A Day in the Life of an International Student in Australia- Sydney Edition
Article written by Team @ Amber Student
Stepping into the life of an international student in Sydney isn’t just about hitting the books in a new city—it’s a whole adventure filled with its own set of challenges.
In this blog, you’ll get a real taste of what a day looks like for students from around the globe who are making Sydney their new home.
Morning Routine
The alarm buzzes and it’s time to start another day in Sydney. Most students spend a few minutes in bed checking updates from friends and family on social media—WhatsApp or iMessage for the latest from family back home, Instagram to catch up with friends here. It’s a quick way to feel connected across continents.
After some screen time, it’s time to get moving. It could be a quick run through the nearby park, a yoga session in their room, hitting the university gym if it’s not too crowded or just a few extra minutes of sleep in the bed.
Post-workout or post sleep, a quick shower sets the tone for the rest of the morning and prepares you for the upcoming hectic day.
Then, they’re off to the shared kitchen to prepare some breakfast. A usual breakfast might be a bowl of Weet-Bix with milk and sliced bananas or scrambled eggs on toast.
With breakfast done, it’s time to commute. Many students hop on a bus or a train; the ride from places like Redfern or Newtown to the university takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
It’s a good time to pop in earbuds, listen to music or catch up on last night’s missed episode, and mentally prepare for the day’s classes. Public transport is usually reliable, but it’s also a daily lesson in patience during peak hours.
University Time
The university day really gets going with a casual meetup. It’s almost a tradition—before the first lecture, students gather around the campus, coffee in hand, to share a laugh or two, exchange notes, or just catch up on each other’s lives.
As the clock strikes nine, it’s time to head to the first class of the day. Then it’s a dash to the library, the hub where all the after-lecture action happens.
Here, students spread out with their laptops and books. It’s not all silent or study either; there’s a buzz of whispered gossip and the clicking of instagram updates.
Somewhere in between, there’s a quick bite to eat—maybe a grab-and-go wrap or some sushi from the food court. Lunch is quick; there’s just enough time to refuel before the next class or a return to the library.
Afternoon Routine
By the time afternoon rolls around, the pace really picks up. Students who’ve lined up part-time work go off to local cafés, bookstores, or even tutoring jobs.
Those not clocking in for work often take a well-deserved break. This might mean heading back to their amber student accommodation or dorm to relax or finding a quiet corner in a campus lounge to decompress with earbuds in, catching up on their favorite music or just talking to friends.
And then, it’s study time again. Libraries and study halls fill up again as students prepare for tests, or write essays. Coffee breaks and quick chats breaking up the sessions of heavy studying or gossiping.
Evening Routine
As the sun sets, students return to their student accommodation in Sydney to tackle the inevitable: chores. There’s no escaping the daily grind of cleaning up, doing the dishes, or sorting out laundry.
It’s not exactly fun, but keeping their place neat helps clear the mind and sets the stage for a relaxing night.
Dinner is the main event. Roommates turn into makeshift chefs, tossing together whatever ingredients they have—like whipping up a quick pasta or a rice dish.
It’s relaxed, with everyone gathered around the table, sharing how their day went, and enjoying a break from their busy schedules.
After dishes are done, students catch up with family through video calls, sharing updates and seeing familiar faces, which is always a comfort.
Once they’ve said their goodnights, the rest of the evening is for chilling out. Some nights, that means heading out to meet friends for a drink; other nights, it’s just lounging around the apartment, and maybe watching a movie.
Night Routine
As the night rolls in, everyone settles into their own space to wind down. For some, it’s about losing themselves in a good book or writing down thoughts in a journal, a quiet escape that helps melt away the day’s stress.
Others might turn to their screens for some downtime—scrolling through social media, or even gaming a bit.
When it’s time to hit the bed, the routine is pretty straightforward. A little tidying up, and then it’s off to bed.
Krish’s Experience as International Student in Australia
“Travelling to Australia for my undergraduate studies has been the most adventurous and fulfilling time of my life. As I embarked on a journey of independence, the learnings which came along the way are shaping how I will lead my life. Being an international student, there’s always a pressure of making the investment to come study abroad make much more rewarding which I’m sure will help me strive towards my aspirations. The combination of the environment, studies, opportunities and the people I’ve met along the way have made my journey always be close to my heart.”- Krish
How can amber help you?
amber helps you secure student accommodation of your choice on your study abroad journey. Having served 80 million students (and counting), amber is your one-stop shop for all your accommodation needs. Download the amber app from the Google Play Store or App Store to book an affordable home for your adventure.
About author
Archit is an avid writer who is keen to get his doctorate. When not writing, he can be found reading, taking the metro and then questioning this decision, and haunting local bookstores.
