Australia is a developed country. In recent years, many students want to study in Australia. However, to study in Australia, students need to do a lot of preparation, one of which is to understand the precautions and common sense of life in Australia, so as to better integrate into a completely unfamiliar culture.
1. Matters needing attention when studying in Australia
– Valuables
Take good care of your important documents and do not show them to others easily. It is best to back up important documents just in case. If you lose your documents, you should report to the school in time and report to the police station, and make an application for replacement. Do not leave valuables in public areas, such as computers, wallets, etc. Besides, do not carry a lot of cash with you.
– Food, clothing, housing and transportation
For off-campus renters, you should pay special attention to the security situation in the rental area, choose areas with convenient transportation, and roommates should preferably be familiar classmates. In addition, you’d better have a preliminary understanding of the laws, religions, customs, etc. of the study destination, avoid taboos, protect personal privacy, and travel together at night.
– Use sunscreen
UV rays in Australia are very strong. The harm of long-term sun exposure should not be underestimated. It will not only tan the skin, but also cause spots and even lead to various skin diseases. Therefore, students must do a good job of sun protection.
– Choice of institutions and majors
The most popular colleges and universities in Australia are none other than Group of Eight. As for majors, business, education, engineering, law, media, etc. are very popular in Australia. Students should choose the best solution according to their personal strength and interests, choose rationally, do not blindly follow the so-called “famous schools”.
To find the suitable courses more quickly, you can use Course Finder, a professional course search tool.
– Application time node
Australian universities usually have two semesters, most of which are from February to March and July to August, and the corresponding application schedule is also divided into two quarters. The application submission of international students to Australian universities is open about 1 year in advance. Therefore, students should apply for studying in Australia about 1 year in advance. That means students who plan to study in Australia should prepare relevant materials as soon as possible, understand the application process, and submit as soon as possible after the application channel opens.
2. Common sense of life in Australia
– Clothing
When it comes to dressing, it should be noted that Australia is located in the southern hemisphere, so its spring is September-November, summer is December-February, and autumn is March-May, winter is June-August. Moreover, the main cities in Australia are concentrated in the coastal areas. The northern part has a humid and hot tropical climate, the other eastern parts and the western coastal areas have a relatively warm and pleasant climate, while the southern coast and Tasmania are relatively cool. Generally speaking, the climate in Australia is relatively mild. In terms of clothes selection, it is not necessary to bring overly thick clothes and bedding to keep warm from the cold when studying in Australia. Of course, basic clothes such as coats are still required.
– Accommodation issues
Dormitory: International students tend to live in school dormitories when entering university or postgraduate study. Students can choose single room, double room or request a private bathroom. Most schools will provide meals, and some dormitories will have kitchens where students can cook by themselves.
Homestay: Students can choose a homestay when they first arrive in Australia, to get in touch with Western life and understand the customs of local Australians, and the cost is relatively moderate. Choosing a host family will greatly help students integrate into Australia, but students should respect the living habits of the host family when moving in, and try not to return late. If you are not used to the food, you can inform the landlord.
Renting: If you decide to rent, you should pay attention to the contract period and do not breach the contract. If you plan to share a room, you need to know each other when looking for roommates, preferably with friends you know well. If you’re renting an empty house and need to buy furniture, you can look at weekend newspapers and school billboards. The rental period is basically calculated on a weekly basis, and a 2-4 week deposit is required. Do remember to have a receipt, as well as a contract, and carefully understand the details.
– Traffic problems
Students can choose from many modes of transportation after arriving in Australia. In addition to buses, trains or private cars, they can also choose taxis. In some cities, there are trams or ferries. Australia’s public transport system is very punctual and basically runs according to a scheduled timetable. Students can check the schedule of trains online. When students take public transportation, they can buy weekly, monthly, and joint tickets in advance, and there will be certain discounts.
When taking a taxi in Australia, you can choose to call a taxi or go to the taxi station. There are not many taxis in Australia, so it does not feel very convenient. Private cars are the most convenient way in Australia. On average, every family in Australia has one or two private cars, and Australia itself is sparsely populated, so there is no trouble in traffic jams. However, it should be noted that the Australian traffic system must be strictly followed. For example, as long as passengers get on the bus, they need to wear seat belts.
So far, Australian states and territories are considering allowing Australian students to get transport concessions when they travel across continents. This policy is an important benefit for students.
