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.
For those who don’t know Boxing Day is a public holiday in Australia (next day after Christmas).
Many retailers offer multiple discounts, offers, deals during Boxing Day and some of them continue these deals till the end of the year.
Let’s look at some of these popular deals in this article.
If you are looking to save further on your shopping, then we suggest you signing up for cashback service like TopCashback and save further on your online shopping.
Check out the previous years Boxing Day sales here.
Disclosure
This article contains links from our affiliates, sponsors, and partners. If you use these products, we might get compensated – but there’s no additional cost to you.
And many newcomers and international students might not be fimiliar with what’s open and closed on Christmas Day in Australia.
So in this article, we are going to have a quick look on that.
Here is what’s open and closed on Christmas Day in Australia
🛒 Major Supermarkets
Business: Coles, Woolworths, Aldi Trading Hours: Closed on Christmas Day, but open on Boxing Day (December 26).
🏪 Small and Independent Supermarkets
Business: IGA, Foodworks, Local Grocers Trading Hours: Some smaller and independent supermarkets open on Christmas Day.
🛍️ Department Stores
Business: Kmart, Target, Big W, Myer, David Jones Trading Hours: Closed on Christmas Day, but open on Boxing Day (December 26).
🍷 Bottle Shops, Liquor Stores
Business: Liquorland, BWS, Dan Murphys Trading Hours: Most stores remain closed except a few in Victoria and Tasmania.
☕ Coffee Chains
Business: Starbucks, Gloria Jean’s, The Coffee Club (TCC) Trading Hours: Most Starbucks will open on Christmas Day, but most Gloria Jean’s and TCC will be closed.
🍔 Fast Food Restaurants
Business: Hungry Jack’s, KFC, McDonald’s, Dominos Trading Hours: Most McDonald’s will stay open, while a few Hungry Jack’s, KFC, and Domino’s will be open.
🍽️ Major Chain Restaurants
Business: Nando’s, Grill’d, Schnitz Trading Hours: Most closed on Christmas Day.
🍴 Local Takeaway Shops & Restaurants
Business: Non-franchised local takeaway shops and restaurants Trading Hours: Check with local restaurants and cafés for opening hours.
⛽ Convenience Stores
Business: 7-Eleven, BP, Caltex, Shell Trading Hours: Most 7-Eleven stores stay open. Some locations are open 24 hours. Others you need to check with local stores.
💊 Pharmacies
Business: Chemist Warehouse, Priceline Trading Hours: Some pharmacies may open for a few hours for urgent needs.
🚆 Public Transport
Business: Trains, trams, buses, ferries Trading Hours: Most public transport runs on a holiday schedule (reduced service).
⛽ Petrol/Service Stations
Business: BP, Shell, Caltex, 7-Eleven Trading Hours: Many petrol stations are open, especially in city areas.
🏞️ Outdoor Attractions
Business: National Parks, Beaches, Hiking Trails Trading Hours: Most open on Christmas Day, but check for specific hours.
🏬 Shopping Centres
Business: Major shopping centres (e.g., Westfield) Trading Hours: Closed on Christmas Day, but open on Boxing Day (December 26).
🎥 Movie Theatres
Business: Hoyts, Event, Village Cinemas Trading Hours: Most open for Christmas Day screenings, but may have limited showtimes.
🏦 Banks Branches
Business: Commonwealth, ANZ, NAB, Westpac, Others Trading Hours: Closed on Christmas and Boxing Day.
🥐 Bakeries
Business: Breadtop, Ferguson Plarre, Bakers Delight Trading Hours: Some local bakeries may open for a limited time.
📚 Public Libraries
Business: Local public libraries around Australia Trading Hours: Closed on Christmas and Boxing Day.
🎓 Education Providers
Business: Universities, schools, TAFE, and other education providers Trading Hours: Closed on Christmas and Boxing Day. Most are closed from 24 December to 1 January.
🏥 Hospitals
Business: Public and private hospitals Trading Hours: Open 24 hours for emergencies on everyday of the year.
Apart from the above table, here are some other things that are open in each state and territory in Australia
We hope you find the information useful and we wish you a Merry Christmas. If you want a more comprehensive guide about Christmas in Australia, then check this article here.
It is that time of the year again when we feel the Christmas is just around the corner and yes it is indeed.
(Where did this year went!!) Ahem Ahem…
Since it is Christmas time and you are looking some fun events happening around your city in Australia, so we have sorted you with list of major Christmas events in Australia this year.
This article contains links from our affiliates, sponsors, and partners. If you use these products, we might get compensated – but there’s no additional cost to you.
Black Friday is just around the corner.
And many people, including students, look forward to picking up some bargains during this sale season.
So, let’s look at some of the epic Black Friday deals in Australia in 2024.
About Black Friday
For those people who don’t know, Black Friday is a day after Thanksgiving Day in the United States.
It is being considered as a starting of Christmas shopping season.
Many retailers around the world, including Australia, offer various promotional deals to entice customers for their Christmas shopping.
Black Friday in 2024
While Black Friday will fall on Friday, 29th November 2024 this year, many retailers have already launched their Black Friday deals.
Another important day in the shopping calendar is Cyber Monday, which happens on the following Monday after Black Friday.
This year Cyber Monday will be on 2nd December 2024.
Popular Retailers Black Friday Deals Launch Dates in Australia
Some of the popular retailers have launched the sale season already, that will run until the start of December.
But there are many retailers who will kick off their Black Friday sales later during the week.
Here is what we know so far on when the popular retailers launching their Black Friday deals in Australia:
Amazon Australia – From 19th November until 2nd December
eBay – From 22nd November
Kmart – Online preview from 22nd November Shop from 28th November
JB Hi-Fi – From 21st November until 2nd December
Officeworks – From 22nd November until 2nd December.
Myers – From 25th November until 2nd December
Bunnnings – From 28th November
Big W – From 21st November
Some Quick Handy Tips For Black Friday
Sign up for email newsletters for your favourite brands.
If available, sign up for free memberships (like Jb Hi-Fi Perks) for early access and exclusive deals.
Sign up for Cashback services like Top Cashback for getting additional cashback on purchases. Get $15 Sign up Bonus for TopCashback here.
Always check the original price of the item and compare it with multiple retailers online.
See if you need to pay additional shipping costs when buying online.
Use websites like camelcamelcamel.com to see the price history
Make a list of items you want to shop. You can categorise them into must haves, may haves and non-essentials.
Always be beware of the scams during the Black Friday sales
This article contains links from our affiliates, sponsors, and partners. If you use these products, we might get compensated – but there’s no additional cost to you.
Many students in Australia look to make some extra $$$ while studying.
And while as a student you can find some part-time work, many students look forward to doing something of their own.
That is where Freelancing shines.
So, this guide will give you information on how to do freelancing in Australia as a student including where to find work as a freelancer.
So let’s get in!
What is Freelancing?
Freelancing is a type of self-employment where a person offers their services on a project or contract basis to their clients.
So rather than committing to full-time or part-time employment, freelancers take on multiple projects with different clients.
Why Freelancing?
So you might wonder why freelancing? Well, there are some reasons:
You are your own boss: Freelancing is self-employment so you can choose to work when you want, who you want to work with and, to an extent, how to work as well. Giving you the freedom of becoming your boss.
Work-life balance: As a student, you need to manage multiple priorities, especially as you live far away from your family. Freelancing is a great way to manage a balance between your studies, work and life.
Flexibility with study schedules: No more stress about choosing a specific lecture that suits your work schedule. Freelancing allows you to have flexibility in choosing your study schedule. By finding remote freelance opportunities, you can even strike the perfect balance in your schedule by working from your student accommodation in Perth!
Varied work opportunities: As a freelancer, you usually work with different clients from around the globe on different projects. It not only gives you a chance to improve your skills and knowledge but presents different opportunities as well.
What are the Requirements to Work As a Freelancer in Australia?
Here are some requirements to keep in mind when working a freelancer in Australia:.
ABN: You need to have an ABN (Australian Business Number) to work as a freelancer in Australia as you will be running your own business.
International Student Work limitations: As an international student, you can only work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight while your study is in session. However, during official school holidays, you can work unlimited hours.
Bank Account: It might be a good idea to create a new bank account to manage finances as a freelancer.
Keeping records: You will need to keep a record of hours worked, invoicing and taxes as you are running a business. Many freelancers use accounting software like Xero to help them manage all the record keeping requirements.
Payments Platforms: You will need to get paid right? So you will need to consider what payment platforms you might need to use. While bank transfers can be great for local payments, international clients might like to pay via platforms like PayPal or Wise.
Skills and knowledge: Now it goes without saying that you need to have the right skills and knowledge to get work as a freelancer. Without that, it will be difficult to get work.
What are the Popular Types of Freelance Work?
There are many types of freelance work available to students in Australia. Some of the popular freelance work includes:
Digital Marketing: This includes social media marketing, content creation, SEO, email marketing.
Graphic Design. You can provide services like logo design, web design, illustrations, flyers
Tutoring: You can teach primary, secondary or university students, depending on your skillset.
Writing: It includes services like copywriting, blogging, editing and proofreading.
Software Development: You can get work for web development, app development, tech support and others.
Virtual Assistance: Providing admin support, customer service, research assistance.
Photography and Videography: Offering product/service photography, drone shoots, events related, video editing.
Other options include fitness coaching, event planning, data analysis and many more.
Just note that some of these work opportunities might require you to have permits, certification or qualifications in Australia.
Where to find work as a Freelancer in Australia?
Here are some great places to find work as freelancer in Australia:
Online Platforms: List of popular freelancing platforms includes:
Airtasker
Gumtree
Fiverr
Upwork
Freelancer.com
PeoplePerHour
Networking: You can attend events, exhibitions, seminars, conferences happening around Australia to build your network. This will help you to connect with the businesses who might be looking for services like yours. Here are some popular platforms:
Eventbrite
Meetup
Allevents
Cold Outreach: Consider sending messages to prospective businesses who might hire your services. You can do this via platforms like Facebook Groups and LinkedIn.
Referrals: This one works once you have worked with some client. If they liked your work, then they might send your referral. Ideally, you should build your portfolio to showcase your skills to new clients.
How much money Freelancers can make in Australia?
The answer to this question is a bit challenging as it depends on your skill set, experience, client budgets and other factors.
In Australia, the current minimum wage from 1st July 2024 is $24.10.
But there is no fixed minimum wage for people running their own business as a Freelancer.
Upwork has put together a really good guide on how to calculate your rates a freelancer.
Tips for Success as a Freelancer in Australia
Few tips to be successful as a freelancer in Australia:
Building strong client relationships: One of the keys to becoming a successful freelancer is to build strong client relationships. Even if they don’t have an immediate work, they might consider you for future work or even send your referrals.
Always delivering on time: As they say “Time is money”, it is crucial for you as a freelancer to deliver your projects on time. If possible, deliver ahead of schedule.
Exceptional service: Create a wow factor for your clients. Mesmerise them with your services.
Continually upgrading skills: As technology evolves, you should continuously look to improve your skills and knowledge. Especially during the slow period.
Well, that is all we have for this guide on how to become a freelancer in Australia as a student. Let us know your thoughts on it in the comments below.
