Living In Australia The Pros, Cons, And How To Do It | Study in Australia • OzStudies

Students want to know the pros and cons of living in Australia.

Australia, a vast and diverse country, welcomes students worldwide with its unique offerings.

Living in Australia offers opportunities, stunning landscapes, and an exceptional quality of life. This blog outlines life in Australia, focusing on student experiences, living conditions, and practical tips for a seamless journey.

1. Living In Australia: Pros And Cons

Pros:

Excellent Education: Top schools, sunny weather, and a fabulous lifestyle make Australia popular for students.
A mix of Cultures: Lots of different people and friendly Aussies mean you'll feel right at home.
Safety and Great Neighborhoods: It's safe, and the neighbourhoods are nice with schools and all that good stuff.
Beautiful Scenery: From beaches to the outback, Australia has stunning views, fresh air, and incredible animals like kangaroos.
Lots of Jobs: You can find plenty of work, grow your career, and enjoy life.
Free or Cheap Healthcare: Everyone gets good healthcare without breaking the bank.
Easy Citizenship: Getting citizenship is pretty straightforward after living here for a few years.
Decent Salaries: Aussies earn good money, especially in big cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
Fun Cities: Big cities are fantastic, even if expensive.
Sports Everywhere: Parks and gyms are everywhere, perfect for staying active.
Free Schooling: Primary and high school education is free in government schools.
Helpful Education Policies: Australia's smart rules that help students, especially if you're new.

Cons:

High Cost of Living: Quality of life is high, but food and housing are expensive, with a monthly cost ranging from 800-1,000 AUD, excluding rent.
Housing Costs: Homeownership in areas near Sydney is around 1 million AUD, making it 11 to 13 times the yearly average salary, posing a challenge for students without jobs.
Complex Work Permit Process: Obtaining a work permit is long and complicated, involving a character check.
Geographic Challenges: Australia's vastness and low population density mean major cities are far apart, leading to occasional feelings of isolation.
Limited Travel Opportunities: International travel is time-consuming and expensive due to Australia's isolation from the rest of the world.
Public Transport Issues: Public transport lags behind, with less frequent buses and trains, and not every region is accessible.
Wildlife Risks: Native animals, including kangaroos, snakes, and spiders, pose risks, with bird attacks during mating season in certain areas.

2. Cultural and Social Etiquette

Warm and Welcoming Culture: Australian culture is warm, friendly, and welcoming.
Classless Society: Australia values sincerity over class distinctions, presenting itself as a classless society.
Gender Equality: Women enjoy equal status and are not confined to traditional gender roles.
Diverse Festivals: Australia hosts various festivals, offering entertainment in live music, theatre, sports, and street food.
Informal and Friendly: Aussies are less formal than the UK, easy to approach, and willing to assist.
Appreciation for Humbleness: Australians appreciate humility in social and business interactions.
"Easy-Going" Lifestyle: More than 70% of expats feel at home, enjoying the easy-going lifestyle and down-to-earth nature.
Values of Society: Australian society cherishes friendship, optimism, equality, and authenticity.
Outdoor Lifestyle: Aussies prefer outdoor activities and design houses to encourage socializing and outdoor living.
Self-Deprecating Humor: Humor tends to be self-deprecating, and bragging is not appreciated.

Meetings and Greetings

Informal Greetings: Australians prefer first-name greetings, avoiding titles even with new acquaintances.
Firm Handshakes: Greetings involve a firm and confident handshake.
Simple Language: When meeting Australians, it's better to stick to simple greetings like "Hi" or "Hello" and ask, "How are you?"

Etiquette Tips:

Accent Awareness: Foreigners are advised to avoid attempting an Australian accent.
Avoiding Taboo Topics: While many topics are acceptable, it's wise to avoid discussions on religion, politics, sex, race, salary, weight, or age.
Humble Approach: Australians may find it hard to impress, and even if impressed, they might not express it openly.

Gift-Exchanging

Common Gift Exchange: It's customary to exchange gifts among close friends, family, and neighbours during birthdays and Christmas, with the tradition of opening them upon receipt.
Open Gift Choices: No cultural restrictions on the types of gifts exchanged.
Appreciation for Thoughtful Gifts: Australians appreciate receiving thoughtful gifts, such as flowers, chocolates, or items unique to the sender's native place.

Dinner Manners in Australia

Appropriate Attire: Australians adhere to appropriate clothing for the type of restaurant, seeking advice if necessary.
Gifts for Dinner: Etiquette includes bringing a bottle of wine, flowers, or chocolate when invited to someone's home for dinner.
Utensil Etiquette: Australians use a specific utensil holding technique and maintain a parallel placement of fork and knife after meals.
Punctuality Matters: Being no more than 15 minutes late is considered polite, and politeness extends to interactions with everyone, including waiters and hosts.
Offering Help: It's polite to assist the host in preparing or cleaning up after the meal.
Seating and Dining Etiquette: Wait for the entire party to arrive before seating and ensure everyone is served before starting to eat.
Barbecue Etiquette: Bringing your alcohol and meat to an Australian "barbie" is a common practice.
Equal Ordering: Ordering the same number of courses ensures everyone starts and finishes meals simultaneously.
No Business Talk: Australians usually avoid discussing business during meals.
Bill Payment Etiquette: Bills are often split evenly when dining with friends. The person who invites you to a party typically covers the bill.
Tipping Gesture: While not expected, a 10-15% tip is considered polite at high-end restaurants.

Social Tips

Anti-Littering: Australians dislike littering and spitting in public places, promoting cleanliness.
Loyalty in Relationships: Australians value loyalty in relationships, often relying on friends for support during tough times.
Inform Before Visiting: Showing up at a friend's home without notice is considered impolite.
Personal Space: Maintaining an arm's length distance is common, especially when walking, taking escalators, or using stairs.
Informal Language: Swearing is common in Australia, with the colorful language being a part of everyday conversation.

3. Driving in Australia

Getting Started:

Need for a License: You must have a valid driving license, as some places in Australia are only reachable by car.
Driving Age: The legal age to drive varies by state, starting from 15 years and nine months to 18 years.
Foreign Visitors: If you're on a temporary visa, you can drive for three months with your home country's license. After that, you need an Australian license or an International Driver's Permit.

Driving Rules:

Drive on the Left: In Australia, we drive on the left side of the road, following the British system.
Buckle Up: Always wear your seatbelt while driving - it's a must for everyone in the car.
No Drinking and Driving: Drinking and driving is a big no, and using a phone while driving is also not allowed.
Stick to Speed Limits: Follow the speed limits, which can range from 50 km/hour in residential areas to 110 km/hour in specific places.
No Smoking with Minors: Don't smoke in the car if there are passengers under 18 (or 17 in WA).

Useful Tips:

Getting a License: Check our guide on how to get a driver's license if you plan to stay longer.
Car Rental Option: If you're staying less than three months, consider renting a car. We've got a post on Renting a Car in Australia to help you zip around the city.

4. Practical Information

Emergency Numbers:

000 - Urgent Assistance: Call for immediate help from police, fire, or ambulance services. Use it for urgent medical issues, threats to life or property, or witnessing a crime or accident.

Other Emergency Numbers:

112: Dial on a cellphone for emergency assistance.
106: Text-based emergency helpline for the deaf, speech, or hearing-impaired.

Public Holidays:

January 1: New Year's Day
January 26: Australia Day
Good Friday: Friday before Easter
Easter Monday: Monday after Easter
April 25: Anzac Day
December 25: Christmas Day
December 26: Boxing Day

Other Public Holidays: (Varies by state and territory)

Queen's Birthday: 2nd Monday in June

Labor Day:

1st Monday in March in Western Australia
2nd Monday in March in Tasmania and Victoria
1st Monday in May in the Northern Territory

Major Airports in Australia:

Remember these emergency numbers and public holidays for a safe and enjoyable stay in Australia!

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Migrating To Australia Worth It?

Abundant Opportunities: Australia, with its study and work opportunities, developed economy, and high-quality lifestyle, attracts millions of immigrants annually.
Comprehensive Life: The country offers everything necessary for a better life, providing fantastic prospects for students and families, including the pathway to Australian citizenship.
World-Class Education: Australia boasts a globally recognised education system, featuring some of the best higher education institutions in the world.
Employment Opportunities: Eligible overseas students and workers find ample job opportunities in various in-demand occupations within Australian firms and companies.
Skilled Migration: Australia's Skillselect migration program, focusing on skilled migration, positively impacts economic growth by attracting skilled individuals.
Cultural Integration: The emphasis on skilled migration ensures that primary skill stream migrants integrate well into Australian culture, contributing to the economy.
Settlement Services: The country's settlement services and multicultural policies, including language support and intercultural mediators, assist migrants in participating in Australian society, gaining employment, enhancing skills, learning English if needed, and engaging in the community.

Can You Move To Australia Without A job?

If you're looking to migrate to Australia without a job offer, here are some programs you might want to explore:

Australia State Sponsored or Nominated Visa Subclass 190:

Nomination Requirement: Get nominated by an Australian state or territory.
Occupation Choice: Pick an occupation from the list that matches the region's demand.
Processing Time: Expect the visa application process to take around 7 to 13 months.

Australia Skill Independent Visa Subclass 189:

No Sponsor Needed: No employer or territory sponsorship is required.
Evaluation Criteria: Your age, education, work experience, language skills, and more are considered.
Application Time: Usually completed within 4 to 7 months.

Family Sponsorship Visa:

Family Sponsorship: If your family member is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, they can sponsor your PR visa.

These options provide straightforward paths for those wanting to move to Australia without a job, considering skills, family ties, and individual evaluations.

How Much Money Do You Need To Move To Australia?

A. Visa Application:

Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189): AUD 4,240
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190): AUD 4,240
New Skilled Work Regional visa (Subclass 491): AUD 4,240

Additional Charges:

DHA Visa Application Charge: $3,670
Skills Assessment Fee: $300 to $1,050
Other fees: IELTS/PTE test, medical exam, police clearance, translations: Variable

B. Moving Expenses:

Airline tickets
Visa validation fee
Shipping costs of household goods: $5,000 to $10,000
Migration Agent fee: AUD$ 6,000 to 15,000

C. Cost of Living:

Accommodation: Rent, security bond
Transportation: Public or private
Household expenses: Furniture, appliances
Lifestyle maintenance

Note: Actual costs can vary based on individual circumstances.

How Much Money Does A Person Need To Live In Australia?

Living expenses in Australia vary, and there's no one-size-fits-all plan. Here's a simple estimate:

Individual: Around $20,000 per year
Average Family (3-4 people): Over $50,000 annually

Weekly Expenses for a Basic One-Bedroom:

Total: AUD 600

Breakdown:

Rent: At least $400 per week
Food: At least $130-200 per week
Socialising: At least $5-10 per week (for a glass of wine or beer)

Remember, these are rough estimates; actual costs depend on personal choices and lifestyle.

Is it Easy To Get A Job in Australia?

Getting a job in Australia can be competitive, especially for overseas candidates. Here's what you need to know:

In-Demand Sectors:

Hospitality
Construction
Education

Stick to What You Know:

Look for jobs in industries where you have experience.

Sort Out Your Visa:

Get a valid work visa before applying for jobs.
Employers prefer candidates with the right to work.

Speak the Language:

Good language skills are a must for most jobs.
Consider getting a language proficiency certificate to show your skills to employers.
Remember, finding a job depends on your qualifications and market conditions.

What Is Living In Australia Like?

Australia promises a unique lifestyle:

Relaxed Urban Living: Cities like Melbourne and Sydney offer urban comfort with a laid-back atmosphere.
Cultural Diversity: Welcoming a mix of cultures, Australia promotes a diverse and inclusive society.
High Quality of Life: Consistently ranked among the world's happiest countries, ensuring a satisfying life experience.
Outdoor Bliss: Well-maintained parks, beaches, and green spaces provide a refreshing outdoor lifestyle.
Cost and Compensation: Although the cost of living is higher, salaries align to sustain a comfortable lifestyle.
Tech-Forward Society: Australians stay well-informed, embracing technology and engaging in global affairs.
Sunny Climate: Warm and sunny weather encourages outdoor activities year-round.
Coastal Residency: Majority of the population resides along the beautiful Australian coastline.