Living in Australia

Due to its size, and Since they one of the best places to live in the world , Australia has a range of diverse

climates and picturesque landscapes. Regardless to mention that major Australian cities providea vibrant

lifestyle, global and multicultural society which you might expect, however; every city has its own special

character and charm. Remember that there is at least one day of driving between each city and in some

cases more than four hours of air travel.

Now Australia has more to offer through its big cities. Away from hustle and bustle or evenfrom the

excitement of the most populous areas you will ever find:

– the tropical north of Australia, with lush green tree leaves and outdoor relaxed lifestyle.

– large-scale remote areas, vast desert landscapes.

– the magnificent gorges, natural wonders such as the “Great Barrier Reef and Uluru” (formerly

known as” Ayarz Rock”), the beautiful jungles and spectacular sunsets,

– a unique species of plants and animals that do not exist anywhere else in the world

– stunning sandy beaches in addition to waves and water activities

– skiing in the mountains during winter

Why would you choose Australia?

Australia is increasingly a common destination of study for international students from all over the world.

For many students, Australia represents the best destination to study more than the other common

alternatives such as United Kingdom and United States. Read on to find out why you wouldchoose

Australia…

1-Safe and welcomes everyone

Australia offers a multicultural society where everyone is welcomed, as its population Descendedorigins

from about 200 countries. The Australian people have a reputation for being one of the friendliest nations

all over the world.Moreover; Australian cities are safe and clean, where crime rates are low. And it is worthy

to state that; the vital multiculturalism in Australia Stems from a combination of the Indigenous cultures as

well as the early European settlement and mass migration. Meanwhile; about 40% of Australians Belongs to

mixed cultural origins. Therefore; Australia is proud of its people diversity consequently enjoying the

diversity of different cultures and foods that are provided by this variety. Hence Australia is a secular

country, which means there is no official religion. All the capitals of the States and Territories have places of

worship for religions from all over the world.

2-Lifestyle

The style and the quality of life in Australia are among the best in the world. Also, many of the major

Australian cities are regularly classified as one of the most world’s livable cities. Recently, I found a study by

“Mercer” company for Human Resource Consulting about the quality of life all over the world in 2009 which

states that five Australian cities within the first forty cities for the overall quality of life. Thus; Sydney,

Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane have ranked 10.18, 21, 30 and 34 respectively, while the highest

ranking city in the United States, isHonolulu that has ranked 29, and the highest ranking city in the United

Kingdom, isLondon that has been classified in Grade 38.

3- Value for money

Australian education programs represent a great value for money and are often less expensive than similar

programs in both of United Kingdom and United States as well. Australian courses are often shorter than

the alternatives in other countries. Most degree courses can be completed within three years, and even less

in casethe provider education system was based on three semesters. This means that you can save a full

year tuition if you are studying in Australia and not in the United States or the United Kingdom.

4-low cost of living

A study by “Mercer” company for Human Resource Consulting about the cost of living for 2008 stated that

only two Australian cities appeared on the list of the most expensive fifty cities in the world to live

in.accordingly; Sydney was ranked 15 and Melbourne ranked 36. While United Kingdom has the third most

expensive city-namely London,on the other hand; New York was ranked 22.

Everyday life

1-Banking and telecommunications

Banking facilities and ATM machines (ATMs) are available in all parts of Australia. Banks provide banking

services via Internet and telephone. Working hours are generally from nine o’clock in the morning until five

pm from Monday to Friday, some banks open on Saturday morning as well. You can exchange traveler’s

checks at a bank, and most credit cards are accepted throughout the country.

Australia provides communications network coverage, so it would be easy to stay in touch with family and

friends in your home land, as well as your new friends in Australia.

There are many mobile phone companies in Australia that offer a wide range of phones and payment plans.

Regarding international calls are available on a wide range through phone cards that offer cheap prices.

Add to that; yourown education institution will provide you by free computer and Internet services while

Internet cafes are common in all parts of the country especially in big towns and cities.

Post offices are generally open from nine o’clock in the morning until five pm throughout the weekdays,

whereas Australia Post sends letters and packages to all parts of the world, generally in less than a week for

international mail, and overnight for destinations within Australia.

2-Hardware

Electricity stream in Australia is 240/250 volts (AC 50 Hz). Electric plug in Australia with three heads differs

from other plugs used in most countries, so you will probably need a plug adapter. If your devices don’t

function properly on 240/250 volts, you will also need an adapter to an electrical outlet. This is easy to find

once you arrive to Australia, so you have the option to bring with you electrical appliances.

3-Leisure

It is worthy to know that Australians estimatewell the value of their leisure time and get benefit from the

great climate by spending a lot of time outdoors. Many Australians are very fond of sports – especially

football which isstemming from Australian Rules (AFL), cricket, rugby and tennis (tennis). Also, joining a

sports club is a great way to make friends.

Australia has also a vibrant cultural life, with many music and outdoors art festivals, which are held

throughout the year. And a good way to start is to find out what kind of social activities organized by your

education provider

You can contact universities through this website – check the list of Australian universities and follow their

links to request more information about recreational and social activities.

4-Mobility

Public transport system in Australia includes trains, buses, trams and ferries. There are also taxi services in

all major cities and towns. Your education provider will be able to provide you with local public transport

details when you arrive.

You may lead to university for more inquiries about public transportation means and options of travelling to

your to compass.

If you have a student visa, you can drive in Australia using the applicable license from your country. You

must carry your license with you when driving. If your license isn’t printed in English, you should carry either

an official translation in English one, or an international driving permit (IDP). For information about how to

obtain an international driving license, visit

www.smarttraveller.gov.au/tips/int_driving_licence.html

Information about public transport

VIC – www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au

NSW – www.131500.com.au

ACT – www.action.act.gov.au/default.html

SA – www.transport.sa.gov.au/quicklinks/public_transport_tt.asp

WA – www.pta.wa.gov.au

QLD – www.translink.com.au

NT – www.nt.gov.au/transport/public/index.shtml

TAS – www.metrotas.com.au

Accommodation

Australia has a wide range of housing options for international students. Options ranging from university

housing to self-catering apartments or sharing houses, there is always an option to suit every personality

and budget.

1-Assistance in finding housing

Most major educational institutions in Australia provide information and advice for accommodation options

and costs, in order to help international students to find suitable accommodation to suit their needs as

much as possible.

Also this service can be able to arrange temporary accommodation for students when they arrive for the

first time to Australia. Furthermore; Students have the option to connect their educational

institutionhousing service in Australia before arriving in order to organize accommodation.

You can contact your education provider through this site to learn more about their own accommodation

services. You can also Review a list of Australian universities and follow their links to request more

information.

2-Cost

1-2-dorms

Cost: $ 200 – $ 300 per week

Price and accommodation options vary between different universities so it is important to contact the

housing service subject to universities that you are interested in them for full details. You should pay

attention to the fact that; due to the popularity of this type of student accommodation, it is important to

reserve as early as possible.

2-2-residential colleges

Residential colleges provide housing and all meals besides cleaning and a wide range of support for both

social and academic needs services. Overall, this is more expensive than the rooms of residence.

2-3-university accommodation

Likewise university provides housing services, but with a smaller number of facilities and services covered.

Some meals and cleaning services are included, but usually self-catering facilities are available and students

are able to be more independent.

2-4-on Campus university apartments

Some universities also offer apartments for rent either close to or inside campus. This provides students

with housing security which is based inside the university, as well as a greater space of freedom forfull living

self-service. These apartments are usually popular among students in the final years of their degrees.

2-5-private rental

Cost: $ 120 – $ 350 per week

Many students share the cost of rental properties with other colleagues. Students will generally need to

provide some or all of the furniture, because hired Real Estate is rarely to be furnished. Hired usually

require the payment of rent in advance, as well as Deposit called ‘Bond’ (is usually one month of Rent) and

must be paid in advance. Housing service of your organization can help you find homes for rent and provide

you with necessary information in addition to advice regarding to the tenant rights and obligations. Real

estate or rented rooms are advertised on the students’noticeboard, websites and newspapers as well.

Please note: the scope of costs shown above is just a guide. Before arriving to Australia it is important to

contact your education housing service provider, to ask for accommodation facilities and costs involved ..

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