A home away from home: Settling into Brisbane

Arriving in Brisbane as an international student can be both exciting and daunting. Luckily for you, Brisbane is a big city with a welcoming, small-town vibe, meaning it’s easy to quickly feel at home.

It’s normal for it to take time to navigate a new city, but having a checklist to work through can make the process easier. Use this guide to make your first few weeks of life in Brisbane a little easier.

Set up your bank account and phone

One of the first things to do when you get here is organise an Australian bank account.

Australia has lots of banks, so it’s good to compare a few options. Many offer student accounts, which generally have low or no fees. You’ll also want to choose a bank that has branches and ATMs nearby.

Some banks let you open an account before you arrive, but you’ll still have to visit in person once you’re here. To open an account, you’ll have to provide documentation such as a photo ID and proof of address. Check with your bank to find out what documentation you’ll need.

Also, you’ll want to pick up a SIM card. Australia has lots of carriers that offer SIM-only plans, so do some research to find the best plan for you.

Check out the public transport

The University of Queensland is located in St Lucia, an inner city suburb with great cafes, parks and restaurants. Some students choose to live nearby in suburbs like Toowong, West End, Indooroopilly and Taringa.

Brisbane has an extensive network of public transport that will get you wherever you need to go. The Brisbane network includes buses, trains and ferries, and you can easily figure out how to get around with the journey planner.

You will need to buy a go card, a reloadable travel card, to use public transport. As a student, you’re even eligible for discounted fares via a concession card.

Discover your locals

Once you’re all set up, it’s time to get exploring! Take a walk or a bus around your neighbourhood, hop on a train into the city, or jump on one of the iconic CityCat ferries!

You should also find nearby amenities, like bus stops, train stations, public parks, grocery stores like Coles, Woolworths and ALDI, and anything else you might want, like gyms, shopping centres or movie theatres.

This is also a great time to find a local doctor, also known as a general practitioner (GP). If your health insurance covers GP visits, check with your provider to find one in your network.

Visit the UQ campus

There will be lots going on during your first week of classes, so you won’t want to waste time getting lost. Before your first day, head to the St Lucia or Gatton Campus and take a look around so you know how to get to all your classes and lectures.

It’s worth visiting other important landmarks on campus, too, such as the libraries, the Great Court and the UQ lakes.

Make new friends

It’s not always easy to meet new people, but at university, you’ll be surrounded by people who are in exactly your position. Chat with people in your classes and attend UQ events, there are so many opportunities to connect with others.

UQ is also home to more than 220 social and sporting clubs, which are another great way to meet new people who share a common interest.

Don’t forget, you can also check out sports teams, cultural groups, religious congregations, hobby groups and more in your local area. People in Brisbane are friendly and love to share their way of life with others, so putting yourself out there is the best way to go.

Make your space a home

Whether you’re in a UQ Residential College, student accommodation or living off-campus, decorating your space is a must to help you feel more at home.

Photos, posters and art prints are a great way to add some personality to your room. Plants make great decor and can be found at places like Bunnings Warehouse and Mappins Nursery.

Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree are great places to find affordable second-hand furniture, appliances and more. You can also check out the opportunity (‘op’) shops in West End and Paddington.

Find a part-time job

International students in Australia can work part-time and finding a job is a great way to boost your finances.

Great places to find student jobs include cafes, movie theatres, retail stores and restaurants. You can also find administration roles in offices and healthcare jobs in settings like aged care.

You can find current vacancies on websites like SEEK, Indeed and LinkedIn, or check out UQ Careers and Employability for more information and resources.

Take it easy

Even among Australians, Brisbanites are known for being laid-back, so there’s no better way to fit in than by kicking back.

It’s also important to give yourself time and space to adjust to your new surroundings. While moving to a new place is exciting and fun, it’s not uncommon for international students to also experience feelings of culture shock and homesickness, especially when they first arrive.

If you find yourself feeling out of place, stressed, anxious, worried or down, it’s important to remember that it’s normal to feel this way, and the feeling is usually temporary.

And don’t forget, UQ is here for you. If you’re struggling, get in touch with the friendly team at Student Central, and they can help you find the support you need so you can get on with enjoying your amazing Brisbane adventure!