You have completed high school and have been accepted into a degree program at an Australian university – congratulations!
University life will be different from high school and when you’re studying in another country, you will find that the culture and learning environment will be different than the one you grew up with.
In this blog, our Adelaide College students and graduates will share the myths and reality of university life in Australia from their perspectives.
Rohit Kumar – India
Degree Transfer Program Extended (Computer Science)
Myth
Finding part-time work in Australia would be relatively easy and support my living expenses.
Reality
While there are work opportunities, the job market is competitive especially for international students. For me, it required effort and persistence to secure a job that suited my schedule. However, working in a foreign country has helped me develop essential skills and gain financial independence.
Myth
Australia is a very expensive place to live in.
Reality
It can be costly living in Australia, especially in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. However, budgeting and having part-time work has allowed me to live comfortably without sacrificing time for my studies.
Myth
Studying abroad would mean complete independence and taking full responsibility for my life.
Reality
This is partly true. You are responsible for your own learning, completing your assessment tasks on time as well as taking care of yourself. However, there is a strong support network in place for international students from academic advisors to mental health services to help you through any challenges you face.
Mayu Muto – Japan
Foundation Studies, progressed to Bachelor of Psychology (major in Criminology)
Myth
It will be hard to fit in with other students as English is my second language.
Reality
It was hard to settle into university in the beginning due to language barriers. When I studied by myself, I could go at my own pace, but in class, you had to give your opinion in front of other students.
I had to be patient with myself and apply a lot of effort to interpret what other students were saying. Fortunately, at Adelaide College, the teachers spoke at a slower pace with simpler English, so it was easier to understand them and the learning material. English was a second language for most of my classmates, so I did not feel alone.
I’m now in the first year of my degree at the University of Adelaide and lecturers and students are more fluent in English than I am. They also speak faster so I find discussion time difficult. I know I need to continue practising speaking and writing my English skills to improve over time.
My Foundation Studies teachers continue to help me with any struggles I have and are happy to answer any questions regarding my assessments, so I reach out to them often.
Myth
University is very clean with many places to study.
Reality
Most of the areas at university are generally clean, but if you come to campus on a very busy day, individual or group study spaces are hard to find, so try to come early.
Alex Vu – Vietnam
Foundation Studies
Myth
It will be hard to settle into Australia.
Reality
Adelaide was more welcoming and charming than I thought. Unlike the hustle and bustle of other capital cities, Adelaide had a slower more relaxing pace. The people here are very friendly. I am living with an Australian family who have made me feel at home.
Myth
The Foundation Studies program may not fully prepare me for life at university in my second year.
Reality
The Foundation Studies turned out to be incredibly valuable academically. The Critical Thinking course helped me analyse and develop my own opinions on a topic – I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I also learned how to use Maths in my reporting which is a skill many students struggle with at university and the computing subject taught me how to use technology effectively for my studies.
Tatsuya Yamaguchi – Japan
Foundation Studies, progressed to Bachelor of Arts
Myth
University assignments will be very difficult and complicated.
Reality
The assignments were more difficult and complicated than high school however, my teachers in Foundation studies were always available to answer my questions and help me improve. I am now in the first year of my degree at the University of Adelaide and the academic activities are similar to the ones in Foundation Studies, just a little more complex with more topics to learn.
Myth
University is all about completing assessments and studying for exams.
Reality
Although achieving good academic results was important, Adelaide College wanted us to have a more balanced lifestyle. We were encouraged to join social activities to make friends, go on excursions, take up new hobbies, and given tips on how to take care of our mental health.
Scott Tan – China
Degree Transfer Program Extended (Computer Science)
Myth
Uni life in Australia would the same as what we see on American television shows where students stay in dorms and just go to lectures with your roommates. It would be almost the same as high school.
Reality
Staying on campus is just one of the accommodation options in Australia for students over 18. I can rent an apartment by myself giving me the peace to study and privacy. I usually see my friends when I arrive on campus.
Myth
My Degree Transfer Program would be the same as if I went into the first year of university directly.
Reality
Regarding the units and topics, the Degree Transfer Program was the same as Year 1, however, the difference was that I received extra help and support from the College which I did not think I would have had if I went directly into university.
At the University of Adelaide College, we want to make sure you have the right support to make the most of your study experience with us. Our student services team are here to offer any academic guidance you may need.