Exploring Student Life in Australia

Wondering what living in Australia is like? Australia has much to offer, including world-class universities, diverse cultures, coral reefs, and varied recreational activities - no wonder it’s popular with those looking to study abroad.

As a student, adapting to the living conditions might take a while. To help you on your way, here’s all you need to know about student life in Australia.

What International Students Should Know About Culture in Australia

Relocating to a new country inevitably involves an adjustment period to embrace different cultural experiences. This holds true for Indian students preparing for their journey to Australia. Here, we highlight essential elements of the country’s culture to facilitate your transition into the Australian lifestyle.

• Australian English: It has a distinct accent that might be difficult to grasp initially. Additionally, Australians tend to use a lot of slang, usually in the form of shortened words. For instance, “brekkie” is short for breakfast, “arvo” is short for the afternoon, and McDonald’s is called "Macca’s.” 
• Coffee Culture: If you like coffee, you’re up for a treat. Australia is renowned for its good quality coffee, and it's consumed frequently. Walking around campus, you'll likely find students with cups of coffee all around you.
• Friendly Atmosphere: When it comes to everyday interactions, you’ll find that most Australians are laid-back, friendly, and approachable. 
• Shopping Hours: If you’re used to late-night shopping or going out for a midnight snack, it might be challenging in Australia, as shops and restaurants usually close early. Most retail shops close around 6 PM, and a few stay open till 9 PM.

Living in Australia: City Life 

For international students, many cities in Australia offer a unique study experience. Your student life in Australia will depend on the city you will live in.
The city you choose depends on your academic aspirations and preferred lifestyle. Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are popular among international students and have the best education in Australia.

Life as an international student in Australia encompasses diverse cultural experiences, academic challenges, and opportunities for personal growth. Interestingly, Melbourne and Sydney are the most student-friendly cities, ranking 5th and 6th on the QS Best Student Cities Rankings in 2025 due to which university housing in Sydney is quite popular.

Known as the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne has a lot to offer students, especially if you’re into sports activities, live music, or comedy. The city is home to seven distinguished universities and offers great employment opportunities.

Subsequently, Sydney is the financial and economic capital of Australia, offering students access to well-known universities in the world. Enhancing international student life in Australia with beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, and pleasant temperatures year-round, it is a remarkable city to study and live in.

These cities are bustling centers of trade, industry, and government. As many big cities are coastal, activities like swimming, boating, and surfing are a part of city life. Moreover, due to multiple cultures, you will find cuisines from all over the world.

If you are looking for a more relaxed study experience, regional cities like Hobart, Wollongong, Gold Coast, and Perth would be the best. You can keep yourself occupied by attending festivals and cultural events, visiting beaches and theme parks, and enjoying the vibrant nightlife. This will make your student life in Australia more enjoyable.

Social and Campus Life That Enhance Australian Lifestyle

As an international student living in Australia, you are sure to get multiple opportunities for networking and building relationships and connections.

Several community events will be organized to engage the local community and international students, enabling you to experience a truly multicultural environment. 

They will form an important part of your Indian student life in Australia.
Besides, you can also actively partake in student associations and clubs. From study groups to movie clubs and gaming groups, you will find something that will pique your interest. Remember to check the university website for specific details of the student organizations on campus.

If you opt for on-campus accommodation, you will benefit from being very close to the activities on campus. If you choose to live outside the campus, pick a place close to the university to remain comfortably involved in campus activities so you don’t miss out.

Recreational Activities in Australia

The Australian lifestyle places a lot of emphasis on leisure. It could be helpful in dealing with stress or academia. Weekends are usually spent on beaches with groups of friends. The coastal areas are well-developed and maintained. So, you will have a great time.

Sports, both participation and spectating, is a significant recreational activity. Sports like rugby, soccer, tennis, etc. There is also a huge fan following for cricket, which can add a boost to your Indian student life in Australia. If you are interested in playing a sport, check out relevant clubs. You can also attend a game or match. These are excellent ways to experience Australian culture and upgrade your international student life in Australia. 

Adventure sports are also popular avenues for recreation. Some spots to explore are Uluru, the Snowy Mountains, and the Great Barrier Reef. Additionally, you can also go quad biking, hiking, camping, or swimming with the sharks!

Weather in Australia

Australia experiences different weather depending on the geographical location. However, it is known to be hot and dry during the summer months - December to February. Life of Indian students in Australia might be easier in comparison to the rest of them as many parts of India also experience hot weather.

Cities like Sydney and Melbourne enjoy a temperate climate on the southeastern coast of Australia. Extreme cases of weather conditions result in bushfires, droughts, and flooding.

Expenses in Australia

Life as an international student in Australia will entail managing your expenses well. 

Living in Australia is slightly expensive, especially in Melbourne and Sydney. You need to consider the tuition fee, accommodation costs, utilities and bills, food, and transportation. Students will need a minimum of AUD 24,505 (INR 12,88,689 as of October 2023) each year for living costs alone.

However, there are several ways to save money, including preparing a budget, using public transport, and conserving electricity. Additionally, with a student visa, you can work 48 hours every two weeks if you need extra money.

Living Expenses in Australia

Living expenses in Australia can widely vary depending on various factors such as choice of location, accommodation, and many other things. On average, you can expect to spend around a minimum of AUD2,042 on monthly living expenses. Here’s a breakdown of estimated weekly expenses as per Australian government data.

• Accommodation:  AUD425 to  AUD500
• Utilities:  AUD10 to  AUD20
• Food:  AUD140 to  AUD280
• Phone Bill and Internet:  AUD15 to  AUD30
• Public Transport:  AUD30 to  AUD60
• Entertainment:  AUD80 to  AUD150

Healthcare for Students in Australia

An Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is an unavoidable expense for international students. The OSHC covers all medical expenses in Australia, including prescription medicines, hospital visits, specialist consultations, and medical testing expenses. There are several OSHC providers in Australia- Bupa, Allianz, and NIB to name a few. So, depending on your choice of OSHC provider and choice of coverage or services, the cost can range around

1 Year:  AUD652

2 Year:  AUD1,324

3 Year:  AUD2,084

4 Year:  AUD3,139

5 Year:  AUD4,128

Student Travel Expenses in Australia

On average, you may have to spend about AUD30 to AUD60 on public transport each week if you do not live on campus. To save on your travel expenses, you can get an Opal card which allows you to travel on the Opal network at a lower rate.

Budget Tourist Spot in Australia for Students

Australia offers numerous budget-friendly tourist spots that are perfect for students.

• Great Ocean Road (Victoria): Free to visit, stunning coastal drive.
• Blue Mountains (New South Wales): Hiking and natural beauty, free to low cost.
• Fremantle (Western Australia): Historic sites and beaches, low-cost activities.
• Gold Coast (Queensland): Beaches and national parks, minimal entry fees.
• Tasmania: Affordable outdoor adventures and beautiful scenery.

Entertainment for Students in Australia

Students in Australia have access to a wide range of entertainment options.

• Cinemas: Student discounts are available; tickets might cost around  AUD10 to  AUD15.
• Cultural Events: Many cities host free or low-cost festivals, art shows, and music events.
• Sports: Student rates for gym memberships, fitness classes, and local sports clubs.
• Outdoor Activities: Beaches, parks, and hiking trails are often free or low-cost.
• University Events: University clubs and organizations often host indoor and even outdoor events for students.

Part-Time Work for Students in Australia

International students in Australia can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the semester and unlimited hours during semester breaks, providing them with valuable opportunities to gain work experience and supplement their income. 

Common part-time jobs include roles in retail, hospitality, tutoring, administration, and internships, with the national minimum wage set at around  AUD24.10 per hour. Students can find job listings on employment websites, as well as through university career services, which often provide job listings and support to help students find suitable employment.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, an Indian student's life in Australia after and during study offers a unique opportunity to experience different cultures, tons of exposure, and avenues to success. 

The high-quality Australian education is definitely an incentive to move there. Considering the parameters listed above, ensure that you make an informed decision, considering your circumstances and goals. 

Know more about study in Australia:

• MBA Universities in Australia

• Study in Australia for Indian Students after 12th
• Requirements for Studying in Australia
• How to study in Australia from India
• How much Gap is acceptable for study in Australia
• Masters in Australia
• MS in Australia Cost
• Cost of Study in Australia
• Australia Post Study Work Visa
• Jobs after MBA in Australia
• MBA in Australia
• MBA in Australia without GMAT