Student Life

STUDENT GUIDE TO LIVING IN AUSTRALIA

Student life in Australia is dynamic and invigorating. If you are planning to study in major cities like Melbourne, Sydney, or Adelaide, you will find life exciting (though it can be expensive). Australia offers a vibrant student culture, high-quality education, and plenty of opportunities to work, explore, and socialize.

Once you arrive, you may need assistance with day-to-day activities. Here is some helpful information to make your transition smoother.

Banking in Australia

Australia has a competitive banking system with numerous local and international banks. The four major banks are:

• ANZ Bank – www.anz.com.au
• Commonwealth Bank – www.commbank.com.au
• National Australia Bank (NAB) – www.nab.com.au
• Westpac – www.westpac.com.au

Banking Hours: Typically, banks operate from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday, with some locations offering Saturday services.

Opening a Bank Account: International students can open an account using their passport, student ID, and proof of residence.

Transport in Australia

Each major city has a public transport network of buses, trains, ferries, and trams. Transport websites for different states include:

• Sydney: www.transportnsw.info
• Melbourne: www.ptv.vic.gov.au
• Brisbane: www.translink.com.au
• Adelaide: www.adelaidemetro.com.au
• Perth: www.transperth.wa.gov.au

Student Travel Discounts

• In some states (Victoria, Queensland, and ACT), international students may be eligible for transport concessions.
• Always check with your university or local transport authority.

Jobs & Employment for Students

International students on a student visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study terms and unlimited hours during holidays.

Finding Jobs:

• Job Portals:
  • www.seek.com.au
  • www.indeed.com.au
  • www.jora.com.au
  • www.gumtree.com.au (for casual work)
• Popular Student Jobs:
  • Retail (supermarkets, department stores)
  • Hospitality (cafes, restaurants, hotels)
  • Tutoring
  • Delivery services (Uber Eats, DoorDash)
• Recruitment Agencies:
  • Adecco (www.adecco.com.au)
  • Hays (www.hays.com.au)
  • Randstad (www.randstad.com.au)

1. On-Campus Housing:
   • Provided by universities, convenient but limited availability.
   • Cost: $250 – $500 per week.
2. Homestay:
   • Living with a local family, includes meals.
   • Cost: $300 – $450 per week.
3. Shared Housing:
   • Renting an apartment with other students.
   • Cost: $250 – $400 per week (varies by city).
4. Private Rental:
   • More expensive but offers independence.
   • Cost: $450 – $700 per week for a one-bedroom apartment.

Useful Websites for Finding Accommodation:

• www.flatmates.com.au
• www.realestate.com.au
• www.domain.com.au
• www.studenthousing101.com.au

Cost of Living in Australia

Living expenses depend on the city and lifestyle. Below are estimated monthly costs:

Expense	Estimated Cost (AUD)
Rent (shared)	$1,000 – $1,600
Rent (private)	$1,800 – $3,000
Groceries	$320 – $600
Utilities (electricity, internet)	$100 – $200
Transport	$120 – $200
Mobile Phone	$30 – $60
Entertainment	$100 – $300

Total Estimated Cost: $20,000 – $27,000 per year (depending on location and lifestyle).

Healthcare & Medical Services

International students in Australia must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). This insurance covers:

• Doctor consultations
• Hospital services
• Limited prescription medications
• Emergency ambulance transport

Providers include:

• Bupa OSHC – www.bupa.com.au
• Medibank OSHC – www.medibank.com.au
• nib OSHC – www.nib.com.au

Emergency Contact: Dial 000 for ambulance, fire, or police services.

Mobile & Internet Services

To stay connected, you can choose from several telecom providers:

• Telstra – www.telstra.com.au
• Optus – www.optus.com.au
• Vodafone – www.vodafone.com.au

You can opt for prepaid or postpaid mobile plans based on your needs. Free Wi-Fi is available at many universities, libraries, and cafés.