Arriving in Adelaide:
- Airport Facilities: Adelaide Airport is one of Australia’s modern and efficient airports, providing services like currency exchange, SIM card providers, and eateries. Upon your arrival, you’ll find easy transportation options to the city center, including taxis, rideshare services, and public buses.
- Transportation: The Adelaide Metro system offers buses, trams, and trains connecting the city’s key locations. AIAT students often use the MetroCard for discounted fares. Familiarize yourself with the routes connecting your accommodation and the AIAT campus.
Accommodation:
- On-Campus: While AIAT doesn’t currently offer on-campus housing, we have partnerships with local providers to give students preferred rates.
- Off-Campus: Adelaide boasts a variety of housing options, including shared houses, apartments, and homestays. Websites like Flatmates.com.au and Gumtree are popular platforms to find accommodations.
Climate and Clothing:
- Adelaide’s Climate: Characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. It’s essential to pack a mix of light clothing for summers and layers for winters. Don’t forget a raincoat or umbrella!
Health and Safety:
- Medical Facilities: Australia has an excellent healthcare system. International students are recommended to have the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to access medical services.
- Safety: Adelaide is one of the safest Australian cities, but always stay cautious. Familiarize yourself with emergency numbers and AIAT’s security services.
- Safety in Australia
Banking and Finances:
- Opening an Account: Most major banks in Australia, like ANZ, Westpac, and Commonwealth, have branches in Adelaide. You’ll need your passport and a confirmation of enrollment from AIAT to open an account.
Culture and Recreation:
- Dining: Adelaide offers diverse culinary experiences, from beachfront cafes in Glenelg to authentic multicultural cuisines on Gouger Street.
- Recreation: Explore the Adelaide Botanic Garden, visit the Art Gallery of South Australia, or take a tram to Glenelg Beach.
- Shopping: Rundle Mall, Adelaide’s premier shopping destination, boasts over 700 retailers.
Staying Connected:
- SIM Cards: Major providers like Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone offer prepaid and postpaid SIM cards. Plans with international calling options are available for students wishing to stay in touch with their home countries.
- Internet: While AIAT offers free Wi-Fi on campus, most accommodations and many cafes around Adelaide also provide internet access.
Local Etiquette and Customs:
- Australians, often called “Aussies”, are known for their friendly and laid-back nature. However, they value punctuality, so always strive to be on time.
- Familiarize yourself with local slang and terminologies. For instance, “How are you going?” is a common way of asking how someone is doing.
AIAT Community and Support:
- AIAT is committed to making your experience enriching. Join student clubs, participate in workshops, and attend events to make the most of your time here.
- For any concerns, from academics to settling in Adelaide, our dedicated student services team is here to help.
Apart from your accommodation expenses, you will need to allow for additional weekly living expenses. Below is a rough guide to help with your budgeting.
| Expense | Estimated Weekly Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Electricity and/or Gas | AUD $10 – $20 |
| Phone with internet | AUD $15 – $30 |
| Basic groceries and food | AUD $70 – $120 |
| Eating out | AUD $20 – $80 |
| Public transport | AUD $20 – $60 |
| Entertainment | AUD $50 – $100 |
| Car/petrol (after purchase) | AUD $100 – $200 |
Depending on your personal and living circumstances, you may have additional expenses for water, insurance, medical and cosmetic items, clothing etc…
Why Accommodation Matters:
The right accommodation can significantly impact your overall student experience. A secure, comfortable, and conveniently located housing option can enhance your academic performance, social interactions, and personal well-being.
Types of Accommodations in Adelaide:
- Shared Houses: This is the most common type of student accommodation where several students share a house or apartment. This arrangement often includes shared common areas like the kitchen and living room, while bedrooms can be private or shared.
- Homestays: A unique opportunity to live with a local family. This arrangement can be beneficial for those looking to immerse themselves in Australian culture and improve their English skills.
- Private Rentals: These are individual apartments or houses rented directly through a landlord or real estate agent. While potentially more expensive, they offer more privacy.
- Student Apartments: Specifically designed for students, these apartments often include facilities like study rooms, communal areas, and sometimes utilities in the rent.
Searching for Accommodation:
Several online platforms can aid your accommodation hunt:
- Flatmates.com.au: One of Australia’s largest shared accommodation websites.
- Gumtree: A classified ads platform where you can find rental listings.
- Realestate.com.au: Lists various rental properties, including apartments and houses.
- StudyAdelaide’s Accommodation Portal: Specifically designed for students seeking housing in Adelaide.
Tips for Securing Accommodation:
- Budget Wisely: Consider costs beyond rent, including utilities, transportation, and groceries.
- Inspect Before Committing: Always view the property in person or request a virtual tour to ensure it meets your expectations.
- Understand Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with tenant rights in South Australia to ensure you’re treated fairly.
- Stay Safe: Opt for locations with good security measures, and always let someone know when you’re inspecting a property.
- Seek Recommendations: Engage with AIAT’s student community on forums or social media to get recommendations and possibly find roommates.
Temporary Accommodation:
If you need short-term housing when you first arrive, consider options like hostels, motels, or serviced apartments. Websites like Booking.com, Airbnb, and Hostelworld can provide numerous options.
AIAT’s Role and Recommendations:
While AIAT does not organize housing directly, we are committed to ensuring our students have access to the best resources and advice. Our student support services can offer guidance, answer queries, and direct you to reputable housing services in Adelaide. Finding the right accommodation might require time and patience, but with the above resources and tips, we are confident you will find a place.
Overseas Student Health Cover
Australia has a special system of health cover for international students called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). It helps cover medical or hospital care, most prescription medicines, and ambulance services in emergencies. OSHC is mandatory for the duration of your student visa.
Who has to take out OSHC?
Overseas students undertaking formal studies in Australia must have OSHC for themselves and any dependents, such as spouses or children under 18 years old. This cover must align with the full duration of the student visa. OSHC should be purchased prior to arriving in Australia.
Which countries are exempt?
Students from Belgium, Norway, and certain parts of Sweden are exempt from purchasing OSHC as part of their visa requirements.
How do I purchase OSHC?
You can either arrange OSHC through AIAT or purchase it online directly from OSHC insurers. While educational institutions may recommend specific providers, you retain the freedom to choose your preferred OSHC provider. Ensure the policy is an Australian OSHC product and not general travel or medical insurance.
More details are available at PrivateHealth.gov.au.
How much does OSHC cost?
The cost of OSHC varies depending on the level of cover:
Singles cover: AUD $685 for 12 months
Couples cover: AUD $2,354 for 12 months
Family cover: AUD $3,582 for 12 months
More Information
For further details about OSHC, visit the Australian Government Department of Health website: www.health.gov.au.