A day in the life of a UQ student

Life at The University of Queensland promises a world-class learning experience in one of Australia’s most beautiful cities. But what does a normal day look like when you’re studying at UQ?

Let’s find out what you can expect as an international student at UQ.

Getting to the University

UQ’s main campus is located in St Lucia, a popular Brisbane suburb with a large student population. 

Like UQ’s other campuses at Dutton Park, Herston and Gatton, St Lucia is easy to reach by public transport. You can travel by bus or take Brisbane’s CityCat ferry. Even better, public transport fares across Queensland are just 50 cents per trip on Translink buses, trains and ferries.

UQ graduate, Sumayyah Abdurrahman, who completed a Master of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, says her daily commute from Toowong (a neighbouring suburb) was by bus. She used the trip as an opportunity to squeeze in some study.

“When I wake up in the morning, if I had class that day, I always prepared myself with a pre-class reading or recording while on the bus.”

What happens before and after classes

As a student, Sumayyah always loved going to campus. 

“I was going to UQ to attend every class I could,” she says. “I always liked to interact in class and I got along with my cohort really well. 

“Afterwards, we would hang out or go get food together. It’s something I enjoyed a lot, and I was also able to broaden my network.”

She also says that getting involved in UQ’s extracurricular opportunities like student committees gave her the chance to build friendships and gain more experience. 

Ai Xin, an international student from Malaysia, graduated with a Bachelor of Biomedical Science. She says that her classes were a great mix of practical and academic skills. 

“A typical day as an international student is quite dynamic,” she shares. “We usually had quite a packed schedule of lectures and practical sessions. Normally after that I would head to the gym.”

Ai Xin agrees with Sumayyah that UQ offers a variety of opportunities like sports and clubs. 

“I was part of the UQ basketball team for nationals, so I would often train with my friends after class.”

Campus activities

UQ’s St Lucia campus is home to several restaurants and cafes. For coffee and lunch, popular options include Upbeat Cafe, Redroom, Patina at Alumni Court and the Phizz food court.

For Sumayyah, relaxing on the Great Court lawns between classes was her favourite activity.

“There are so many places to chill during free time from class,” she says. “Great Court lawns definitely, but I think I have been to every coffee shop on campus!”

Life in Brisbane 

As an international student at The University of Queensland, you also get the chance to live in and explore one of Australia’s most beautiful cities. ‘The River City’, as it is affectionately known by locals, has great weather and a calm atmosphere year-round.

“I have travelled to other states as well during my study,” says Sumayyah. “For those who love work-life balance, I think Brisbane is just right.

“Also, the weather compared to Melbourne or Sydney is just perfect. There are also many great beaches you can visit when you feel like a short vacation.”

Both Ai Xin and Sumayyah say that Brisbane is also home to fantastic restaurants that feature cuisines from all over the world.

“I've been to many restaurants in Brisbane, especially Asian restaurants like Thai, Korean, Indonesian and Malaysian, all around the city centre,” says Sumayyah.