The Iglu Guide | Blog
9 things that would surprise you about living and studying in Australia
Moving to Australia is incredibly exciting, and it’s hard to avoid having some preconceived ideas about what student life is like on the ground. But what you find when you arrive could really catch you by surprise! Discover the realities of living and studying in Australia and the things that often surprise international students.
1. The cost of living
University is an expensive time. Whether you’re heading to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, the cost of living is a big factor when planning out your budget and deciding where to live. Whilst Australia has a reputation for being an expensive destination – in reality, it’s no worse than studying in any other major city around the world. The difference is about the quality of life you’ll experience on a daily basis. Think access to world class healthcare, green spaces, beaches, education and infrastructure – not to mention excellent job prospects when you finish. You can offset costs by thinking carefully about what you bring along with you, and ensuring you stick carefully to your student budget along the way.
2. Early bird culture
If you’re used to wandering in and out of shops at all hours of the day, it’s time to think again. Australia has an ‘early mark culture’, whether that’s the ‘early to bed and early to rise’ mentality, prime time TV scheduled earlier than other countries, or shops shutting sooner than you might expect. Each state or territory sets their own rules for trading hours, and so what’s normal in one city could well vary in another. Most shops are likely to close around 5.30pm – which differs from the 24/7 Asian shopping scene. And if you do find a smaller shop or mini mart that’s open into the small hours, you’ll usually pay the price!
3. International students are welcome
Many students worry about feeling lonely when studying overseas – and this is completely natural. But it’s good to know that Australia has a well-earned reputation for welcoming overseas students, with hundreds of thousands arriving every year. Attracted to the high standard of living and top-quality education, students settle in quickly with dedicated support services and a large array of clubs and societies on hand. Australians are by nature a friendly bunch, so it won’t be long before you’re feeling right at home!
4. Public transport
There’s a common myth that Australians have to drive everywhere, with little public transport available. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The major cities have a comprehensive network of trains, trams, buses, ferries and bike paths – with some free services included to help students get around. If you live near to the city centre, public transport is safe, simple and effective. Owning a bike is an added bonus!
5. Alcohol rules
Australia has some pretty tough rules when it comes to drinking alcohol, with strict laws in place that should be followed at all times.
- The legal age is 18+ and you will always be asked for ID if you look under 25
- Drinking in public is not allowed
- Alcohol is not sold in the supermarket, instead you will have to seek out a dedicated Bottle Shop such as Dan Murphy’s, BWS or Liquorland
- Learners and provisional drivers are not allowed any alcohol
- Uni events serving alcohol follow tight safety rules
- Any student planning to work in hospitality serving alcohol will need a Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate (RSA)
6. The weather
Don’t panic, Australia really does offer plenty of sunshine! But the lesser-known reality is that it does get quite cold in the winter. Unless you’re heading to Melbourne, most Australian houses won’t have integrated heating, which means it can feel a little bit chilly for just a few months of the year. Although the temperature can drop to as low as 3° in the major cities, it doesn’t mean you won’t have a bright sunny day ahead of you – you just need to work the layers!
7. Public holidays
At first glance, Australia seems to offer an endless array of public holidays. But don’t be fooled, because these actually vary by state. Whilst the whole of Victoria gets the day off for Melbourne Cup in November, the rest of the country is not so lucky. And those bank holidays, they really are just for the banks.
8. Language is a barrier
This myth can be officially busted, because any student studying in Australia must have the necessary IELT language standard required to study, socialise and integrate on arriving in the country. For any students that feel they want to improve, each university offers additional support classes to build confidence and overcome challenges. Then it’s time to tackle the Aussie slang!
9. Outdoors culture
Most Aussies love to be out and about in the great outdoors, whether that’s taking a bush walk, dipping in the ocean, or simply soaking up the sun. And mixing in with the Australian wildlife community is all part of that experience. From possums and wallabies to parrots and kookaburras, they’re big, they’re bold, and they’re all part of this fantastic Australian experience!
