university website for specific details of the student organizations on campus.

If you opt for on-campus accommodation, you will benefit from being very close to the activities on campus. If you choose to live outside the campus, pick a place close to the university to remain comfortably involved in campus activities so you don’t miss out.

Recreational Activities in Australia

The Australian lifestyle places a lot of emphasis on leisure. It could be helpful in dealing with stress or academia. Weekends are usually spent on beaches with groups of friends. The coastal areas are well-developed and maintained. So, you will have a great time.

Sports, both participation and spectating, is a significant recreational activity. Sports like rugby, soccer, tennis, and cricket have a huge fan following. If you are interested in playing a sport, check out relevant clubs. You can also attend a game or match. These are excellent ways to experience Australian culture. 

Adventure sports are also popular avenues for recreation. Some spots to explore are Uluru, the Snowy Mountains, and the Great Barrier Reef. Additionally, you can also go quad biking, hiking, camping, or swimming with the sharks!

Reasons to choose Australia:

Why study in Australia

Weather in Australia

Australia experiences different weather depending on the geographical location. However, it is known to be hot and dry during the summer months - December to February. As an Indian student in Australia, you might find it easier to adjust as many parts of India also experience hot weather.

Cities like Sydney and Melbourne enjoy a temperate climate on the southeastern coast of Australia. Extreme cases of weather conditions result in bushfires, droughts, and flooding.

Expenses in Australia

Living in Australia is slightly expensive, especially in Melbourne and Sydney. You need to consider the tuition fee, accommodation costs, utilities and bills, food, and transportation. Students will need a minimum of AUD 24,505 (INR 12,88,689 as of October 2023) each year for living costs alone.

However, there are several ways to save money, including preparing a budget, using public transport, and conserving electricity. Additionally, with a student visa, you can work 40 hours every two weeks if you need extra money.

In Conclusion

Studying in Australia offers a unique opportunity to experience different cultures, tons of exposure, and avenues to success. The high-quality Australian education is definitely an incentive to move there. Considering the parameters listed above, ensure that you make an informed decision, considering your circumstances and goals. 

Know more about study in Australia:

FAQs

What are the best universities in Australia?

Living in Australia, you can access top universities, including the Australian National University, the University of Melbourne, Monash University Clayton Campus, and the University of Queensland. The university you choose would depend on your field of study and other preferences.

What are the best ways to stay connected with friends and family back home from Australia?

Life in Australia for Indians might be difficult because of the distance from home. However, besides social media, messaging apps, and video calls, Australian cities also have international calling centers and services for sending packages and staying connected with family and friends in India.

Kanika Pruthi

Sr. Content Writer & Study Abroad Expert

Kanika has 5+ years of experience as a writer and content developer. She has written for a wide range of industry verticals, including hospitality, restaurants, non-profits, finance, IT, HR, technology, payroll, and education. She has worked as a creator for a few leading companies and has also helped brands grow through her creative writing.

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