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Things to know when suffering from a flu in Australia

6 important tips to help you get through the flu

Flu season is upon us and as an International Student by yourself in Australia, it is very important to look after yourself. There may be a chance that you get caught out with the Flu. In case you do fall in sick with that, here we are bringing some tips that might help to recover from it.

1. Flu Shot

Get yourself a Flu Shot before you get sick (the obvious start) – The first one is so obvious but not every international student think that it is important to get a Flu shot. Some students think that it is an expensive to get a Flu shot but most of the students don’t know that OSHC insurance might cover the cost of the Flu shot but even if it is not covered the cost of Flu shot is usually around $20 to $40 which is much better than getting sick and missing out on your study, work and life.

 2. Fluids

Drink lots of Fluids like juices, water and keep yourself hydrated – Dehydration due to Flu , cough and cold is the common problem. It is very important to keep yourself hydrated if you catch the flu. Make yourself friends with water, juices, vitamin drinks and fluids to help yourself keep going. If your urine is dark in colour, you need to drink more water. At least drink 1 glass of water per hour while you are awake.

 3. Get Rest 

Plenty of sleep and a good rest is the most important thing to cure your flu. Sleeping of 7 to 8 hours in the night and some more during the day time. Also, try to avoid using phones, watching TV and computers. Avoid going to work or school as you may even pass the virus to the others.

 4. Steam 

Steam does help to decongest your mucus and in reducing the inflammation. You can buy yourself a steamer or if that sounds expensive than, just fill the bathroom sink in a hot steamy water, add 1 tablespoon of menthol rub and breathe in the steam. This will help in opening up the congested chest, nose and airways.

 5. Eat well 

It is recommended to eat well and healthy during the flu time. Don’t starve yourself and don’t eat too much either. A balanced diet of porridge, soups and light foods will help to control the virus in the body. Avoid greasy, fried, spicy and outside food and try go light on your tummy. Also increase the intake of green vegetables, mushrooms, onions and berries.

 6. Vitamin C 

Vitamin C is linked to our immunity. Add an extra dose of Vitamin C in your diet, whether in form of liquids or tablets or fruits. Lemons, oranges and limes, the citrus fruits are good, but lemons are actually the best source. You can also use supplements to increase the Vitamin C diet for your body.

 What are your tips for getting over the Flu? Leave your comments below.

Images via: Giphy.com



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Barbecue Etiquettes for International Students

8 Barbecue Etiquette to bring along to an Aussie BBQ

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Got invited for a Barbecue? Here are 8 barbecue (BBQ) etiquette that might help you when you are going to an Aussie BBQ:

1. Bring along something

Bring along something either for a drink or to eat. It is usually a good idea to ask the host if they would prefer you to bring along something specific.

Sometimes, hosts may say that you don’t need anything to bring, in that case, you can still bring things like Chocolates, Dessert, Salad, Bottle of Wine, Special dish from your home country, cheese platter, etc or maybe a little gift for the host.

via GIPHY

2. Don’t wear formals

Don’t wear too formal clothes like coats, ties, etc. It is perfectly fine to wear shorts and thongs as it a relaxed social event. Leave all your formals at home.

3. Don’t tell the host how to cook

Don’t tell the host how to cook or BBQ as they might take an offense for that unless they ask for your help themselves in that. Also, it is a good idea to compliment and thank the BBQ chef as you would do at any other such occasion.

4. Be a volunteer for help

As much we recommend not to touch BBQ but we do recommend to volunteer to help with the things. Ask your hosts if they need a hand in something. It is always a good idea to offer help then not and usually appreciated by everyone.

5. Bring along some activities

You can bring along some fun activity ideas and things like games or cards etc. Although, most likely you will learn about the backyard cricket as part of the Aussie BBQ tradition.

6. Clean after yourself

Also, it is usually recommended to clean after yourself. Don’t leave your dirty cutlery, cups, and plates hanging around here and there.

7. Leave the unfinished food

It is also good etiquette to leave the unfinished food or drink with the host as a gesture of thanks to the hosts even the one you brought as well. Don’t forget to bring back your utensils though.

8. Don’t forget to socialise

Last but not least, socialise and talk with others as BBQ’s are social events and a great way to network with other people as well. As an international student, it is vital to network with others and a barbecue is one of the places to do so.

Images via Giphy.com



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Deals for Overseas Students in Australia

5 Things to Consider Before Owning a Pet in Australia

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Planning to own a pet in Australia? If you are a pet lover and want to own one in Australia, you will need to consider few things before you decide to do so, especially when you are an international student in Australia. Here are some of the things you need to consider:

1. Costs

As much fun the idea of owning the pet sounds, it might be too costly for some people to make that dream come true. The average costs will vary but as per ASIC (check the infographic below), average cost of dogs per year is $1475, similar costs for cats are $1029, birds $115 per year and a fish costs around $50 per year

2. Space

Some pets require more space than the others. With most of the students living as tenants, it is important to discuss with your landlord before buying a pet. Also, as the pets grow over the time, there might be a need for them to have a larger space than before.

3. Time

You would need to devote some time of your life to play, feed, nurture and care for the pets. Like little kids, pets will need lots of attention and time. Make sure you have enough time in your life to look after them.

4. Care

Do you understand how to look after the pets? Buying the pet is one thing but caring for them requires more than that. Care includes their well being, health, food and grooming as well. Who doesn’t like a well groomed pet but again, there are some details to need to keep before buying them.

5. Lifestyle

Does your lifestyle suits to own a pet? If you are too busy studying, working or going away then owning a pet might be difficult for you. Simply purchasing them from a pet shop might not be a way to go for you if you have a hectic lifetsyle.

Do you own a pet in Australia? What are your thoughts on owning a Pet as an overseas student in Australia? Share them in the comments below.



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Girl flying in a little plane

8 Airport hacks for your travel as an International student

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As an overseas student, you must be travelling via planes to come from and to Australia. Here are 8 airport hacks that will make your life much more easier when travelling.

 

1. Be Kind –

If you ask nicely, most airline personnel will respond accordingly. And you may be lucky to get an upgrade! You just never know this one.

 

2. Early Bird –

Avoid delays by travelling early in the day. If you are catching an international flight, depending on how busy your local airport gets, try to be at the airport at least 2-3 hours early. If you are catching a local flight in Australia, 1 hour would be sufficient.

 

3. In Last, Out First –

This hack is pretty obvious. The later you check your bags, the less time you have to wait when picking them back on the arrival at your destination! We know, right!

 

4. Special Status –

If you want to enjoy the special perks or collect points for your travel then join an airplane credit card or frequent flyer plan. It will help you to collect those points if your always fly with the same airlines which later can be used for the free flights or upgrades or extra luggage.

 

5. Go Left –

Pick checkpoint to your left, most people tend to go right! As the research shows that most of the people usually turn right when it comes to queuing up for the security check, you do the opposite to save yourself time for a long queues.

 

6. Bring empty water bottle –

No one is not allowed to carry liquids more than 100ml in the airplane cabin baggage. And if you have to stay at the airport for more than couple of hours, chances are you are going to need water to drink. Buying water at the airports, don’t make sense at all as they are usually ridiculously expensive. Instead bring empty water bottle, once you cleared the security check, you can refill the water.

 

7. Wi-Fi –

Always check for free wi-fi at the airport. Now, most of the airports will only allow limited amount of Wi- Fi data for use but if you keep setting your time back on your laptop and phone, it will extend your time for the Wi-Fi usage. Simple, yet effective trick.

 

8. Extra luggage –

In case you are having excess luggage and the check-in person won’t allow you to bring that without paying for it, then, wear the heavy clothing and put on some extra clothes while checking–in. As soon as you pass through the security, you can do a quick outfit change.

Images via Giphy.com



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(Updated) Celebrate your Birthday with these 90+ Free Birthday Deals in Australia

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(Updated) Celebrate your Birthday with these 90+ Free Birthday Deals in Australia

Getting ready for your birthday?

Cool. We have curated the top free birthday deals that we know you will love.

You could be eating out nearly for a week if you sign up and use all of these deals.

We have got more than 90+ birthday deals on the list so far with new ones coming along often.

Celebrate your birthday with these free birthday deals in style.

Let’s go!

Tips to get these birthday freebies

While these birthday freebie sounds delicious and most of them are indeed such a good value for FREE.

Please keep these things in mind before redeeming:

  • 📝 Sign Up for loyalty programs: Most of these freebies require you to sign up for the loyalty programs (and might expect minimum spend in some cases). We suggest signing up for these businesses’ loyalty programs at least a month or two before your birthday.
  • 📜 Check Terms and Conditions: Check the conditions of the voucher or freebie when you get it through email. Some retailers might require you to purchase an item from them before getting the birthday freebies.
  • 📬 Keep Emails and Notifications Enabled: Although some retailers may not send any reminder or freebies and the only way to redeem them via app, and you have to scan it to get it. (Wink Wink, we are looking at you Boost Juice).
  • 🆔 Bring ID or Proof of Membership: Some businesses might require you present the Identification proof of your birthday
  • 📧 Create Seperate Email: To avoid receiving these promotional emails in your regular inbox, it’s a good idea to create a separate email specifically for them.
  • 🔄 Check for Changes: Retailers can change these offers at any time, so please check the website for up-to-date offers as well.
  • 📅 Provide Accurate Information: Make sure your details are correct to receive these vouchers.
  • 🙏 Be Courteous: Businesses are giving away things for free, so the least they expect is to be polite and respectful.

 Our Top 10 Picks

There are many birthday deals out there but these are our Top 10 picks below. Check out more details for these deals in the sections below:

🚢 Captain Cook Cruises – Free Cruise

🍗 Nando’s – $15 birthday voucher

🥤 Boost Juice – Free Juice

🌯 Mad Mex – Free Burrito

🍔 Hungry Jacks – Free Whopper

🍫 San Churros – Free Churros for Two

🍩 Krispy Kreme – 4 pack Original Glazed Donut

☕ Gloria Jeans – Free Drink

🍦 Baskin-Robbins – Free scoop of Ice-cream

🍹 Chatime – Free birthday drink.

🥗 Taco bell – Free birthday meal

All Food Deals

  1. 7-ELEVEN – Free Krispy Kreme Doughnut on your birthday. Redeem via app.
  2. BANJO’S BAKERY CAFE – Join Banjo’s VIP Club and receive a free bakery treat (valid 3 days prior and 3 days post the birth date)
  3. BASKIN ROBBINS – Free scoop of ice cream valid up to 14 days after your birthday. Sign up via the website.
  4. BOOST JUICE – Free Boost Juice for Vibe club members. You can redeem the free juice offer between two days before or two days after your birthday. VIBE card (or app) must be presented in order to redeem the Birthday Boost
  5. BRUMBY’S – Free bread loaf or coffee on birthday.
  6. CHATIME –  Free Drink in the Birthday Month. You must sign up for their program and make at least one purchase 3 months before your birthday.
  7. CHAT THAI – $10 Birthday Rewards Voucher ($30 minimum spend required).
  8. COLD ROCK – 1 Free Ice Cream on your birthday
  9. DONUT KING – 1 Free Donut king drink via app.
  10. GELATISSIMO – Free one scoop of gelato in the month of your birthday (card or app). $5 off your first purchase as well.
  11. GLORIA JEANS – Free Drink on the Birthday. Get the app to redeem.
  12. GRILL’D – Free snack chips when you buy a burger or salad. Must join their Relish loyalty program. Free to sign up.
  13. HARD ROCK CAFE – Free birthday dessert with entrée purchase (valid for birthday month)
  14. HOGS BREATH – Free main meal (Valued up to to $33.95) on your birthday. One-off membership fee of $19.90
  15. HUDSONS COFFEE– Free Coffee on your birthday.
  16. HUNGRY JACKS – Free Whopper on your birthday. (With $1 minimum spend)
  17. JAMAICA BLUE – Free slice of cake for the birthday month. You can sign up via the Jamiaca Blue App for this freebie.
  18. KRISPY KREME – Free 4 Pack of Original Glazed Doughnuts. You must sign up for their rewards program at least 4 weeks before your birthday.
  19. LONE STAR RIB HOUSE – Free meal on your birthday (Must purchase a 2nd meal – from $8.95)
  20. LORD OF THE FRIES – Free voucher on your birthday. Sign up via the link.
  21. MAD MEX – Free burrito on your birthday. Expires after 1 month.
  22. MAX BRENNER – Free regular sized hot drink in your birthday month.
  23. MCDONALD’S – Free Cheesburger, Fries or Sundae on your birthday via My Maccas App.
  24. MONTY’S/ALH GROUP VENUES – Different Birthday deals each year, sign up at least more than a week before the birthday
  25. MRS FIELDS – Free cookie on your birthday
  26. MUFFIN BREAK – Free Muffin in your birthday month
  27. NANDO’S –  $15 voucher during your Birthday month. Sign up for Peri perks and get free chips after signing up as well. Must purchase something in last 3 months to be eligible for birthday freebie.
  28. NOODLE BOX – $10 voucher on your birthday. $5 off on your first purchase as well. Must get the app
  29. PIZZA CAPERS – Free Pizza on your birthday month. Get the app.
  30. RED ROOSTER – Enjoy free meal on your birthday. Download the Royal Rewards Program app.
  31. RIBS AND RUMPS – $30 gift voucher redeemable in birthday month, valid up to 2 months.
  32. SALSA’S – Free burrito or bowl from 2 days before to 2 days after the birthday. You must join the Salsa’s Mex Club before your birthday for this freebie. Must purchase something in last 3 months to be eligible for birthday freebie.
  33. SAKE – Free Ice Cream Cookie on birthday, (must download the app) (NSW and VIC only).
  34. SAN CHURROS – Free churros for two during the birthday month. Must have made a purchase in last 12 months.
  35. SHINGLE INN – Free cookie and coffee/tea in birthday month (collect card in-store)
  36. SPUDBAR – Free spuds on your birthday. Sign up via app. (Victoria only).
  37. STARBUCKS – Free drink on your Birthday available up to 60 days
  38. SUBWAY – Free cookie and small cup drink with the purchase of any sub/salad/wrap or panini
  39. SUMO SALAD – Free salad Valid for 7 days from birthday. Collect card in-store or download the app
  40. TACO BELL – Free meal on your birthday.
  41. TGI FRIDAY’S – A meal valued up to $15 in your birthday month. Sign up via app required.
  42. TOP JUICE – Free medium drink on your birthday (purchase of salad required).
  43. THE COFFEE CLUB – Free drink on your birthday, Sign up via app to reedem.
  44. THE CHEESECAKE SHOP – $5 voucher on your birthday
  45. THE GROOVE TRAIN – Free meal up to $25 value
  46. THE MEAT AND WINE CO. – Minimum $20 voucher on your birthday
  47. THE PANCAKE PARLOUR – Free Pancakes on your birthday. (Victoria only).
  48. THE SPORTING GLOBE – Get $25 credit on your birthday via app (one time only)
  49. VAPIANO – BOGOF pizza, pasta or salad. Birthday emails are sent one week prior to your birthday
  50. WOKINABOX – $12 Wok Wallet credit from 1 day before birthday for 7 days (collect the card in-store)
 

 

You might also like to read our article on Top 5 cheap eats under $10 in Melbourne

Non-Food Deals

  1. AMCAL – $5 off (in-store only)
  2. AMF BOWLING –  One free game of bowling
  3. ANACONDA – $10 birthday voucher
  4. ASOS – 10% promo code for your birthday month
  5. BONDS – $10 eGift Card
  6. CAPTAIN COOK CRUISES – Free Cruise on your birthday
  7. CITY CHIC – $20 Birthday Voucher
  8. COTTON ON –  $5 birthday voucher ($20 minimum spend)
  9. CROSSROADS – $10 to $15 birthday voucher
  10. EBAY  – 10% off voucher
  11. GENETAL PANT CO. – Special birthday deal plus $20 off when sign up.
  12. GLUE STORE – $10 birthday reward
  13. H&M – 25% off item of your choice in the birthday month.
  14. HOYTS CINEMAS – Free small popcorn or choc top on your birthday
  15. IKEA – $10 voucher for IKEA Family members
  16. INTENCITY – Free $10 worths tickets
  17. JAG – $20 voucher on birthday
  18. JEANSWEST  – $10 birthday voucher
  19. KATIES – $20 birthday voucher
  20. KATHMANDU – $20 birthday voucher. Not
  21. KIKKI.K – $10 birthday voucher
  22. LEVI’S – $20 birthday voucher
  23. LINCRAFT – Free $1o gift voucher
  24. MIMCO – $15 minimum voucher for the birthday
  25. MYER – $10 birthday voucher for silver members, $20 for gold members
  26. PALACE CINEMA’S – $10 voucher to use at the cinema bar
  27. PRICELINE – $5 birthday voucher
  28. ROCKMANS – $20 birthday voucher plus $20 off on sign up when spending $100 or more.
  29. SABA – $25 birthday voucher
  30. SEAFOLLY – $20 voucher on your birthday
  31. SHERIDAN OUTLET – $25 birthday voucher
  32. SPEEDO – $20 off voucher
  33. SPORTCRAFT – $20 birthday voucher
  34. SPOTLIGHT – $10 off on your birthday
  35. STUDENT UNIVERSE – $20 off on international flights
  36. TED CAMERAS – $20 voucher on birthday (minimum spend $40).
  37. TIMEZONE – $10 free game credit
  38. TONY BIANCO – $30 birthday voucher plus $20 off sign up offer.
  39. VILLAGE CINEMAS – Free Small popcorn for the Vrewards members
  40. WITCHERY -$10 Gift Voucher for standard members, $20 for Bronze members, $50 for Silver members, $100 for Gold members
  41. WOOLWORTHS REWARDS – 5 times points on every shop for 1 week
  42. ZONE BOWLING – Two free games of bowling on your birthday.

This list is on-going, so any new deals we come across or if you can suggest us to add on to this list, would be great for all of us. Remember, Sharing is Caring!!!

If this list of free birthday deals sounds interesting enough then be sure to watch this video on a complete 3-day plan for free food on your birthday. Enjoy!

Image via Giphy.com



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Kids hand making Home

Top 9 tips for sharing the house with the other housemates

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Most of the overseas students prefer to share accommodation while studying in Australia. It is not only cost effective but you also get to see and meet new people. But quite often there are problems in sharing the house with the others. While we don’t focus too much on the problems, we are going to look at some of the solutions. Here are our top 9 tips for sharing accommodation with others.

1. Establish and follow the basic house rules

Set some of the very basic house rules for your shared house and make sure that everyone follows those rules. For example – you can establish the rule that no guests will stay beyond 10 pm in the night or no parties during the weekdays etc.

 

2. Pay your rent share on time

When you sign up for a shared house, you will know the dates when you have to pay your share of the rent. It is very important to discuss with others to ensure that the rental payments are going on time.

 

3. Be considerate of other people living

When you are in a shared house, you don’t have the freedom to do what you like. You must consider other people before taking some of your actions. If you work late night or going early morning, try to keep the noise levels to the minimum.

 

4. Keep the house as clean as possible

Usually, it is a good idea to create a schedule/roster of the house cleaning and all the responsible persons must doing their tasks effectively. Try to make as little mess as possible. Clean as go is the best policy in the shared house.

 

5. Be friendly with other housemates

Don’t be too serious all the time. Try to have fun together with your housemates. Have a friendly relationship, some casual chats, playing games, cooking together or watching TV together can be a great way to develop a friendly relation with the other housemates.

 

6. Make the shared space accessible for everyone

Common issues among the shared housemates include unfair using of the common spaces like common bathrooms, kitchen and living areas. Make sure to share the common space fairly.

 

7. Help others when they need

We all been through tough situations in life. Sometimes just getting sick or feeling homesick can be really challenging for some people. Ask your housemates if they need any help for food or other tasks. If you can help them when things are tough, most likely they will do the same if in case you need it one day.

 

8. Know your tenancy rights

Find out about your duties and rights as a tenant. Each state/territory in Australia has its own body that looks after the tenancy and landlord rights. It becomes extremely important to know your rights when sharing the house as you don’t want to be penalised for someone else’s wrongdoings.

 

9. Be ready to compromise on certain things

Let’s be honest, you won’t be in living in a perfect house and with the perfect housemates. There will be certain things that you won’t like and certain things that your housemates won’t like. You will need to find a middle ground and try to compromise on certain things while sharing.

 

Do you live in a shared house? What are your tips for the shared accommodation? How do you find these tips? Do you think we missed out on any tips? Let us know in the comments below.

Images credit: Giphy.com



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