Moving to Brisbane? The Ultimate Guide for International Students!

Moving to Brisbane! What a clever move. You will have so much fun studying at Queensland. I remember coming here years ago. At first it was pretty overwhelming. Some good advice and you’ll be settled in fast. This guide covers all the practicalities. Get a coffee and listen.

Knowing the weather and packing for it

The sun is out in Brisbane, plenty of it. We get almost 300 sunny days every year, on average. Winters here are really mild. You will seldom need a heavy winter coat. Hot and very humid summers. Bring lots of cotton shirts that breathe. Remember your sunglasses and a good hat. I always carry a little umbrella in my bag. Summer storms can pop up quickly in the afternoon. Don’t forget your bathing suit for weekend beach trips!

Selecting the right accommodation

You need a comfortable place to live. The residential colleges are located on campus. They provide cooked meals and social networks on the go. But they can be quite costly. Private rentals offer you a lot more independence. You could live with other students from uni. Kelvin Grove or Toowong are very popular suburbs. Always check a room before paying any deposit! Facebook groups are a good way to find empty rooms. Be cautious of online rental scams.

Easily navigate public transport

Getting around Brisbane is such an easy. You’ll be taking buses, trains and ferries. Our public transport system is known as Translink. You really need to buy a Go Card straight away. It’s a smart card you tap on and off. Go Card fares are much cheaper. International students get a huge 50% discount concession! Now apply online for this discount! My favourite form of travel is the CityCat ferry. There are beautiful views of the river.

Budgeting your student life

Living away from home costs money. Brisbane is cheaper to live in than Sydney or Melbourne. But a good budget is still a must. Most of your money will go to paying rent. Aldi and local markets have cheap groceries. Davies Park Market has amazing fresh veggies. Always have your student ID with you at the movies. There are many local shops with sweet deals. Cook meals at home to save lots of money. Constantly eating out will soon eat into your funds. Use a simple phone app to track your daily spending.

To stay safe & healthy

Brisbane is a very secure city. The local people are usually very friendly and obliging. But you will have to be on your guard. Only walk in well lit areas at night . If your university has a SafeZone app, download it. It is so important that you have Overseas Student Health Cover. It helps to pay for doctor and hospital visits. Find a local medical centre near you. Do this before you get really sick!” Drink a lot of tap water in summer. The sun is very hard on you here. Apply sunscreen daily.

Explore the culture and social scene

Aussie culture is very laid back. We love barbecues, sports and chilling outside. South Bank is the ideal weekend hangout. It has a huge phony beach right in town! West End has some awesome cafes. Join social clubs at your university right away. The fastest way to make new friends. Don’t just hang out with people from home. Talk to locals in your tutorial classes. Aussies love a bit of good natured ribbing.

Initial and necessary measures on arrival

Land at the airport, breathe in deep. First of all buy an Australian local SIM card. Optus or Telstra have some good deals for students. Then open a bank account in Australia. This is what you use to pay rent and to be paid. You can apply for a Tax File Number online. You need one to get a casual job. Go to your university orientation week. They are giving away tons of free food and swag! The best way to start your Brisbane adventure. Just take it one day at a time.

Relocating abroad is a major life decision. You are going to be wonderful in Brisbane. All you need is these handy tips to help you settle in comfortably. Pack your bags and prepare for some sunshine. I know you’ll love this vibrant city. Want more study tips? Sign up for our newsletter today. We send out advice for international students just like you every week.