Sean Ryan
Moving to a new country can be a daunting process for anyone. For international students, the journey is exceptionally daunting as you will be leaving behind your family, friends and support system that have kept you grounded as well as mould you to the person you are today. In some instances, this could be your first trip overseas as well as living in a new country.
Australia is very different compared to your home culture, lifestyle, people and food, which is a big part of Asian culture. Australia has four seasons, but weather conditions vary across the six states and two territories. And, when coming to Australia, do not convert all your purchases to your home currency or you will end up being hungry.
Here are some tips to help you better prepare for moving to a new country for studies.
Accommodation
Before leaving your country of origin, do your research on the types of student accommodations available in Australia. If you are on a budget, try looking for shared houses or plan with close friends to stay together. Use a legit website like flatmates.com.au or realestate.com.au to look for rental properties. Another way to look for accommodation is through your university website under Housing and Accommodation. They will assist you with housing options and provide you with rental advice as well.
Work
Brush up your resume before coming. Research what an Australian resume looks like. Sign up for LinkedIn and have a SEEK profile. To build your local connection, do a lot of volunteering. You can find volunteering opportunities either on campus or outside the university that fit your schedule. You can also find jobs on campus. Research and understand your work restrictions as well as your work rights. Fair Work Ombudsman is a good place to start.
Health and Wellbeing
Once you’re in Australia, make sure your insurance is active and ready to use. Most insurance providers will have an app for students. Health insurance is a must in Australia as doctor's appointments are expensive.
Always remember to take care of yourself and eat right as you won’t have your parents to constantly check up on you. One thing big in Australia is practising self-care. This could range from mental, emotional and your physical health.
Students need to understand that mental health is not a taboo word. Meeting your health and well-being counsellor is not a stigma. It's about taking care of yourself. Talking to your friends and family about what you're feeling or going through is important. All universities will have a health and well-being department available to students.
Safety
Safety is another important aspect. You have rights when you are studying in Australia. Students can download their university safety app. This app has all the important numbers in times of need. Be sure to understand your student visa on how you are covered by the law. If you face any kind of harassment or abuse, go straight to the police and report it. This action will not affect your visa.
Emotional and Cultural Intelligence
As students, you need to be more adaptable. Brush up on your ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. Don't be rude to anyone. Be more empathetic and mindful of your surroundings. You will face some culture shocks when you first arrive, don't fear it but embrace it. Make friends with local students as it will help you understand the culture here.
Student rights
As students, you have rights. Each university has rules and regulations that you need to adhere to. The rules and regulations are to protect you as well. As international students, you have international student associations at every university to take care of your rights and needs. These associations are governed by a peak body called the Council of International Students Australia. Like and follow them on Facebook to know what's happening and keep abreast of all the policies that will affect you while you are studying in Australia.
Food
Eating out in Australia can be an expensive affair. Be sure to learn how to cook and grocery shop. Buying this from the supermarket or market and cooking at home is cheaper. That being said, feel free to eat out and explore the cities you're in.
Sean Stephen Ryan is from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Communications Studies) from Victoria University, Melbourne. He is one of the co-founders of Break Boundaries Together Inc.; a community leader in Prevention of Violence against Women; an Accredited Mental Health First Aider certified by Mental Health First Aid Australia and an Advocate for International Students Well-being. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/s34nry4n/