How to Prepare for College Life in Australia

Preparing for college is not just about choosing where to study, it’s so much more. It’s actually a leap from childhood to adult life. Taking this into consideration, it’s clear that college preparations actually equal preparations for a complete lifestyle change. Not only do you start a new school, but you are leaving your old life behind and starting a brand new one. New friends, a new environment and a new city or even country.
Australia is a great option if you’re looking to study abroad. Its beautiful nature, great colleges and wonderful international friendliness will absolutely charm you. If you do decide to follow the path many young people have before you, you’ll be more than pleasantly surprised to see what awaits you.
Language
The good news is that the official language is English. However, it’s definitely not the kind of English you’re used to, except if you’re actually Australian. For anyone else, this English will definitely sound odd. Of course, it will just take you some time to get used to all the ‘a’-s and ‘o’-s at the end of each word, as well as slang, but it’s nothing too difficult. Another thing you should know is that Australians are known for their sarcasm and irony, but it’s all just for laughs. They’re generally very nice and polite people and we’re positive you won’t have any trouble assimilating and feeling like you belong.
College lifestyle
The good thing about Australia is that it’s completely liberal when it comes to the way you should lead your life. There are no norms according to which you need to behave which is great as it means you can do anything you want. If you want to be the campus-type, it’s fine. Attend all lectures, hang out with peers, spend time in the library, etc. On the other hand, if you’re a less open type of person, it’s absolutely OK not to attend lessons and not make friends with peers. You can strive for perfection or be an average Joe, nobody will judge you. So, whatever you want to do, feel free to do it.
Accommodation
When it comes to the issue of where to stay, the good thing is that Australians have a habit of staying at home while going to college and commuting. This is great news for all international students as this means most of the accommodation options are left for them. Many Australian cities such as Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney offer amazing options for students. For instance, great student accommodation in Melbourne CBD is really easy to find. You can get a nice and comfy room that is in a convenient location.
Cafe culture
When in Australia, you need to make sure that every coffee you drink and every meal you eat is an experience in itself. The mentality of this country involves being into the whole concept of enjoying food and drinks and we’re sure you won’t have any problems adjusting to this. Wherever you go, you’ll have plenty of places to choose from and plenty of new things to try, whether you’re a fan of the classics or an enthusiast who likes to try new and exotic things. There’s something for everyone.
As locals do
As you might already know, most Australians live in urban areas and don’t travel through the bush or desert on their way to work or school. Another possibly known fact is that most Australian cities are very expensive. When you think of brochures or ads you may have seen, it’s hard to imagine an average student being able to afford this high-end life. However, if you know your way around town, you can actually stumble upon some great cheap pubs or cafes that are a bit secluded. This is where you need a bit of enthusiasm or contact with the locals. There are even whole streets or neighborhoods filled with places mostly students visit due to the ambiance and the price.
All in all, we hope we were able to shine some light on your future studies in Australia. As you may have noticed, the general impression is quite free-spirited and basically anyone can find something that suits them in every aspect of college life.