Moving to a new country can be both exciting and challenging, especially for student immigrants. As student immigrants in Australia, you are not only faced with the pressure of adjusting to a new academic environment but also with the responsibility of finding a place to live, handling your finances, and maintaining a healthy work-life-school balance.
In this post, I will discuss practical tips and things to do after first arriving in Australia that will ensure you survive the rigors of being a student immigrant, help you cope with homesickness, and guide you with adjusting to your new surroundings.
Finding a place to live
Finding a place to live is one of the first and most important steps in settling into your new life in Australia as student immigrants. With a wide range of options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. When looking for a place to live in, it is important to start your search well in advance.
Researching online and reaching out to friends, family, or fellow student immigrants can be a great way to find available rental properties. Websites such as realestate.com.au, domain.com.au, and flatmates.com.au offer a comprehensive list of available properties and detailed information on the location, rental price, and other important details. You can also check out various Facebook groups (Pinoy AU Sydney, Filipinos in Sydney) and see if anyone has any recommendations or suggestions.
When choosing a property, it is important to consider factors such as safety, location, rental price, and transportation. Make sure that the property is located in a safe area, and check that the rental price is within your budget. Research the property owner or real estate agent and make sure they have a good reputation. If you have not yet arrived in Australia, ask your friends or family to do inspections on your behalf.
Finding work as student immigrants
Looking for a job that pays enough can be a challenging but rewarding experience. There are a variety of opportunities available, ranging from manual labor jobs to professional positions. However, it is important to keep in mind that, as student immigrants, when starting out, manual labor jobs such as cleaning, kitchen staff, and warehouse worker are common stepping stones.
Before starting a job, make sure to research properly about your employer, the work conditions, and the salary. Ask around in Facebook groups if anyone has had any experience with the employer you wish to work for. Make sure to check your current working rights and that you have a work contract before you even start your new job.
Keeping yourself safe
As student immigrants in Australia, your safety should be your utmost concern. Do not be complacent and do not be so easily trusting with anyone. I hate to say this, but while it is relatively safer here compared to The Philippines, some people tend to take advantage of the fact that you are a student immigrant and you don’t know a lot of people and a lot of things here. Sadly, some of these people will be your fellow Filipinos.
Protect yourself from shady landlords by making sure that you have a lease contract and all agreements are written. Avoid making agreements via the telephone and as much as possible, always have a friend or companion with you to act as a witness when conversing with your landlord. This will help you avoid stress and headaches in the future.
Follow your gut instinct. If a place seems shady for you, then it is shady. No matter what other people say. If a property listing sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Like I said, your safety should be your number one concern.
These safety recommendations can easily be applied to your new job. Make sure to have a work contract, all agreements written, and follow your gut instinct.
Homesickness and how to deal with it
Homesickness is a common challenge that many Filipino student immigrants face when they move to Australia. Feeling overwhelmed and missing loved ones can make it difficult to adjust to a new environment.
To cope with homesickness, it is important to stay connected with friends and family back home through regular phone calls, video chats, and social media. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community in Australia, either through participating in social activities or finding a local Filipino community, whether online or offline, can also help.
Additionally, taking time for self-care, such as engaging in physical activity, practicing mindfulness, and indulging in your favorite hobbies, can help boost your mood and ease feelings of homesickness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, moving to Australia as a Filipino student immigrant can be a big transition, but with the right information and support, it can be a rewarding experience. Finding a place to live, getting a job, managing finances, and dealing with homesickness are some of the biggest challenges that you may face.
By following the tips and suggestions outlined in this blog post, you can make the transition smoother and set yourself up for success in your new home. Remember to take things one step at a time, be patient with yourself, and reach out to others for support when needed. With hard work and determination, you can build a fulfilling life in Australia and achieve your goals.
SUGGESTED READING: Australian Citizenship: basic guide to becoming an Aussie
Do you have any tips to share? Feel free to comment down below!