Guide for
International Students

"The more involved you get, the more you gain - both academically and socially."

ChouLi Lin
International Student from Taiwan
Studying: Master of Development Practice
 

"During Orientation Week, attend as many sessions as you can. You will learn more about UQ and life in Australia, and get some tips for your academic study. There is also lots of free things, such as stationary, candy and free sausage sizzles for lunch!

The first two weeks is the best time to make new friends. Try to sit with different people and talk to them. In the beginning, people are more relaxed, because there are no assignments or exams to worry about. Also, try to get to know some senior classmates, they are always helpful and they would share their experience and encourage you to overcome the challenges of the first semester.

When it comes to group work, many people don't prefer it. It's no doubt that the language and cultural difference may cause conflicts, and sometimes you get terrible irresponsible partners. However, people from different countries share their ideas about their studies and life during the working process. It is a good chance to make new friends. The more involved you get, the more you gain - both academically and socially.

Finally, enjoy different activities. No matter how busy you are, you should enjoy the interesting events / activities that UQ and Brisbane has to offer. Many of these are free or at a small cost, such as fireworks, movies, theatres, exhibitions and festivals."

Chelsea Van Tol
International Student from Canada
Studying: Master of Speech Pathology Studies
 

"Brisbane is a wonderful city filled with very friendly people. From the day I got here, I knew there was going to be a lot to see and do.

I also knew I was here for school so I needed to get an idea of what that would be like. After finding my way to the university, I started at Accommodation Services and used their website to find a place to live. I asked them where I should be going next and they suggested UQ Student Services. There I made an appointment with an International Student Adviser and was able to ask all the questions I had. The questions were either answered or I was directed to someone else you could answer them better. After an extremely useful orientation, I started emailing clubs to find things to do, I found a convenience store that sold calling cards and bus passes and bought both, I went to the bank on campus to start an account, and I have become acquainted with the internet to learn more about things to do in Brisbane and to find out bus timetables as well as keeping in contact with home. I figure, ask questions, call home, meet people in your program and outside your program through other activities, enjoy the warm weather, and study.

Overall, the initial experience wasn't hard as I had so many people supporting me and my experience so far has been so positive that I don't know what to write about homesickness because being here feels comparable to Canada, besides the accent and the weather! I'm trying to convince everyone I know to come visit so they can see how awesome the campus is and how beautiful Brisbane is too. I have been lucky to live with Australians who have shown me lots about the city and helped me learn some of the slang but also to have fellow Canadians in my program so you can talk about home every once in a while. All I can say right now, is I can't imagine being anywhere else."