GETTING AROUND SYDNEY
Sydney, with a population of almost 4 million, and covering almost 1120 square kilometres (700 square miles), is a remarkably easy city to move around in. An excellent train, bus and ferry service covers all points of the greater metropolitan area (see public transport maps). Roadways, although congested in peak hour times, are generally well planned and driving is not too harrowing an experience. Most Sydney tourist attractions are either within the central business district, close to the CBD, or at points around the harbour. The exceptions are Bondi and Manly – surf beach suburbs situated south and north of Sydney Heads.
Public transport across Sydney and in NSW
Sydney Trains Train services around Sydney suburbs and the CBD
NSW TrainLink Intercity and regional services including Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Newcastle, Southern Highlands, South Coast and beyond.
Buses Cover hundreds of routes in the cities, suburbs and beyond.
Sydney Ferries For travel on Sydney harbour and waterways.
Light Rail Services from Central Station to Paddy’s Market, Darling Harbour, The Star, Fish Markets and the inner western suburbs.
Sydney Trains provide services around the CBD and across metropolitan Sydney with connections to regional and interstate service provided by NSW TrainLink
OVERSEAS STUDENTS HEALTH COVER (OSHC) & WORK RIGHTS
If you are an international student studying in Australia and have a student visa, you must purchase an approved OSHC policy from a registered health benefits organisation – commonly referred to as health funds. You will need to buy OSHC before you come to Australia, to cover you from when you arrive. You will also need to maintain OSHC throughout your stay in Australia.
For more information about registered health insurers offering OSHC, click on the following link:
ACCOMODATION
The best introduction to life in a new country is to arrange your arrival accommodation with a host from an accredited Homestay organisation. During this time you will learn about the Australian environment, culture and get help with the ‘Aussie’ English language. To make the most of your opportunity, it is important for you to be comfortable and ‘at home’ in your environment including your accommodation. For this reason homestay accommodation is recommended for at least the first 4 weeks of your stay. A trained Homestay Host can help get you settled into your new life in Australia including looking at your future accommodation options.
MERIDIAN HOMESTAY SERVICES
AHN HOMESTAY
LIVING EXPENSES
Estimated living expenses for an international student are approximately A$20,800 to A$26,000 a year. This covers food, accommodation, travel, entertainment and clothing
Suggested Weekly Budget
(Remember that figures are in Australian dollars and are accurate according to a 2017 report)
The average international student in Australia spends about $400-$500 per week on:
- Accommodation
- Food
- Clothing
- Entertainment
- Transport
- Telephone and incidental costs
You may spend more or less, depending on the course you choose to study, where you choose to live and your lifestyle.
Have you got any questions?
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