Adapting to Aussie Culture: Dos and Don’ts for International Students

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For many aspiring students, studying in Australia is not just about academics but embracing a new culture and way of life. Adapting to Aussie culture can be an exciting journey, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Understanding the dos and don’ts will help international students navigate this cultural transition smoothly and make the most of their experience Down Under.

Australia’s rugged landscapes, vibrant cities and sunny coastlines attracts thousands of international students every year. In fact, more than half a million students entered Australia in 2024 to commence tertiary or vocational study. While deemed a country of choice for international students, there are still unwritten rules to abide by. Whether you’re aboding in Sydney, Melbourne or perhaps a more obscure location, Australian culture isn’t for the faint-hearted. Take note of the Dos and Don’ts to make your study experience not just enjoyable but exceptional.

Dos:

Table of Contents

1. Barbie like a boss

Australians are known for their relaxed and laid-back attitude towards life. Take this as an opportunity to slow down, enjoy the moment and strike a balance between studies and leisure activities. Participate in outdoor barbecues, beach outings, park picnics and other social gatherings to immerse yourself in the Aussie way of life and get to know people in an informal setting. You’ll never be a BBQ short of a sausage due to the abundance of public holidays to enjoy throughout the year. If word drops at uni or work there’s a gathering of sorts, make it your priority to get there and make friends!

2. Humour is currency

We cannot emphasise this enough. Australians have a unique sense of humour characterised by sarcasm, irony and self-deprecation. It can take quite a bit to get used to if you ordinarily take things literally. After overcoming the initial discomfort of missing the punchline, learn to appreciate and engage in light-hearted banter with your peers and colleagues. A good sense of humour is a form of currency in Australia and will help you quickly build rapport. Most Aussies love to cop it just as good as they dish it, so the better you engage in back-and-forth banter, the faster you’ll establish meaningful connections.

3. Give everyone a fair go

For decades, Australia has been known as a vibrant melting pot of multiculturalism, with people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Nationalities tend to cluster in pockets around Sydney, so there are specific suburbs and local government areas (LGA) you can visit if you’re feeling homesick. The key thing to remember is being respectful towards people of different cultures, traditions and beliefs. Be open-minded and curious to learn from others’ perspectives. A great way to do this is to dive into cultural activities and celebrations, such as Australia Day, Chinese New Year, Diwali, Ramadan, ANZAC Day, NAIDOC Week, Pentecost and Passover.

4. She’ll be right, mate

Familiarising yourself with Aussie slang will help fast track your assimilation. Australian English is full of unique slang terms and expressions that may initially confuse—if not—baffle international students. The way Aussies abbreviate words and sentences can be enough to send you to Google Search or ChatGPT but don’t despair. Instead, tune into local radio, listen to podcasts, stream Aussie TV series and watch (old and new) Aussie movies. Opt for true blue classics such as The Castle, Kath and Kim, Strictly Ballroom, Bluey, Utopia and Have You Been Paying Attention. And if you get really stuck, you can always refer to the Aussie Slang Dictionary.

5. How’s the serenity?

Embracing the great outdoors comes part and parcel with living in Australia. From Bondi Beach to the Blue Mountains, Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef—Australia is highly renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. Make the most of your time by exploring as many outdoor wonders as your study timetable can afford. You don’t even have to trek far to connect with nature. There are plenty of national parks for hiking and picnics. In the hotter months, try surfing lessons at your local surf lifesaving club, stand-up paddle boarding or even camping trips with mates. Your soul will thank you, and your loved ones back home will be envious.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t be a silent battler

If there is one thing Aussies love, it’s feeling useful. While the pace of life may seem fast if you’re an urban dweller, don’t let that stop you from asking for help. Moving to a new country can be daunting, so it’s okay to feel overwhelmed at times. Whether it’s seeking advice from university staff, joining student support groups or talking to fellow international students, asking for help can make your transition to Aussie culture much smoother. If you are in crisis, do not be afraid to call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 000. Australia offers high quality healthcare services such as counselling, GP clinics, immunisations and even hospitals if needed. There’s plenty of support out there – you just need to take that first brave step and reach out.

2. Don’t do bugger all

Taking care of your physical and mental health is simply non-negotiable. Yes, you’re in an entirely new environment but that doesn’t negate your responsibility to take care of yourself. Prioritise self-care, stay active, get plenty of decent sleep and pace yourself during intense study periods. Joining a local gym is a great mood booster as is adopting a healthy, balanced diet. Whatever you do, don’t isolate yourself from community. It can feel counter-intuitive to be social when you really don’t feel like interacting with people. Take this as a cue to ditch the late-night gaming and instead, join a local sport, social or interest group to keep your mind busy on something more fulfilling.

3. Don’t chuck a wobbly

Politeness and courtesy are highly valued in Australian society. It goes without saying, remember to say “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me” in your interactions with others. If you want to make a positive impression and build respectful relationships with Australians, it’s important to be able to read the room. Respect personal space, avoid interrupting conversations and be mindful of cultural differences in non-verbal communication cues. Also void falling into the trap of forming generalisations about Australians. While Aussies may have certain similar traits and characteristics, every individual is unique. Treat people as individuals rather than making assumptions based on stereotypes.

4. Don’t be a d***

While Australians are fairly laid back, Australia is a country that values law and order. So much in fact, that being a public nuisance is a chargeable offence! Obstinate behaviour such as being drunk and disorderly or displaying aggression and abuse towards others will most definitely have you on the wrong side of the law—and in some cases, kicked out of the country. Seems obvious, but it’s in your best interest to abide by local laws, rules and regulations, including road safety, public transport etiquette and alcohol consumption laws. Simply put—don’t be a ratbag and stay out of trouble!

Adapting to Aussie culture as an international student is a challenging yet rewarding journey that involves embracing diversity, learning the lingo and building meaningful relationships. By following the dos and avoiding the don’ts, international students can navigate the cultural nuances of Australian society with confidence. In no time, you’ll be immersed in outdoor adventures, embracing the laid-back lifestyle with many enriching memories to share. And before you know it, you’ll be getting a few mates together for a bit of a barbie. Av a go at it!

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