Living in Australia
Living and studying abroad can be an exciting and adventurous thing to do.

Students arriving in Australia for the first time often experience some degree of ‘cultural shock’, particularly in
relation to their new living arrangements. Sometimes it can be difficult and frustrating when you have to find
accommodation, find your way around town, get used to eating different foods, adjusting to the climate and
understanding the Australian ways doing things.

Our advice in the early months of your stay is to give yourself time to adjust to these differences,
don't try to do everything at once, and to simply enjoy the change!

Our professional student officers will help you arrange everything you need prior to arrival, and in the
settling in period. If you experience difficulties with accommodation, travel or anything else; please
talk to us as we will always try to help you. That is our promise to you!

Here is some information you might like to know about Australia before you arrive to the land ‘down under’.

Homestay

Homestay is a great way to practice spoken English and learn about the Australia culture and customs.

You get to live with an Australian Host family in a fully furnished room that can be single or shared with
other students.

The cost is usually AUS $155-$200 per week and generally includes 2 meals p er day (breakfast & dinner),
during the week and 3 meals on the weekends.

For students attending University or Secondary study, a more popular type of accommodation is
University Residential College/Boarding. This is usually found at older universities or Colleges and can
be on or close to campus, so it saves you on transportation costs.

For AUS $155-$250 per week, you will get all the facilities and services you need such as meals,
sporting facilities, electricity, & a furnished room.

Standard of Living and Shopping

The life style in Australia is considered to be safe and friendly with a high degree of social life.
There is a wide range of shopping facilities in Sydney that offer a large variety of goods at competitive prices.
You may have to shop around to get the best price. Normal shopping hours are usually 9am until 5.30pm Monday to Saturday,
with late night shopping each Thursday or Friday until approximately 9.00pm. Most petrol stations and some supermarkets
are open for twenty fours a day seven days a week.

Climate

The climate ranges from tropical to temperate. It is coldest in the highlands of the southeast and Tasmania, the only places where snow falls regularly. January and February are generally the hottest months. The wettest months are March to May and the coldest month is July. In Sydney you will probably find that the weather is crazy! It can be hot one day, hotter the next & virtually pouring down rain the next!

Time difference

Most cities of Australia are 2-3 hours ahead of Asia. 9-10 hours ahead of Europe and 16-20 hours ahead of USA.
Daylight saving (summer time) also operates in the majority of states from generally the last Sunday in October to the First Sunday in April.

Public transport

Australia has an extensive and modem public transport system which includes trains, buses, trams/light rail train, ferries, monorails, taxis and water taxis. Unfortunately, overseas students are not entitled to travel concession cards. You will be fined up to A$100 if you are caught. You can buy the TravelTen or Weekly Pass to save money on traveling on buses, trains and ferries. You will need a red, blue, yellow or brown pass depending how far you need to travel overseas or to other States in Australia.

Health/OSHC

Australia has a high standard of health and hygiene, and it is unlikely that you will encounter any health hazards. Overseas students
must organize for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their visa in Australia.
OSHC will help you to pay for any medical and hospital care you my need (as specified) while studying in Australia.

OSHC premium for students; 1-3 months A$74, 3-6 months A$148, 6-9 months A$ 212,9-12 months A$295.

Once you commence your course in Australia, you will be given an application form and your ABOC & AA numbers. Please fill in the form and take your passport to the Medicare Private office. A membership card will be sent to you within four to six weeks. When visiting a doctor, payment for services is made at the time of consultation and then claimed back from the OSHC scheme at a Medibank office by filling in a Claim Form and showing the doctor's receipt.

Banking/Business Hours

There are many banks to choose from and all are registered under Australian Government regulations.The four main Australian Banks are National Australia Bank, Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ Bank and St. George Bank. Banks are generally open 9.30am - 4pm Mon. - Thurs, to 5pm on Friday. General office hours are 9am-5pm weekdays. Post offices are open the same hours.

Taxation Overseas
Students are considered to be residents for tax purposes if they are here on a full-time course at a college or university for six months or more. Forms to register for a Tax File Number (TFN) are available from the Taxation Office. (100 Market St. Sydney NSW 2000) or at MTT Student Services. Please fill out the application form and provide the following documents when applying for TFN: passport,
copy of COES and proof of address in Australia such as Bank Statement or driver license.

There is not cost to apply for TFN and you will receive your TFN approximately within four weeks after you lodge in an application.

Electricity Domestic

Electricity is 230 to 250 volts/50 cycles. AC plugs are three pin and transformers and adapters are easily obtainable.

Telecommunications
Two main telecommunication companies in Australia are TELSTRA and OPTUS. Australia has a sophisticated telephone system.
Public phones with overseas dialing facilities are available at all Post Offices, most shopping centers, schools, railway stations,
streets corner and many more places. The cost for local a call is 40 cent. International calls can vary from 80 cents per minute to approx. A$2.50 per minute depending on the countries you are calling.

Religion

There is complete religious freedom in Australia and all faiths and denominations are represented. So enjoy the land of Religious
and Cultural diversity!