Wollongong, New South Wales, Úc
How did you make friends as an international student?
Master of in Business
Friends are different versions of ourselves, for me making friends abroad and at home are quite similar, sincerity and empathy are always the key. I started by making friends in church, and then I reached out a little bit to local communities via social media, then student clubs, part time jobs, etc. In general, universities are the most inclusive places, so you don't have to worry about cultural disagreements or disputes around the campus. When you meet others outside the campus, some of their ideas might be shocking you, but after carefully listening up, we can always find our common grounds. My advice is to be yourself and don't set limit to what you can do. When someone invites you to a hiking activity, don't say "wow, I'm not an outdoors person", when someone proposes to visit you someday, don't say "emm, I'm afraid my place is a little bit messy". Let me assure you, opening up to new things will not fail you! Let us not only broaden our academic horizons, but also life perspectives.
Student experience
BSc in Psychological Science
When I first came to Australia to study, making friends honestly wasn’t as difficult as I initially feared. The good thing about university is that there are so many new students starting at the same time, and everyone is trying to connect and build their own circle. People are generally very friendly and open, which made it easier to start conversations. I found that the university’s events—like orientation programs, welcome lunches, and introduction sessions—were some of the best places to meet people. Joining clubs and attending activities also helped me connect with students who had similar interests. Living in student accommodation was another great advantage because it gave me the chance to bond with people right away, and that really helped me feel at home. Of course, adjusting wasn’t without its challenges. The environment was completely new, and I did experience homesickness. But I quickly realised that most students around me were going through the same thing. In a way, that shared experience made it easier to relate to each other, and over time it started to feel like I had created a home away from home. My advice to new students would be: don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Everyone feels nervous in the beginning, but taking that first step to introduce yourself or join an activity makes all the difference. You’ll be surprised at how welcoming people are, and before long, you’ll find yourself part of a community.
Student experience
What support services are there and which have you used?
Master of in Business
In UOW, student success hub is my favourite place. It’s a welcoming space for students to study, relax, connect with others and access support. When I feel I need to fuel up, I will just drop by, grab a free snack, find a cosy spot, and have a good chat with the staff there. Student success hub also hosts a good series of workshops, covering topics from job hunting to legal clinic. This session, I even attended a migration workshop, where the experts explained basically everything related to our future move after graduation. The Hub can also set you up for Peer Learning Coaches, for non-subject-specific support, and Peer Assisted Study Sessions, subject-specific assistance. These services are important for new students to survive and excel in the finals! In conclusion, I strongly recommend new students to explore UOW websites and make full use of these services!
Student life
What is the student community like at Wollongong?
Master of in Computer Science
When I first arrived at the University of Wollongong (UOW) in 2022, I was nervous about being far from home. However, my worries quickly disappeared as I discovered the vibrant and welcoming student community at UOW. The campus was always buzzing with activity. I joined many clubs and communities, including PPIA, the Indonesian Student Association, which helped me feel connected to fellow Indonesians. I also participated in the Community Garden Club, where nurturing plants and making new friends provided a refreshing break from academics. UOW hosted numerous monthly events like International Week, Live Art Week, and Stress Less Week, featuring free workshops where I could learn new skills and meet people from around the world. These events fostered a strong sense of community. Academically, UOW provided excellent support for the students. Classes were interactive, and professors were approachable, with regular consultation hours for additional help. We also have labs to apply lecture concepts to real-life situations, enhancing our practical skills. The balance of academics and social interaction at UOW created a unique atmosphere conducive to learning and personal growth. Studying at UOW has been a rewarding experience, offering countless opportunities for personal and cultural enrichment. This blend of academic rigor and community spirit makes UOW a fantastic place to study abroad, providing invaluable experiences for my future.
Student experience
Student life
What are the 10 things you wished you had known before studying abroad?
Master of in Business
Before my departure, I searched about local temperature (for me, my emotional and academic status can be easily influenced by the climate, so I had to get prepared on that), major tourist attractions and local transportations. I explored Facebook and Xiaohongshu, and had the chance to ask UOW alumni about their experiences, so when I actually arrived, I basically had everything I need with me--clothes, medicine, e-books, swimsuits and other devices for leisure. What I did not expect was I actually know little about AU council services. I had no idea of the garage schedule, sewege control, pest control or lawn maintainance requirements. It turns out living in an independent house outside campus is a complex and challenging project. It was quite time consuming, especially for those just started the semester. So I would like to suggest future students to live on campus at first, and maybe after one semsester or one year, when you're fit in and ready, to move out and live independently. You don't have to find a part time job immediately upon your arrival. Because it would be really hard to focus on study itself, let alone balancing among study, housing and job. Just take your time and save your energy for those unexpected challenges!
Student experience
BBus in Business Studies
When I first arrived in Australia, I didn’t have any friends. If I had known in advance about the many communities and societies at UOW, I could have explored which ones matched my interests and joined them more easily. This would have helped me take smoother steps to connect with others and make friends. In particular, UOW has a Japanese community, and they even have an Instagram account. I wanted to know what kind of things I should bring here, especially medicine and clothes. Australia turned out to be much colder than I expected, so I had to buy extra warm clothes after arriving. I also didn’t realize how important it is to bring the medicine I’m familiar with and used to take in Japan. It’s also important to have a health check-up in Japan before coming here, especially for dental care. When I was in Japan, I didn’t take my teeth so seriously because dental treatment was covered by insurance. However, in Australia, insurance that covers dental care is expensive, and the treatment costs are also high.
Student experience
BSc in Psychological Science
Before moving to Australia, I wish someone had told me how powerful online student communities can be — especially Indian WhatsApp and Facebook groups. While Facebook felt outdated back in India, here it’s incredibly useful for finding events, accommodation, second-hand items, and part-time jobs. Tapping into these early would’ve made settling in much smoother. Financially, I went through unnecessary trial and error. I wish I knew more about affordable grocery options, central suburbs, and student discounts. I was also surprised by how early Australians start their day — that cultural shift took time to adjust to. I wish I had understood my visa rights and work limitations before arriving. Amidst the chaos of moving countries, these details often get overlooked, but they’re crucial for staying compliant and stress-free. Academically, I didn’t know how much support was available — from enrolments and timetables to learning support. I figured out most things late, simply because I didn’t know who or how to ask. If I could go back, I’d tell myself to communicate more. Ask questions, even if they feel silly. Talk to your teachers, classmates, and support teams. Don’t try to figure everything out on your own. Paperwork is taken seriously here — rental receipts, payslips, contracts — so staying organised matters. It can all feel overwhelming, but that’s where the student community becomes your biggest asset. You’re not alone in this journey.
Student experience
Have you experience culture shock when studying abroad and how did you manage it?
Master of in Business
When I first arrived in Australia, something I found different is the small talk culture. In my culture, we also greet each other, but usually just one or two sentences then we hit the serious topic. However, it really surprised me that here everyone does expect you to share more about your feelings and experiences. I tried to catch up with this culture by viewing Youtube videos sharing common small talk topics, and I also tried participated in international conversation groups. These measures helped a little, what was the most important factor helped me fit in is that I started to focus on the details of my daily life. I started to put down my phone while walking, thus I knew better about local plants and street graffiti. I started to join weekend markets, in this way I knew better about recent activities. I even learned latte art and got a certificate on this, so I can chat about coffee. Yes, the need to accumulate more small talk topics pushed me to enrich my experiences. What a fascinating process!
Student experience
