Living in Sydney for your English studies

NUMBERS AND FACTS

Sydney is the largest and oldest city in Australia. Founded in 1788 when the first European settlers arrived here, it has since grown to become a modern and cosmopolitan city with a population of 4.2 million people. Over one fifth of Australia's total population lives in Sydney.

The city is built along the beautiful Sydney Harbour, which now boasts the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. To the east is the Pacific Ocean and its many popular surf beaches including Bondi, Coogee, and Manly.

Sydney is spread over a wide area reaching to the Blue Mountains in the west.
Australia is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world with migrants from more than 170 countries. Over fifty percent of the population is either born overseas or at least one of their parents are. Over 1 million Australians are Asian born. However, only two percent of Australia's population is of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander decent.

Sydney is a comparatively safe and clean city to live in. It offers a high standard of living, excellent health and educational facilities, cosmopolitan shopping centres, and an extensive public transport system, including trains, buses and ferries. Our telecommunications network is efficient and the internet now allows you to easily keep in touch with loved ones back home. Australia is politically and economically a stable country.

Go to top

WHAT TO DO AROUND SYDNEY

There are many places to explore and things to do in Sydney while you are not studying. Sydney has something for everyone no matter what your likes and preferences are. International students will find they can easily integrate into our society and make new friends. The locals are friendly and relaxed and students will feel at home as there are also many people from their own cultural background here.

Food

Sydney offers an extensive range of cafes, restaurants, bars and fast food take-away shops. Multiculturalism has had a tremendous influence on our food. Restaurants serve every type of cuisine you could imagine as well as the traditional foods you love. You can enjoy an Italian lasagna, Mexican nachos, Chinese stirfry, Japanese sushi, an Indian curry or even try some native bush tucker. There is an abundance of fresh, healthy foods to prepare your own meals at home and the regional ingredients you are used to can be found in many of the larger supermarkets.

Religion

Australia allows people freedom of cultural and religious expression. All the main religions are represented in Sydney and people can practice their choice of religion. Churches, mosques, temples and synagogues are all within easy access.

For many Australians sport is like a second religion. You can participate and improve your fitness or simply be a spectator. Learn about Aussie Rules football, watch international one day test cricket or just lie on the beach. Run or walk in the City-to-Surf Fun Run and feel the great community spirit that this event generates. As a result of hosting the 2000 Olympic Games, Sydney now boasts world-class sporting facilities and venues. There is tennis, rugby, soccer, basketball, golf, cycling, jogging, dancing, aerobics, swimming, scuba diving, sailing, and surfing for everyone to enjoy.

Local Tourist Attractions around Sydney

Here are a few suggestions for things you can see and do around Sydney.

PLACES TO SEE

Day trips from Sydney

Bushwalkers will enjoy exploring the National Parks around Sydney. There are numerous walks to suit every level of fitness, and range from short trips to overnight stays.

The Blue Mountains to the west of Sydney is world-heritage listed. The Three Sisters, Jamieson Valley and Wentworth Falls, all provide spectacular views. There is also a scenic railway at Katoomba.

Around Australia

A three hour drive south of Sydney is the nation's capital Canberra. Visit the Australian Parliament House, Embassies Drive, the National Dinosaur Museum and Lake Burley Griffin.

Climb to the top of Mt Kosciusko, Australia's highest mountain, located in the Snowy Mountain range. A number of ski resorts in the region cater to the needs of downhill and cross-country skiiers. After the snow has melted, the alpine wildflowers blossom in a colourful display.

Uluru (Ayres Rock) is in the heart of the Red Centre. Aboriginal guides will tell you about their sacred site and Aboriginal dreamtime legend. You may walk the 9km distance around the base of the rock or climb to the top, although this is discouraged by the aboriginal caretakers.

The Great Barrier Reef along the north eastern coast of Queensland is an underwater paradise. Snorkel or scuba dive among the beautiful coral reefs and tropical fish.

For those who want to stike it rich, Australia has a wealth of mineral deposits still waiting to be found. Outback towns including Coober Pedy, Lightening Ridge and Kalgoorlie mine large quantities of opals and gold.

Go to top

CLIMATE

Sydney boasts a mild, temperate climate, year round. In summer, the weather is warm to hot with some humidity. Temperatures range from 18-26ºC. In winter, the weather is mild with temperatures ranging from 8 -18ºC.

COST OF LIVING IN SYDNEY

The cost of living varies across different parts of Australia. In general, living in urban areas is more expensive than living in smaller regional towns. Renting an apartment in a capital city can cost twice as much as it does in a smaller town because there is such a high demand for housing in the larger Australian cities. Likewise food, clothing, entertainment, and other living expenses may be more expensive in the city.

International students spend an average of $320 per week on living expenses which is in addition to their tuition fees. This amount includes accommodation, food, travel, clothing, entertainment and incidental costs. Students need to budget for a minimum of $15,000 expenditure per annum with at least $2,000 for start-up expenses. This amount can vary depending on their course, location and lifestyle factors.

Although students are permitted to work part-time on a student visa, students cannot depend on this income to meet their living expenses while in Australia.

Typical weekly living expenses you must budget for:

Accommodation $100 - $160
Food $80 - $120
Travel $20 - $40
Clothing $10 - $15
Entertainment $10 - $30
Phone calls $10 - $20
Some typical costs in Sydney
Fast-food (McDonalds) $5 - $8
Take-away food $10 - $15
Eating out (Restaurant) $20 - $40
Movies $8 - $15

Some other items to consider when planning your trip to Australia:

Airport Reception Service - Students will be greeted at the airport and transport to your place of accommodation will be arranged for you for $100.

If you are from a country with a tropical climate, remember to bring warm clothing if you are planning to arrive and stay during winter.

Check if your place of accommodation will provide bedding, otherwise you will need to provide your own sleeping bag, sheets and blankets.

The following list of food and household items is based on the ‘March Quarter 2002 Average Retail Prices of Selected Items for Sydney' published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Catalogue No. 6403.0

Item Details Size Cost

Go to top

ACCOMODATION

Sydney offers a range of accommodation that will suit different budgets and needs.

We can recommend a range of accommodation places that suits your lifestyle and is close to your place of study.

We can also organise for you to live with a homestay family. Through the host family, you can learn about Australian culture, and it is a great opportunity for you to practice your English. We personally meet all host families and make sure that their background and the house environment meets our high standards. In case there are any problems between you and your host family, we will look after you and make sure that your stay in Australia is comfortable.

The cost of homestay is $220 per week for a single room or $190 per week for twin share, plus $150 as placement fee. You receive two meals (breakfast & dinner) during weekdays and three meals on Saturday and Sunday. Your room is fully furnished. Cost of electricity and water is inclusive.

Go to top

TRANSPORT

Train tickets

Train tickets can be purchased at all railway stations. Both automated and over the counter ticket systems are available.

City Hopper

The City Hopper ticket provides unlimited travel on Sydney Buses and City Rail system in the central Sydney area within North Sydney, Redfern and Kings Cross railway stations.

Bus Tripper

The Bus Tripper ticket provides unlimited travel on Sydney Buses for one day.

Day Pass

The Day Pass ticket allows unlimited travel on Sydney Buses and Ferries for one day.

Red Travel Pass

The Red Travel pass provides unlimited seven days, quarterly or yearly travel throughout the zones for which it has been issued. The travel pass is designed for the regular users of public transport and provides all the convenience without the hassle or delay of joining the queue for tickets.

Weekly tickets

If you are travelling daily between two fixed destinations by train, it is more convenient and cheaper to purchase a weekly pass.

Colour passes

Depending upon the area you travel to and from, Green, Brown, Yellow passes can be purchased and are valid for travel on bus, train and ferries in that area.

Go to top