What Your First Month in Australia Will Be Like as an Indian Student

So, you've made the big decision—packed your bags, said goodbye to your family, and boarded a flight to the land of kangaroos. It’s official: you're going to be an Indian student in Australia! But as much as you’re filled with excitement and maybe anxiety too, you might also be wondering: What on earth will my first month be like?

Well, my friend, let’s break it down for you. From the moment you land, Australia has a lot to offer, and trust me, you’re in for one heck of a ride! So buckle up because this is going to be a rollercoaster of emotions, experiences, and discoveries. Let's get into it!

The First Few Days: Culture Shock

The first thing you’ll notice is the space—it’s all so... open. Australia, especially compared to the busy streets of India, feels vast. You’ll arrive, likely jet-lagged, and find yourself appreciating the laid-back vibe of the place. The traffic's not nearly as crazy (yes, there’s no honking at every turn). People do speak English, but you’ll realize very quickly that “Aussie English” can be a different language in itself.

The first time an Australian said, “G’day, mate!” I literally thought I was on the set of a movie. Coming from a culture where casual greetings are “Hi, how are you?”, this was a whole new level of chillness. But you’ll get used to it!

Food will be your next surprise. Don’t be surprised if you’re served “flat white” instead of the ever-comforting masala chai. Or that your beloved samosas are replaced by finger buns and hey, Vegemite—it’s a rite of passage, and you’ll try it. You have to. Even if you gag the first time, you’ll survive and maybe even grow to love it. Or not. But at least you’ll have a funny story about it for years to come.

There will be moments when you’ll start to hate the change—it’s totally okay to feel homesick. You’ll miss the street food (hello, pani puri!) and the constant buzz of your home city. But here's a secret: the homesickness gets easier as the days go by. You’ll slowly build a little piece of Australia that feels like home.

Your First Week and the Essential To-Do List

So, you’ve survived the culture shock. Now it’s time to get things done. During the first week, you’ll be faced with a bunch of to-dos, and trust me, you’ll want to get them done ASAP. Don’t worry; everyone has to go through the admin grind.

1. Opening a Bank Account: The first thing you need to do is open a bank account. You’re going to need one for rent, grocery shopping, and, well, surviving in Australia. Most universities have partnerships with major banks like Commonwealth Bank or Westpac. Pro tip: Don’t try to handle this on a weekend because, like most things in Australia, banks shut pretty early. So aim for a weekday.
2. Getting a SIM Card: You’ve probably done some research on getting an Aussie number. It’s time to visit a phone store and get one. Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone are the big three providers, but don’t expect the cheapest rates—data can be pricey. The good news is that there’s decent coverage pretty much everywhere, so you’ll be okay. Just make sure you get a plan that fits your needs (and budget) because you’re going to be using WhatsApp and Google Maps a lot!
3. Accommodations: Most Australian universities have on-campus housing facilities for international students. If you want to live really close to your university and make friends with people who go there, this can be a good option for you. It’s not a compulsion to live on campus, though. You can find a lot of student accommodation and private rentals close to your university. If you’re short on budget, my advice is to live with a roommate.
4. Buying Essentials: Next, you’ll need to buy basic groceries and home supplies. Trust me, Kmart and IKEA will quickly become your best friends. You’ll probably spend an entire afternoon browsing the aisles in Kmart, deciding if you really need a new duvet or if you can survive with an old one.

And speaking of groceries, Aldi and Woolworths will be your go-to places for basic food items. You’ll be confused by the international section—nothing will quite taste like home (unless you visit an Indian store in the city, which does exist and feels like a small piece of India in Australia).

The Social Scene: Making Friends

Alright, let’s talk about the social scene. Australia’s got a vibrant student life, and making friends should be one of your top priorities. But how do you make friends? You’ll probably feel like an awkward penguin at first, but don’t sweat it. Everyone’s in the same boat, figuring out where they fit in.

Most Indian students, when they first arrive, try to find a group of people who understand their accent, food cravings, and the ‘why-did-you-say-‘chicken’ like-that moments. This is a good strategy—don’t feel bad about it. In fact, find out if there’s an Indian Student club at your university or look for groups on Facebook and WhatsApp.

I know you feel like you won’t be able to make friends outside your culture, but that’s not true. You’ll find many international students from all over the world: Japan, Korea, the UAE, China, Indonesia, South Africa, etc. Try to get to know them and their culture. Even Aussies are welcoming, so don’t feel intimidated. Soon you’ll have a group of people from different cultures, and you’ll throw a party with food from all over the world. How cool is that?

The Academic Adjustment: Study Mode

Now, let’s talk about academics. This is what you’re here for, right? You’re going to experience a different learning environment compared to India. Australia’s education system encourages a lot of self-directed learning, so you might find yourself having fewer hours in the classroom and more time to do assignments, readings, and research on your own.

Australian universities have very strict guidelines for assignments; they require students to write assignments that are well-structured and properly formatted. You’ll be asked to think critically, express opinions, and back them up with research. You’ll find it difficult at first, but don’t let it stress you. There are platforms like India Assignment Help that make your academic journey a lot easier for you by providing assignment assistance when you need it.

Final Tip

Your first month in Australia will definitely have its ups and downs. During the first month, you’ll feel homesick, but soon you’ll know the best places to buy masala chai, have friends from all over the world, and be well on your way to acing those assignments either by yourself or by taking assignment help. If you’re planning to move to Australia, you can comment down all your queries, and we’ll be very happy to help you.