University of Queensland (UQ)

Firstly, try and book a flight which lands in Australia in the EVENING, around 18:00-19:00. That way, you can go straight to bed and jet lag will not be a major problem. If you arrive in the morning, you will probably be so tired from travelling you have to go to bed, and it will prolong the jet lag. Secondly, if you can, arrive AT LEAST two weeks before the start of courses. I thought I would find a flat very quickly but there is allot of competition to find flats at the beginning of semesters. A 2/3 week buffer gives you time to acclimatise to the hot weather, get your bearings and discover good places to stay. Also gives you time to look for job/go to beach and party before your studies. If you have a bike, DEFINETLY TAKE IT! Great place for a bike. Lastly, if I did it all over again, I would have saved up some money for a 50cc scooter or a small car before I got here. You can get a good/newish scooter for about $1200 and an OK car for about $2500. Australia is a big place and Brisbane is a sprawling city. You will have MUCH more fun if you have motorised transport. Good Luck!

Travel as much as you can, if you're from Europe think that Australia is far far away and you never know if you'll be able to go back. Take advantage of every situation, go out at night, go to the UQ choir QUMS (if you like music), if you do so, I assure you0ll meet lots of very nice people and you'll even make those friends for a lifetime. Use the advantages of the Student Card for the Public Transport it'll cost you half the price than average. Don't think it twice and share a house or a flat, with other students, it'll be a lot of fun. But if you have enough money and you want to have the city very very near (by that I mean to be just in the very middle) then rent a room in UNILODGE Brisbane, because I promise you won't regret it.

Go, you will never regret it, and all the trouble in the begining is worth it

Australia is a great place to live and a beautiful country, people are very relax, I just loved their way of living, French people should get inspired from it!! Try to see the country as much as you can because there is a lot of things to see and experience! Enjoy and have fun!!:D

Australia is great for traveling - travel as much as you can! It's easy to get in touch with people so don't be afraid to go here alone. Many international students and great student life!

Use an estate agent. Be VERY cautious about renting from a Unit Manager. Check with Accommodation Services at the University about ROUGE/BAD Landlords/Unit Managers (they have a LONG list) before you singe a lease. Unit Managers are very intrusive and know the system. This is particularly true if English is not your first language. Be meticulous with the Entry Report. This is VERY important otherwise landlords/unit-managers can extract money from your bond/deposit very easily and there is little you can do about it. Real estate agents are much more professional, in my experience. You can get good deals on Queenslanders (big houses). Often, you get a higher standard for your money if you can get 3+ rooms.