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Published Date: 20th February 2023

 

Australia is one of the world's most popular study-abroad destinations, but it's important to understand what you're getting into before packing your bags. From obtaining a visa to navigating the higher education system and dealing with homesickness, studying abroad in Australia can be intimidating if you're not prepared.

 

 

In this article, we will share tips for conquering common problems when studying abroad in Australia. Whether you're getting ready to embark on your own studying adventure or just curious about what life overseas might look like, we'll cover the essential strategies for making it work.

Tips for Choosing the Right Accommodation

When choosing accommodation while studying in Australia, it is important to consider a few important points. Firstly, you need to think about your own comfort needs. Do you want a private bedroom and bathroom, or would you prefer to share? Do you want to cook meals yourself or eat out? These are all considerations that need to be taken into account.

 

Next, assess what type of living situation best suits your budget. Some typical student accommodation options include shared apartments, university-managed housing, and homestays with local families. Make sure that the option you choose fits within your budget and still provides you with the necessary amenities for study and leisure time.

 

Finally, think about what type of atmosphere you would like to live in. You may want to live in an area that is closer to your classes and has a vibrant student life, or maybe somewhere quieter and closer to home. No matter what type of environment appeals most to you, it's essential that it has things like nearby parks and public transportation so that you can easily explore the area during your free time.

Reasons Why Students Need to Take Note of Local Laws

When studying abroad in Australia, it is important to keep in mind the local laws and regulations. Even though you may not be a citizen of Australia, you are still bound by its laws. One key thing to note is that different states have different rules and some of them may be significantly stricter than what you are used to.

 

For example, the purchase of alcohol under the age of 18 is prohibited across Australia, while the legal drinking age is 18 or even 20 years in some states. It should also be noted that Queensland has particularly strict regulations when it comes to drinking in public places - a violation could lead to an on-the-spot fine or at worst a court appearance.

 

In addition, if you are traveling within Australia, you will need to obtain permission from your university if you plan on studying elsewhere for more than two weeks. This includes holidays and short trips between cities within the same state or country. Otherwise, it is considered absenteeism and might cause disruptions to your studies.

Strategies for Coupling Finances With University Studies

Whether or not you have a limited budget, it is important to maintain a proper balance between your finances and studies. You can do this by setting aside time for a proper budgeting strategy to ensure that you are staying on track. Here are some strategies to help you out:

1. Prioritize Your Expenses

Creating a budget with realistic spending limits and expenses can help you hold onto your savings while abroad. Make sure that you are putting away enough money each month to cover essential items first, such as rent, tuition fees, groceries, and transportation. After these priorities are met, then you can work on allocating money for additional expenses like going out with friends or catching weekend trips.

2. Utilize Student Discounts

Many local stores and restaurants in Australia provide student discounts when you show proof of student ID. Look out for ways to save on travel cards or other daily purchases. Also, sign up for any amazing coupons from online stores as well as weekly ads from supermarkets.

3. Learn About Financial Resources Available in Your Area

Research what financial resources are available in the area you choose to stay in Australia. For instance, find out about scholarships provided by Australian universities or grants from the government which may help reduce the financial burden of studying abroad. Additionally, utilize the resources within university communities such as accountants or financial advisors who specialize in supporting students overseas and understand the difficulties of managing money abroad.

Different Ways to Cope With Homesickness

Studying abroad comes with a unique set of challenges, one of which is homesickness. You may miss your family, your friends, or the familiarity of home. While it’s easy to get overwhelmed and lonely, there are some measures you can take to cope with the feeling:

1. Stay Connected 

Maintaining contact with your loved ones back home is essential for keeping homesickness at bay. Staying connected with your social networks—through Skype calls, email, or even a chat group—allows you to stay up to date on their lives and yours.

2. Explore Your Surroundings

It’s easy to get distracted by thoughts of home and forget that you have all of Australia (or whatever country you’ve chosen to study in) at your fingertips. Make time to explore the local culture and scenery; go on weekend trips or volunteer in a local community project. Immersing yourself in different experiences will help ground you in this exciting new place and take your mind off things.

3. Find Support Networks

The best way to solve problems while studying abroad is by connecting with others who are experiencing the same feelings as you. Join a club or student organization related to your interests or join a support group for international students. Talking about how you feel will make it easier for you to adjust, plus it opens the world up for new opportunities and friendships in the process!

Considerations for Socializing and Finding Friends in a New Country

When studying abroad in Australia, you’ll likely find yourself wanting to make friends and socialize. Being in a new country can be a bit intimidating at first, but making new friends and getting to know the culture will become easier with time. Here are some tips that may help you get started:

1. Take advantage of network opportunities

Australia offers a variety of networks for international students. If you’re looking for like-minded people or want to make friends from different countries, take advantage of these opportunities. You can also join clubs or organizations related to the school or city you’re studying in.

2. Engage in cultural events

The best way to learn about the culture is by engaging in cultural events such as festivals, music events, sports activities, and theater performances taking place near your campus or city. These activities provide a great opportunity for mingling with locals and other international students — plus it's always a great chance to explore the local culture!

3. Use technology

We live in an era where technology allows us to connect with people around the world, so use this connectivity! There are many online forums and chat rooms where you could meet other students who share common interests with you. Make sure that when using online forums, you follow the rules and stay safe while connecting through these communities.

 

Finally, don’t be afraid to reach out! If you need help settling into your new community or making friends in Australia, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask questions — trust me, everyone is more than happy to help each other out!

Conclusion

Studying abroad in Australia is an incredible experience, but it has its fair share of challenges. There’s the struggle to adjust to a new culture, missing home and dealing with homesickness, and dealing with the challenges of sorting out visas, insurance, and other paperwork.

 

However, if you’re willing to put in the work, there are plenty of ways to make your experience living abroad in Australia a positive one. Talk to other students and make friends with both locals and other international students, join clubs and societies, take the time to get to know Australian culture and customs, and most importantly, don’t forget to make time for yourself. With these tips, you’ll be able to create an experience abroad that will stay with you for a lifetime.

 

Also Read
5 Things to Know about Study in Australia for International Students
How to Apply For MBA in Australia?
Most Employable Courses in Australia for International Students
 

Twinkle
About the Author:

Twinkle is an active listener and observer. She has a boundless curiosity to improvise her all-round knowledge. She is always open about her thoughts and her personality is filled with thirst for acquiring knowledge about different fields. Her favourite pastime is to pen down her thoughts and knowledge. Her strength is the simplicity of language yet being artistic.

Categories: Australia

Tags: Study Abroad

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