Welcome to Australia!
G’day! (Australian for ‘Hello’). We are excited you have chosen to study in Australia! It can be exciting, but also difficult moving to a new place with new people and new accents. We want to welcome you to Australia and provide a warm Christian community to help you feel at home. At our International Student groups you can meet local and international students and be encouraged to understand how Jesus is a key part of your life.
Connect with your university Christian Group
We have Christian student groups around Australia that love to welcome International Students. We meet every week during semester to share food and discuss the Bible together. Everyone is welcome to join our activities, from every nation and belief.
Tips 1 – Your Safety
We drive on the left hand side of the road so stop and look to your right before you cross the road.
Australia is a relatively safe country. But like any country, there are unsafe places. Don’t walk alone at night. FOCUS Staff can arrange to have someone drive you or walk with you home or contact your campus security office for a safety escort. Ask locals which areas are safe or unsafe.
Tips 2 – House Sharing
If you are sharing a house/apartment – offer to wash up or clean the kitchen after you use it. Let your housemates know if the food in the fridge is for sharing or not. Let them know where you are going. Be mindful to not make too much noise. If you have trouble with your landlord or flatmates you can get help. Ask FOCUS Staff or contact government help for international students here.
Need to buy furniture? Try large shops like Big W and K-Mart. Or try second hand shops like Salvos and Vinnies.
Tips 3 – Our Environment
Australia is a big country! Some parts are cold and some parts are hot all through the year! Check where you will be living and dress accordingly.
We love the outdoors and it is full of beautiful wildlife. If you go bushwalking, tell someone where you are going and be extra careful of snakes and spiders.
We love the sea! If you go to the beach, don’t go alone and always swim between the flags and be beach safe. The sun is strong even in winter so use sunscreen and wear a hat, and have drinking water with you.
Tips 4 – Be Polite!
People will often say “hello”, or smile, or nod to strangers.
People will queue up in line in shops and to get on public transport. Don’t rush past people in the queue!
Say “thanks” if someone helped you, and “excuse me” if you want something. And say “sorry” if you bump someone.
We tease and joke with people we like. We can disagree strongly with each other but we do not get offended by that because we are still friends. You can find out more about Australian values here.
