International Students

• Why La Trobe
• Courses and research
• Apply and accept
• Fees, scholarships & loans
• Predeparture and arrival
• Accommodation & life in Australia
  • Accommodation
  • Living costs
  • Living safely in Victoria and Australia
    • Personal assistance (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
    • Laws and safety in Australia
    • Assault
    • Money safety
    • Public transport safety
    • Areas to avoid
    • Road safety
    • Home security
    • Internet safety and security
    • Health advice and information
    • Socialising
    • Personal activities
    • Enjoying the great outdoors
  • Shopping and Food
  • Australian culture
  • Climate, clothing & time zones
  • Public transport
  • Health care and emergency services
  • Internet, phone and post
• Education Abroad programs
• International student services
• Contact La Trobe International

Making New Friends

There is no magic trick to making friends. And if you are in a foreign culture it can seem more difficult than usual to find people who you really “get along” with. Be kind to yourself - remember that making friends takes time. If you make the most of social opportunities during your life in Australia, just as you would back home, it will be quicker and easier for you to fit in, make friends and feel at home.

However you meet people, remember to be careful. When you meet someone new, be cautious until you get to know the person better and feel you can trust him or her. If a stranger starts talking to you, they are probably just being friendly. But be safe, and don’t give them any of your personal details like your full name, your phone number or your address. With people you don’t know well; always arrange to meet them in a public place, like a café or a park, instead of inviting them to your home or going to theirs, until you feel you have built a relationship with them, know more about them and feel comfortable with them. 

Many international students spend time socialising with other students and people from their own country and culture while they’re in Australia. These people can make you feel accepted and you may be able to communicate much more easily with them than you can with the locals, particularly when you have just arrived. When everything around you is new and different, it can feel like a big relief to find people from your own country and cultural background. But remember, you need to be careful at first, until you get to know them better, just as you should with anyone else. Even though you may feel like you have a lot in common, remain cautious until you feel you know them reasonably well and can trust them. Crimes against international students are sometimes committed by people from their own culture. 

If you have any concerns or questions about someone you have met, or want to talk to someone about Australian mannerisms and communication “norms” (widely acceptable behaviour), make an appointment to talk it over with your International Student Advisor.

Choosing a Roommate 

The task of choosing a roommate needs to be taken very seriously. The person or persons with whom you decide to live can affect the quality and productiveness of your international student experience in Australia. When the moment comes for you to make your decision concerning roommates, remember these tips: don't panic, take your time, and don't compromise on important principles.

Bills & Expenses:

• Do you and your roommates expect to share the costs of buying toilet paper, washing powder for clothes and dishes, cleaning supplies etc. which is used by everyone?

• If you are answering an advertisement for a roommate; what does the rental price cover? Does it include utilities, or are they split equally when the accounts are due?  Who will pay them and how will you all know they have been paid?  

• A small notebook which is signed by everyone who hands over their share of the costs and signed by the person the money is given to, is a good idea.

Food: 

• Do you and your roommates expect to share the costs of buying food and share in the preparation?

• Do you have specific food needs (allergies, preparation needs)?

• If your needs are for halal and your roommates are not, can you agree on respecting and upholding each other’s needs?

Cleaning: 

• Who will clean what? How often?

• Decide exactly what "clean and tidy" means to you.

• Will you hire a cleaning company to keep things under control?

Personal Habits & Individual Needs: 

• How much privacy do you need?

• What hours do you usually sleep? Study? Relax? Socialise? Shower? Wash clothing?

Smoking & Drugs:

• Do you prefer to have a smoker or non-smoker as a roommate?

• Is a smoker alright as long as they smoke outside the residence?
  (Many rental agreements will forbid smoking inside the premises)
  

• Clarify your stance on the use of alcohol and/or illicit substances.

Music & Television:

• What are your musical likes and dislikes?

• Do you watch TV everyday or just once in a while?

• Do you like to study with or without music/TV?

Personality Traits & Communication:

• How do you perceive yourself?

• How do others perceive you?

• Do you enjoy being around a lot of people - or just a few friends?

• Are you more comfortable by yourself?

• What about overnight visitors?

• When conflicts arise, how do you go about resolving them?

• How do you behave when you're happy - angry? What are the things that bother you most?

Please keep in mind that not everyone can be trusted! Follow your instincts and do not room with someone you do not trust

Hitchhiking 

A person who waves at unknown drivers from the side of the road to request a ride with a driver further along the road is called a Hitch-hiker. Hitchhiking is illegal in Queensland and Victoria. Elsewhere in Australia it is illegal to hitchhike on motorways (where pedestrians are prohibited and where cars are not allowed to stop). Some travel companies promote hitchhiking as an inexpensive means of travelling around Australia. 

HOWEVER: Many crimes have been committed against innocent hitchhikers including violent personal crimes and abductions.  You do not know anything about the person whose car you get into.

Our advice to you is: DON’T HITCHHIKE! It simply is not worth the risk.