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Are you planning to study abroad but still worried about settling in Australia? Stress no more, because this guide will walk you through all the steps before and after arriving at your new study destination.
Here, you will find information you need to know and actions you need to take to adjust to the foreign land.
For an international student in Australia, there are many options for accommodation, like an on-campus stay, a homestay, or renting an apartment. Each comes with pros and cons that students should analyze and choose the best one for them. While researching accommodations, students should consider expenses for rent, food, utilities, daily commute, and degree of independence.
Each country has its own rules and regulations that every person must adhere to, and the same is true for Australia. International students must know about these regulations before crossing the border. Learning the culture of the land will also help to understand its social etiquette and appreciate its multicultural nature and diverse backgrounds.
Since international students will be living in Australia for the entirety of their course (and maybe beyond), packing all the essentials for daily routines is recommended before their departure. The list depends on the student but typically includes personal care items, study materials, clothing for all seasons, dishes, and pocket games.
Australia, being in the southern hemisphere, has a different season-to-month correlation relative to that in Nepal. Furthermore, many students show symptoms of jet lag in the first few weeks of their travel. Given that Nepal is 4.15 hours behind most major Australian cities, jet lag is a phenomenon that results from disruptions in sleep-wake cycles. Symptoms include fatigue, difficulty sleeping, headaches, dizziness, irritability, and digestive problems. While most symptoms are not severe and subside over the course of a few weeks, students can take some medication after consulting a doctor before they fully settle in Australia.
Upon reaching their destination, the first order of business for international students in Australia is to open a student bank account, as not having one overcomplicates even simple tasks, making it difficult to settle in Australia for Nepalese students. Without a student bank account, international students in Australia cannot process digital payments for their rent, make money transfers, or execute online transactions, including wages for their part-time jobs.
Many banks, including National Australia Bank, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, and Westpac Banking Corporation, allow non-residents from overseas to open a student bank account in Australia using only their passports. However, students still need to provide an Australian residential address to use the account.
Owning a SIM card with a reliable mobile internet connection is essential in Australia. It enables users to stay connected with their family while facilitating easy access to information during dire situations.
As students exit airport terminals, they can find telecom shops with special student discounts on SIM cards. Major service providers, including Testra, Optra, Vodafone, and iiNet, offer the best data packages.
"Misfortune never knocks before it enters." Given the unpredictable nature of life, particularly when it comes to emergencies, it is crucial to be prepared and note down all the local emergency numbers of your residence in Australia instead of just the primary emergency number (000). The list should include numbers for local police, fire departments, and nearest hospitals.
Students might need to go around the city for academic reasons, part-time jobs, grocery shopping, or simply for travel and entertainment. To avoid getting lost and relying on maps each time, students should familiarize themselves with the public transport system of the surrounding cities.
Whether students have already decided to work in Australia or are still thinking about it, they should get a Tax File Number, or TFN, as soon as they begin to settle in Australia. With TFN acquired early on, Nepalese students in Australia can work as part-time employees whenever they get the offer.
Similar is true for Australian Business Numbers, or ABN, required to work as a freelancer. Students can get an ABN free of charge on the website of the Australian Business Register.
Nepalese students may face different challenges during their time in Australia. It is beneficial to know them beforehand and stay well-prepared.
Starting a new life in Australia can be challenging for Nepalese students. Here are some tips that help make life easier for international students in Australia:
Nepalese students arriving in Australia will encounter many significant challenges. If not prepared, student life for international students in Australia can become excessively complex. While some of the hardships are unavoidable, staying prepared makes them bearable.
Students should commence their preparations before arrival in Australia, involving tasks like researching accommodation and Australian culture, packing daily essentials, and consulting for jet lag. Upon arrival, the students must complete several other tasks to settle in Australia. These include opening an Australian bank account, obtaining a SIM card, and addressing other essential matters mentioned above.
This blog acts as a guide for Nepalese students to help them plan their journey to Australia. It mentions the several challenges commonly faced by international students in Australia, along with some valuable tips to address their issues.
But students might still be in dilemmas or want consultations specific to their problems. In this case, they can contact AusStudies and its experts with decades of experience for the best counseling and advice catering to individual needs.