Make Brisbane Feel Like Home – Tips for International Students
With its pristine nature, delightful weather, and incredible people from all over the world, in all honesty, it doesn’t really take much to call Brisbane your home, it really grows on you quickly. However, when you’re coming from an entirely different culture, and you have many new things to get used to, it can be quite a challenge to find your feet in this wonderful new city.
This is especially true for students, since your visit to Brisbane has a particular purpose, and you’ll be eager to know the ins and outs of uni life before you take the leap. So, let’s take a look at a few essential tips for all future Brisbane students who cannot wait to experience this Aussie wonderland!
Join students’ clubs and associations
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There are many universities in Brisbane, and depending on where you belong, you can look for various clubs and societies to join their ranks and have access to the most important events for your studies. You can always ask for help with mastering a particular subject, or join a club such as the debate club to boost some of your skills.
Some of these associations will keep you in the loop when it comes to finding a part-time job, but these student groups also know how to have fun! From Harry Potter discussions, pizza nights, to sports events, you can take your pick and find the crew you’d love to join.
Explore the foodie scene
Aussies are known for their culinary expertise, and their foodie scene is not limited to Sydney or Melbourne, on the contrary! Some of the most mouth-wateringly delicious food courts and eateries are located in smaller spots like Brisbane, and you’ll have the chance to test them all for a fraction of the price you’d see in other major metropolises.
As a melting pot of cultures, you can find a wide range of tastes to suit your palate, from Asian diners, seafood to satisfy your fish and chips cravings, to food trucks, and Greek tavernas. You name it, Brisbane hides it!
Research for places to stay
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Compared to many other places around the world, Australia is pretty pricey, especially for a student, so you need to be careful when it comes to finding affordable apartments and book your accommodation well in advance. This is one of those things you’ll want to do as soon as you’ve decided to enroll at a Brisbane university, and researching online is the best way to start.
You can find student accommodation in Brisbane which you can share with several roommates or something just for yourself. There are different locations to choose from depending on your preferences, but it’s best to aim at something close to your uni. These student-perfect nooks also have excellent communal areas for you to meet and greet other students, while there’s always something entertaining on their events program for you to check out.
Visit cultural events
Back to the fun of staying in Brisbane as a student, you can expect frequent events such as concerts, art exhibitions, lectures, networking events, foodie events, festivals, and the like. For instance, the Brisbane Powerhouse is a treasure trove for comedy shows and artsy events for all tastes and preferences, you just need to keep an eye on their schedule.
Then head to the famous West End to check out the local life of designers, hipster cafes, local farmers’ markets, microbreweries, and enjoy their incredible street art! This suburb is also ideal for evening outings with your friends, known for exceptional cocktail crawls, and their music isn’t too shabby, either!
Work when you can
A student visa typically allows you up to 40 hours per fortnight while the lectures last, and you can work as much as you like when you have study breaks. So, considering the hefty prices in this Aussie city, why not pick up an occasional job to get some extra spending money, save up for a trip, or simply to improve your CV for your future dream job?
First of all, you can always look for work through your university’s associations and online. You’ll quickly become an integral part of your uni society, so you’ll often hear about jobs from your student friends, but since Brisbane is a friendly city, don’t be scared to stop by and ask for work yourself. People will be happy to point you in the right direction even if they don’t have anything going on at that moment.
All in all, Brisbane is a perfect spot for any international student to experience Australia and its vibrant culture. With just a few handy tips and tricks up your sleeve to master the city streets like a local. You will be more than ready for your upcoming student adventure abroad!
