Australia is a welcoming, multicultural place to study and live. Settling into a new country takes time — here’s what to expect, what nobody tells you, and how to make the most of it.
Understanding culture shock
Feeling unsettled when you first arrive is completely normal. The early excitement can give way to homesickness or frustration as you adjust to new surroundings, food, language and routines. It passes — and there’s plenty of support along the way.
Things nobody tells you
A few small things that surprise almost every new arrival:
- Christmas falls in summer here — think backyard barbecues and the beach, not snow.
- “How’s it going?” or “How ya going?” is just a greeting, not a real question — “Good thanks, you?” is the expected reply.
- People often call teachers, managers and even doctors by their first name. It’s not disrespectful — it’s just how things are done here.
- Sun protection matters more than the temperature suggests. Australia has some of the highest UV levels in the world — “Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide” (sunscreen, shirt, hat, shade, sunglasses) is a real, long-running public health message worth taking seriously, even on a mild day.
- Most shops close earlier than you might expect — often by 5–6pm on weekdays outside the city centre, with later late-night shopping hours in some areas.
- “No worries” is one of the most-used phrases in the country — and people really do mean it.
Your first week checklist
A short, practical list to work through once you land:
- Open an Australian bank account.
- Get a local SIM card and phone plan.
- Activate your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
- Get your myki (Melbourne) or go card (Brisbane) for public transport.
- Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) if you plan to work part-time.
- Visit your campus to collect your student ID.
- Save Evantaa Student Support’s number and email in your phone: (03) 7068 8413 / info@evantaa.edu.au.
Cost of living
The Department of Home Affairs currently requires student visa applicants to show access to at least AUD $29,710 per year (about $571 per week) to cover living costs — this is the official minimum used for visa financial capacity, not a target budget. Most international students report spending $450–$750 per week overall, and costs differ a little between our two campuses.
| Expense (per week) | Melbourne | Brisbane |
|---|---|---|
| Shared rental | $180–$320 | $220–$350 |
| Studio / student housing | $350–$650 | $400–$550 |
| Groceries & dining | $80–$120 | $70–$120 |
| Public transport | $30–$45 (concession) | $5–$10 (flat 50¢ per trip) |
| Phone & internet | $15–$30 | $15–$30 |
| Entertainment | $60–$120 | $60–$120 |
Sharing accommodation and cooking at home are the easiest ways to save. Brisbane’s flat 50¢-per-trip public transport fare — regardless of distance — is one of the cheapest urban transport systems in the world.
Melbourne vs Brisbane, at a glance
| Melbourne | Brisbane | |
|---|---|---|
| Climate | Four distinct seasons; changeable. Winter avg 14°C, summer avg 25°C. | Subtropical and warmer year-round. Winter avg 21°C, summer hot and humid. |
| Vibe | Laneway cafés, arts, sport-mad, famously coffee-obsessed. | Laid-back, outdoorsy, river city with a slower pace. |
| Weekly living cost | Typically a little higher. | Generally 15–30% lower than Melbourne or Sydney. |
| Getting around | Extensive tram and train network via myki. | Flat 50¢ fares on Translink, regardless of distance. |
Studying in Australia
Australian classrooms are interactive and relaxed. Students and teachers often use first names, dress casually, and discuss ideas openly. Asking questions and sharing your perspective is encouraged — it’s how you learn, and it builds your confidence. As an international student you’re required to study full-time and maintain satisfactory attendance and progress — see Conditions of Enrolment for details.
Staying connected & finding your community
Settling in is about more than logistics — it’s about building a life here. A few starting points:
- Join a student club or interest group during orientation.
- Look up your nearest place of worship if faith is important to you — Melbourne and Brisbane both have well-established multicultural communities and most major faiths represented.
- Try a local sports club, gym or running group — one of the fastest ways to meet people outside class.
- Consider volunteering — it’s a great way to build a local network while giving back, and many international students find it eases the early homesickness.
Safety, health & wellbeing
- Emergencies: call 000 for police, fire or ambulance.
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 — 24/7 confidential crisis support, if you ever need to talk to someone.
- Student support: Evantaa Institute on (03) 7068 8413 or info@evantaa.edu.au.
- It’s okay to ask for help. Many students feel homesick at some point — reaching out early makes the biggest difference.
Quick answers
- Is the tap water safe to drink? Yes — tap water across Melbourne and Brisbane is safe to drink straight from the tap.
- Can I drive on my home country’s licence? Generally yes, for a period, as long as it’s current and carried with an official English translation if needed — check your state’s road authority for exact rules.
- What’s the legal drinking age? 18.
- Do I need to tip at restaurants? No — tipping isn’t expected in Australia; service is already included.
- What power plug do I need? Type I (three flat pins, 230V) — bring an adaptor.
Keep exploring
- Planning Your Arrival — what to book and pack before you fly.
- Arrival Information — what to expect at the airport and in your first days.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — your visa-required health insurance.
- Conditions of Enrolment — your study load and attendance obligations.