Student Life in Australia

New South Wales

New South Wales (NSW) is home to Australia’s highest mountain peak, Mount Kosciuszko, which rises 2,228 metres above sea level. It is nestled within the snow-capped ski fields of the NSW Snowy Mountains, part of the larger Australian Alps. Australia’s longest river, the Darling River, flows for 2,740 kilometres from northern NSW before joining the Murray River near the Victorian border in the state’s southwest.

NSW is the most populous state in Australia, with an estimated population of 8.29 million people as of June 2023. Over 60 per cent of the state’s residents live in the Greater Sydney area.

Sydney is Australia’s largest and oldest city, and the Traditional Custodians of the lands of the Sydney region include the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation and the Cammeraygal people of the Guringai Nation. With sandy beaches to the east, national parks to the north and south, and mountain ranges and escarpments to the west, Sydney offers an impressive variety of natural landscapes and experiences.

Today, over 40% of Sydney’s population was born overseas, with an even greater number having one or both parents born overseas. Over 40% of Sydney’s residents speak a language other than English at home.

A vibrant, multicultural city, Sydney offers something for everyone—whether you’re looking for entertainment, shopping, sightseeing, or a place to relax. Located on the stunning Sydney Harbour and spanned by the iconic Harbour Bridge, the city’s waters are alive with ferries, sailing boats, and cruise vessels. Overlooking the harbour, the Royal Botanic Garden stretches towards the world-renowned Sydney Opera House, one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.

Sources (adapted from):
🔗 Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water – Indigenous Heritage
🔗 Study Australia – Australian Culture and Lifestyle

Health Care and Insurance

The nearest medical and dental clinics are located at:

Dr George O’Young, Centennial Plaza, Shop 2, 290-300 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills, 02 9212 2108
Dr Gloria Xu Medical Practice Shop QG 1, Prince Centre, 8 Quay St Haymarket, 02 9212 2839
Healthpac Medical Centre – Sydney LG, 59 Goulburn Street Sydney, 02 9282 9725
Macquarie Street Medical Centre – Level 4, 195 Macquarie Street Sydney 02 9238 0800 or Macquarie Street Medical Practice 02 9221 1933
Dentist: 580 George Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Telephone: 9267 7569
Also see https://ihfinddoctor.agaassistance.com.au/
Overseas Student Health Cover is a compulsory requirement of DHA– all student visa holders must have Overseas Student Health Cover.

Safety

Australia is considered to be one of the world’s safest countries. However, like all countries and major cities, undue risks should not be taken in Sydney so:

Personal security

Avoid poorly lit park areas after hours – walk with purpose and confidence
Do not provoke undue attention to yourself with loud behaviour
Take care of your valuables and belongings at all times
If you are going out on the town to bars and clubs keep a careful watch over your drinks/or have a designated person to watch over everyone.
Do not Hitchhike (do not get into a car with someone you do not know)
If you are in a major accident or you feel your life is in danger use your cell phone and contact police, fire or ambulance 000.

Beaches:

You must swim inside the flags, swimming outside these flags can be dangerous and the lifeguards maybe not to be able to see you if you need help. Wave towards the beach or at a lifeguard if you need help.
In summer the UV can be extreme. Remember: Slip on a shirt, Slop on some Sunscreen (maximum strength), Slap on a hat.
Drink plenty of water and sports drinks to replace salt if playing sport in the sun.

Bush walking or Camping

Don’t leave your shoes outside where spiders can crawl into them.
Shake them upside down before putting them on. Ph: 13 11 26 Poisons line
Never put any part of your body anywhere you can’t see what’s there beforehand, don’t go walking barefoot, keep to paths
If you see a snake, don’t approach it or harass it.

Social Activities and Events in Sydney

There are many fun things to do in Sydney a lot of them can be free! Have a beach party or Picnic in the large parks around the city and suburbs; attend the free music festivals, such as opera or rock in the park at the Domain in the centre of the city, there are often free festivals on at Darling Harbour. Or see free shows such as Vivid where Sydney puts art and light shows on buildings or do some great walks around the beach fronts, see sculpture by the sea which is one festival that happens every year. Most all art galleries and Museums are free.

There are websites such as meet up where you choose something you would like to do and join a group of bush walkers, diners or theatre goers.

Choose where and what you would like to join
Tours and things to do
Free things to do in Sydney
Social Events
In Sydney

Emergency services (24 hours)

Familiarise yourself with the Emergency services numbers: Useful phone numbers are:

Emergency Services – POLICE. FIRE. AMBULANCE. (free call) 000
Police – Level 3, SPC, 151-241 Goulburn Street DARLINGHURST 2010, 02 9265 4144
Fire Station 113 George St, Redfern 2016 02 9698 1161
Hospital St Vincent’s, 390 Victoria St, Darlinghurst 02 8382 1111
Dentist Sydney Dental Hospital, 2 Chalmers St, Surry Hills 02 9293 3333
Poisons Information Centre 13 11 26

Interpreter services

The Head of Operations / Counsellor will help you with any interpreter assistance. We have access to an interpreter twenty-four (24) hours a day.
Be aware of Telstra’s twenty-four (24) hour interpreter service.
Telephone 131 450 – if anytime you are having difficulty communicating in English.