Life in Australia

Hi there – welcome to Australia! The following article was written to give international students or migrants that have recently arrived onshore in Australia all you need to know on how to settle in this country.

By now, you will probably already know why you are fortunate to have chosen Australia as your home for the foreseeable future. It is a popular destination for international students and migrants, thanks to our world-class education system, friendly people, and stunning natural beauty. However, as with all countries, there are also some challenges to living here that might be lesser known to new arrivals, such as the cost of living here compared to your origin country, understanding cultural differences, and even the sometimes-difficult visa process.

However, you are in the right place, IDP Education is here to help. We can assist you with a wide range of areas; including scholarships, course application, visa and migration help or even just a friendly local to speak to. If this sounds of interest, talk to us today!

We have also outlined some key benefits and challenges you might encounter now that you are living in Australia. Read on below to get more of an understanding.

• World-class education:

  Australia is home to some of the best universities in the world, including the

  University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, and the Australian National University. The education system is highly regarded globally, with a lot of our institutions in the top 1% worldwide. Students from all over the world come to Australia to study because of this – as well as a wide variety of scholarships that are available to international students here in Australia.

• Friendly and welcoming people:

  Australians are known for being friendly and welcoming, and you're sure to feel at home here. People from all over the world live in Australia, and there is a strong sense of community – we even have over 200 nationalities currently living in the country!

• Stunning natural beauty:

  Australia is a land of natural beauty, with stunning beaches, mountains, and forests. There are endless opportunities to explore the outdoors, from hiking and camping to surfing and diving. In fact, we are fortunate enough to be the 5th ranked country in the world for having the most space per person (4.8 kilometres to be exact!). We have a relatively small population for quite a large land mass – so you truly can explore Australia without the crowds from around the globe.

• Great weather:

  The weather in Australia is generally mild, with warm summers and cool winters. This makes it a great place to live all year round.

• Low cost of living:

  The cost of living in Australia is relatively low compared to other developed countries - this is especially true in smaller cities and towns. We also have one of the strongest global economies – with low unemployment rates and great career prospects.

• Accommodation can be expensive:
  Accommodation can be expensive in Australia (as it is in most destination markets), especially in major cities. It's important to start looking for accommodation early, and to be prepared to pay a premium for a good place to live. Fortunately, IDP Education can help international students find accommodation here.

• It can sometimes be difficult to get a visa:

  The visa process can be complicated and time-consuming. It's important to do your research and to apply for the right visa for your needs. This can be quite a challenging process, however we are more than happy to help – we provide a free 15 minute visa consultation for our first time users.

• The culture can be different:

  The Australian culture can be different from other cultures, and it can take some time to adjust. It's important to be open-minded and to be willing to learn about the Australian way of life. But as mentioned earlier, we are one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, with migrants from essentially every corner of the globe. There will always be someone close to you in Australia that will make you feel less out of place!

• Homesickness can be a problem:

  It's normal to feel homesick when you first move to a new country. It's important to stay connected with your friends and family back home, and to find ways to make new friends in Australia. Whether you do this through study, social sport teams or even just want to tap into your local IDP Education office to get some advice in this area, you shouldn’t have any issues.

Ultimately, now that you are here in Australia, don’t be worried about the decision you have made. You are embarking on one of the most exciting adventures that you can have in your life. As mentioned, we are here to help you if you need it – just reach out! So good luck and enjoy the ride!

Additionally, we have provided some further resources for you to better understand how to thrive in Australia below, let’s explore!