More than study: 7 things international students love about Brisbane

A huge number of international students have chosen to live and study in Brisbane. And, with its reputation for excellence in education, it’s not hard to see why.

Brisbane is home to The University of Queensland (UQ), one of the top 50 universities in the world. But studying in Brisbane offers way more than just an incredible education. To find out more, we spoke to two international students, Tzu-an Lin and Imam Suryanto.

Friendly people

Imam, who is studying a Master of Communication (Strategic Communication) at UQ, says Brisbane has turned out to be the perfect place for him – and not just because the weather reminds him of his home in Indonesia.

“My first impression was how calm and easy-going the city felt,” he says.

“People here are friendly, open, and supportive. It’s quite easy to build connections, especially within the university and community groups.”

Many international students, when they first land in Brisbane, are surprised by how chatty the locals can be. Greetings always come with a ‘How are you?’ or ‘How’s it going?’ and some store owners actually don't mind a chat.

Tzu-an, from Taiwan, is currently completing a UQ Master of Molecular Biology. She says that her first impression of Brisbane was the warm and welcoming vibe – both the weather and the people.

“People in Brisbane are generally very friendly and approachable, which made it much easier for me to settle in as an international student,” says Tzu-an.

Study-life balance

People in Brisbane have a strong sense of work-life balance and this is reflected in the city’s lifestyle.

“This combination of being active and having quiet moments is what makes Brisbane feel very comfortable and meaningful for me,” says Imam.

Outside of her studies, Tzu-an says she loves that she has the time to explore the city, spend time in nature and create content for her social media channels.

“I really value the work-life balance here," she says.

"It allows me to stay productive in my studies while still enjoying life outside the lab."

Students’ mental and physical health is always a priority at UQ. This is why students have access to the UQ Wellbeing Hub, which offers a variety of free or discounted services provided by accredited practitioners and professionals. These services include counselling, wellbeing programs, health and rehabilitation clinics, study skills support, budgeting tools, mindfulness walks, English language support and more.

A healthy and active lifestyle

Imam says Brisbane’s healthy and active lifestyle has been a highlight for him.

“People start their day super early, whether it’s going for a walk, exercising or grabbing coffee," he says.

"There’s a strong, healthy lifestyle culture here, with lots of outdoor activities and green spaces.”

In fact, most cafés and coffee shops are usually open from 6am to cater to early birds, who would drop by for their caffeine fix before or after their run. A lot of social sports events are also happening around the city, catering to all types of people from beginners to those who are more advanced.

UQ Sport has sign-ups for a variety of social sports like soccer, basketball, netball, badminton, beach volleyball and futsal. UQ students get access to special rates and discounts.

“I’ve been able to join local sport communities like running, yoga, gym and even badminton, which really helps me stay active and connected with people,” says Imam.

Vibrant café culture

Australia is home to some of the world’s best coffee, with 7 Australian cafés making it to the list. In fact, Brisbane is the perfect place to experience the world’s best with 3 out of those 7 cafés calling Brisbane their home. Toby’s Estate in Newstead (top 5), Coffee Anthology in Brisbane CBD (top 30), and Single O in Newstead (top 53) are must-visits.

Tzu-an says exploring new cafés is one of her favourite things to do in Brisbane.

Imam agrees, adding: “Cafés are everywhere, and they’re not just for coffee, but also for socialising and slowing down."

UQ St Lucia also has exciting options on campus. There are more than 10 different cafés to explore, with many offering fun iced lattes and matcha drinks to try.

Plenty to see and do

From sporting events to arts and culture, there’s always plenty to see and do in the river city.

“South Bank Parklands is definitely a must-visit for its riverside atmosphere, while the West End Markets are great for experiencing local culture on weekends,” says Imam.

Aside from the UQ campus, Tzu-an says her top Brisbane locations are South Bank, the City Botanic Gardens and Mount Coot-tha, where you can go for an incredible city view.

“My favourite thing to do in Brisbane is going for walks along the river, especially around sunset – it’s such a peaceful way to unwind after a busy day,” she says.

A short drive from the city unlocks even more nature and wildlife. National Parks are free to explore and offer some of the most breath-taking views you can experience.

“Beyond the city, I love doing hikes and exploring nature," says Imam.

"Some of my favourite trips have been to Springbrook National Park, Glasshouse Mountains, and Lamington National Park.”

UQ also has an exciting line-up of events happening on campus throughout the year. Think art exhibitions, concerts, movie nights, weekly markets, Ekka celebrations, suitcase rummage events, dress-up masquerades and student workshops. 

Since UQ is home to more than 21,500 international students hailing from 141 countries, expect multicultural events and celebrations all around the year like World Day for Cultural Diversity and Dialogue, International Food Festival, Holi: Festival of Colour, Latin Festival, Edi Al-Fitr celebrations and more.

A food lover’s paradise

What is Australian food? This is a common question for many who come to the country, expecting Vegemite toasts and fairy bread to be the embodiment of Australian dining.

In reality, Brisbane food is about showcasing the rich diversity of people who live here. The best of Brisbane food is a fusion of global cuisines. There is no shortage of Chinese take-aways, Thai places, Vietnamese banh mi stores, Korean barbecue and Japanese bento holes-in-the-wall to be explored around the city.

“Brisbane has a great mix of cuisines. I especially enjoy Asian food here. There are always new places to try,” says Tzu-an.

Imam agrees, saying he loves that he can find Indonesian food here to give him a taste of home.

“Areas like West End, the city centre, and Sunnybank are some of the best places to check out because they offer a wide variety of authentic Asian restaurants. Overall, Brisbane’s food scene is very diverse and affordable, which makes it really enjoyable to explore."

Room to grow

Tzu-an says UQ offers plenty of opportunities for students to learn and grow.

“There are solid opportunities in research, healthcare and related industries, especially for students who actively seek out internships or lab experience,” she says.

She says she's been able to gain hands-on experience in lab settings, giving her the chance to build real capabilities and contacts for her future career.

For Imam, this included being a part of Summer and Winter research programs, where he was able to develop employability skills, all while taking part in real research projects.

And if you’re looking for ways to make new connections, UQ has over 200 clubs and societies. Whether you want to join a sporting team, find people who share your passions or meet others in your field, there’s a place for you here.

When it comes to choosing an international study destination, Tzu-an says she definitely recommends Brisbane.

“Brisbane offers a great balance between academic opportunities and quality of life, making it a place where you can grow both professionally and personally.”