Life in Australia

A GUIDE TO AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITY LIFE
 
University life in Australia is probably very similar to university life in most other developed countries throughout the world, but in many ways is also very different. For one, universities in Australia are a lot more casual places to study and work in and the dress code is usually a lot more relaxed than in many European institutions of the same criteria. Australian fashion style is strongly influenced by the temperate environment that is Australian weather throughout the year and most people dress accordingly. Summer fashion style is characterized by loose fitting cool clothes; while jeans, loose jackets and layering are the characteristics of winter. But this laid back attitude does not extend to achieving academic credentials and Australian academic credentials are recognized throughout the world as being of the highest quality.

There are roughly 300 000 international students who come to study in Australia every year making Australia one of the largest and most respected education providers in the world. Students from 190 countries throughout the world come to Australia to start, develop or finish their academic career. And Australian universities offer courses in most areas of professional employment.


But what is life like for a student studying at an Australian university?

Like anything it is what you make it, and as much reflects on your attitude to your classmates as their attitude to you. Some people cross cultural boundaries well, others do not. Some people have the ability to move across cultural boundaries with relative ease and other people have a tendency to struggle with making new friends in a different cultural environment. And if you are in this latter category do not worry because it only proves you are a human being.

And if you are having difficulty with finding your way in Australia and lost some of your equilibrium you may be experiencing ‘culture shock’. So it is a good thing to know what the symptoms of culture shock are, if you are studying in an Australian university and how to get over those symptoms with relative ease without it becoming an impediment and ruining your academic career in Australia. For a more in depth look at culture shock refer to http://auckland-new-zealand.org/new-zealand-culture/

So if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of culture shock then I encourage you to contact the International Student Office at your university or talk it over with your AA Education Agent who may be able to get you the appropriate assistance that you may require.

Australian universities, like most universities throughout the world can be large and impersonal organisms that can be difficult for new students to navigate. But they have become a lot more user friendly over the past 40 years since the democratization of Australian universities in the 70’s when Australian universities become open to everyone because of the HECS scheme that allowed people to pay off a student loan over the course of their working lives. So you will find a large relatively democratic institution that has a liberal perception of reality and embraces difference.


But, aside from all that:

You will find that Australian universities have two semesters per year (some have a third summer semester). And as an international student you will have to attend full time during both terms. That means you will be doing four subjects per semester and if you keep up with the course material you will have finished your bachelor degree in three years with the full 24 subjects completed to achieve this. A diploma will be an extra year and a Masters degree will take another 2 years on top of what you have already have completed. But check with your university to see what their specific requirements are for the successful completion of their courses.

You will find most of what you need to study effectively in Australian universities through their libraries and the databases that are on line. But, you have to get a student ID card to be able to do this successfully. Most libraries have their own orientation sessions that will teach you how to navigate the databases that you will have to know how to manipulate successfully to complete your coursework on time.
And nowadays many Australian universities have a considerable amount of course work that can be completed electronically. So it is a good thing to have a thorough understanding of how the intranet system that your education provider has set up functions. So you can use it in the most time effective way.

It is probably wise to attend as many orientation sessions that are on offer as you possibly can because you will be allowed to ask questions from people who know what they are talking about instead of hearing it from other students.
Also get to know many of your lecturers and tutors so you don’t become another face in the crowd. Australian university lectures are large and impersonal, so it is easy to be missed. Your student visa will probably stipulate that you attend all lectures so you have to think about this as well.

Like many university students studying in Australia you will find that you will have a lot of free time on your hands and you can use this time to get to know the country better or join a cultural group from your own country of origin. And if you are an international student with who has a student visa subclass designation of 8105 then you can work 20 hours per week and full time during semester breaks. But if you have the finances and the opportunity to have a social life then you should.

Australian nightlife is very good and the larger cities on the east coast like Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne have night scenes that hold their own against anything in the USA or Europe.  And most universities in Australia have their own bar that you can have a drink at and many different other associations that you may find interesting and give you an opportunity to make new friends.
Your AA Education Agent will be able to help you with any other questions you may have about university life in Australia that will help you have a successful and fulfilling time while you are studying down under.