Pre-Departure Guide

Contents
Welcome Macquarie City Campus Before you leave Pre-departure Checklist Dos and Donts on what to bring The journey to Sydney Settling into Australia About Australia Life down under Cost of living and standard of living Visa information Settling into Macquarie City Campus Enrolment and Orientation Working in Australia Student Services Contact 1 2 3 6 8 9 10 18 20 22 23 24 25 30
Customs Australian Taxation Office Real Estate (Housing) Links

Welcome to Macquarie City Campus

Congratulations on selecting Macquarie City Campus for further study. Together we will create your future. Macquarie City Campus is committed to excellence in teaching and to maintaining a supportive and caring environment to ensure the best chance of your success. The staff at Macquarie City Campus would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Sydney. We will assist you to benefit from living and studying in Australia, and our objective is to help you to achieve academic success and to reach your study goals. We hope you find this guide useful and it gives you a clear idea of what to expect. The following information will assist you in preparing for life in Australia and particularly for study at Macquarie City Campus. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Before You Leave Pre-departure Checklist The Journey to Sydney Settling into Australia About Australia Life Down Under Cost of Living and Standard Living Expense Visa Information Settling into Macquarie City Campus Orientation and Enrolment Working in Australia Student Service Contact

Important contacts
Macquarie City Campus Admissions Enquiries Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations City of Sydney www.city.mq.edu.au admissions@city.mq.edu.au www.deewr.gov.au

www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au www.discoversydney.com.au www.visitnsw.com.au www.lonelyplanet.com/australia/ sydney www.customs.gov.au www.ato.gov.au www.domain.com.au www.flatmates.com http://sydney.gumtree.com.au/ www.mycareer.com.au www.seek.com.au www.truelocal.com.au www.careerjet.com.au www.smh.com.au www.theaustralian.news.com.au www.goingtouni.gov.au www.immi.gov.au www.themara.com.au www.australia.gov.au/Time www.stgeorge.com.au www.anz.com.au www.westpac.com.au www.amp.com.au

Job Search Links

Australian Newspaper Links Going to University Department of Immigration and Citizenship Migration Agents Registration Authority Australian Government Times Zone Bank services

Australian Taxation Office Overseas Health Care Cover Telephone Services

www.ato.gov.au www.oshcworldcare.com.au www.mobileoptus.com.au www.telstra.com.au/mobile/ http://youcompare.com.au

There are many differences which you will experience in coming from your home country to Australia. It is generally helpful to know some of these changes and differences so you can plan effectively for this important transition. We look forward to welcoming you to Macquarie City Campus.

The listing of a website does not constitute a recommendation by Macquarie City Campus.

Before you leave

Macquarie City Campus will email you your orientation details, including the day and time of your orientation session. Orientation takes approximately three hours. When you come to Australia, make sure you bring copies of all documentation with you, including your passport, visa and credit cards. Keep the originals in your hand luggage and leave a copy of all of your important documents with someone at home. Before you leave you should also consider the following (information below provides a summary of what you should look out for, see Checklist on page 3 for details): Accommodation reference if you plan to rent accommodation, try and bring references from people who know you, e.g. family friends or school teachers, as this will make signing a tenancy agreement a lot easier. If you have made an agreement with the tenant or real estate agent, make sure no money is paid until you have a signed contractual agreement. If you have tenancy issues, or concerns contact student services at Macquarie City Campus For more information, visit: www.city.mq.edu.au/accommodation. html www.domain.com.au www.flatmates.com http://sydney.gumtree.com.au/ Medical records bring your medical records and medical prescription with a letter from your doctor if you need to take medication. You should also bring an English translation of these documents. Passport photos you might want to bring a few extra passport photos, as they may be useful if you need to get membership cards or visas for overseas holidays. Money you should bring enough Australian currency in cash for your first few days and have access to AU$1,500 to AU$3,500 in bank draft/travellers cheques (in your own name) to establish yourself. For further information see page 8. Living costs Living in Australia is cost effective when compared to other western countries. An international student in Sydney will require approximately AU$14,000 to AU$18,000 for living expenses each year (excluding tuition fees). For further information see page 20.

Pre-departure checklist
Before leaving home, there are several things that you need to do. Pre-departure Checklist Have you:
Arranged accommodation Checked the course content and duration of the degree you plan to enrol in? (www.city.mq.edu.au/courses.html) Checked the conditions on your Letter of Offer? Checked Orientation Information? Understood your health insurance? For more information on Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), please visit: www.oshcworldcare.com.au/Default.aspx Checked the qualification and possible accreditation gained from the degree? Checked what work experience may be required? Checked the assessment methods? Checked out Cost of Living Expenses and Accommodation? (www.international.mq.edu.au/macquarie/sydney/livingcosts. asp) Read the International Tuition Fee Refund Policy?

Luggage Requirements
The check-in weight requirements for economy class is usually 20 kg (check baggage allowance with your airline). Your luggage should be clearly labeled with your name and contact address. It is advisable to lock your luggage. However, if a search of your luggage is necessary due to security issues the lock may be broken. Never agree to bring a bag or other items into Australia for someone else as it may contain something illegal and you will be held accountable.

Other Checklist items Have you:

Organised all travel arrangements and packed your most important documents in your hand luggage? For further information see page 8. Booked your Airport Reception (since we dont provide airport reception are there organizations that provide this?) and Temporary Accommodation? Checked Customs and Quarantine regulations and separately packed items that you need to declare? (www.customs.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=4258) Organised to have at least AU$1,500 available to you on arrival in Sydney? (Approximately AU$500 in cash and AU$1,000 in travellers cheques.) Had medical/optical/dental checkups prior to leaving? Written down the contact details of your countrys embassy in Australia? Purchased locks for your luggage?

Macquarie City Campus, situated in Sydney Central Business District (CBD)

Location
The campus is minutes away from international business headquarters and Sydneys tourist attractions such as the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Dos and Donts on what to bring

Taking the Challenge It is nearly impossible to pack everything you might want. Most items Australia, though the of Studying overseas you will need are available in country. Here is some cost of some may be higher than in your home advice on what means that you need international students may want to bring with them, and also what is to plan and prepare for unnecessary. Remember you are only allowed 20-30 kg of luggage on the flight to many things. Australia.
DO bring the following
Document folder including:
Airline tickets A valid passport with student visa (including photocopies) Copy of your confirmation of enrolment form, your Letter of Offer and other material sent to you by Macquarie City Campus Original and/or certified copies of personal papers, including academic transcripts, educational or work qualifications you may already have completed, scholarship award letter if applicable Identification papers such as birth certificate, proof of citizenship, international drivers permit or identity card, including English translation Credit cards Your medical records, immunisation records and records of all accompanying family members Marriage certificate if your spouse is coming with you Receipts of goods you may bring with you to Australia to assist with assessing customs duty and/or GST If you intend to drive in New South Wales you must bring your current drivers license with you. If possible, have the license updated to cover the duration of your studies Address and phone numbers of your final destination Clothing and Electrical goods computers, hair dryers, stereos and rice-cookers are items some international students choose to bring with them. However, bear in mind that these items may attract customs duty GST. If in doubt, refer to the section on Customs Regulations above (www.customs.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=4258) Adaptor plugs Australia has 240 volt, AC 50 Hz cycle electricity

DO NOT bring the following

Food not just because there are strict Customs regulations, but because you really dont need to. Sydney is a multicultural, cosmopolitan city and international students usually find they can buy foods from their home countries here. Winter clothes it is advisable to buy your winter clothing in Australia, as it will be more suitable to the local climate.

Other personal items you may find it useful to bring things like a small sewing kit, battery operated alarm clock, umbrella, dictionary, torch and English translation of prescriptions for any medications you are carrying, sports gear, toiletries and other favourite personal items.

The journey to Sydney

$20 (orange), $50 (yellow) and $100 (green). The notes increase in size according to their For most of you, the trip to Sydney will involve value. Coins used are silver 5 cents, 10 cents, a long flight. Here are some tips to make the 20 cents and 50 cents, and gold $1 and $2 trip more comfortable: coins. When shopping, your purchases will be Get a good nights rest before the flight rounded to the nearest 5 cents. Bring enough money to cover the first two or three weeks Pack your own bags of living costs (approximately AU$1,500 to Eat a meal that is light in fat and calories AU$2,500). before the flight Try to obtain small change upon arrival Wear light clothes and bring a jacket in Open a bank account with a local bank your hand luggage Arrange for a bank draft once you have Do not carry packages for strangers arrived in Australia Drink lots of water prior to and during the International credit cards such as Visa, flight American Express, Diners Club and Master Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine Card are widely used throughout Australia. during the flight. Australian currency is the only legal tender in Travel from Airport to Sydney Australia. Money from other countries can be changed at the exchange facilities located at Before you arrive in Sydney airport, ensure international airports, banks and major hotels. airport pick-up has been arranged. You can ask your accommodation provider if they can Travellers cheques are easier to use if they provide this service. If you have not arranged are already in Australian dollars, but banks will cash travellers cheques in almost any airport pick-up there is transportation that can take you to your accommodation such as currency. Major hotels and some shops will rail, taxi, shuttle bus and ferry. See page 12 for also cash travellers cheques. For more information, visit: further information. www.dfat.gov.au/

Settling into Australia

The first few days you spend in Australia will probably be busy and emotional
You will have many things to do before your studies commence, such as finding permanent accommodation (if you have not already done so) and enrolling in classes. In the midst of the excitement you may also feel the strain of being away from your family, friends and the familiar sights of home. To help you cope with this hectic period, it is important to be aware of what you should do and who can help you. Start by exploring the city and working out where places, such as Macquarie City Campus, local supermarkets and public transport points are in relation to where you live. You may also like to buy a local paper for ideas on what kind of community, sporting or cultural clubs are in your area. Joining clubs is a great way to make new friends and become part of the community. Advertisements for community events, such as concerts or markets, can also be found in the newspaper. Ask housemates, fellow students or staff members about areas you should avoid at night. Take care travelling at night on your own. Know the timetables for buses, trains and ferries to avoid long waits especially if youre alone. Dont carry, or keep at home, large sums of money. Try not to carry more money than you need. Keep valuables out of sight and secure when travelling and do not leave personal belongings unattended. Always carry either a mobile phone, change for a pay phone or a phone card. Avoid giving personal information to strangers. Lock your doors and windows before going out. Respect your intuition. Dont allow rationality to override your sixth sense. It could protect you from danger.

Travel to Sydney

Personal safety
Australia is a very safe and secure study destination and international students are welcome. However, as with anywhere you travel, you should take steps to keep yourself safe: Familiarise yourself with your neighborhood and campus by walking around during the daylight hours. Always tell someone when you are going out, where you are going and when you expect to return.

Australian Customs regulations

When you arrive at Sydney International Airport, the Australian Customs Service (ACS) will need to clear you and your luggage. As a student, it is very important to check what does, and does not, need to be declared. For more information on the Australian Customs Service, visit: www.customs.gov.au/site/page.cfm

Time zone
Sydney is located in the Eastern Standard Time (EST) Zone, the equivalent to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) + 10 hours. Normally, at 2 am EST on the last Sunday morning of March, clocks are turned back one hour to mark the end of daylight saving. On the last Sunday morning of October, daylight saving commences and clocks are moved one hour forward at information on the Australian For more 2 am EST. Government Time Zone, visit: www.australia.gov.au/Time

If you are faced with a life-threatening emergency, you should dial 000. The operator will ask you if you need fire, police or ambulance services before transferring your call. Your safety and security is important to us. If you would like additional information and tips please ask the Macquarie City Campus student adviser or reception.

Currency
Australian currency is decimal with the basic unit of one dollar equivalent to 100 cents. The bank notes in use are $5 (purple), $10 (blue),
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About Australia
What is Sydney like?
Cost of living
welcoming, friendly and energetic particularly when it comes to Living in Australia is cost-effective when compared to Britain, Western supporting their sporting teams. Europe and the USA. Sydney offers a Australians enjoy a high standard of living and a relatively low cost range of accommodation options of living. It is a relaxed culture and that are affordable. Depending the climate encourages an outdoor on each students lifestyle, living expenses are AU$14,000AU$18,000 lifestyle, with barbecues being a popular pastime throughout the each year (not including tuition year. fees).

Law
As an international student in Australia, you will be subject to all state, territory and federal laws. The legal age for buying cigarettes and buying and drinking alcohol is 18 years. Remember, if you break the law (depending on the offence) your student visa could be cancelled and you may be deported. Australian police patrol public areas in marked or unmarked cars, on foot, on bicycle and sometimes even on horseback. They are approachable and will offer assistance if you need it, even if you just need directions to the train station. You are encouraged to report any crime committed against you or that you witness to your local police station.

Living in Sydney
Sydney is a multicultural city with a population of over four million people, from 180 different nations, representing 140 different languages. The city is also home to thousands of international students and features one of the worlds most beautiful harbours. Sydney is the financial and commercial powerhouse of the country, and offers an exceptional quality of life with varied international cuisines, arts, entertainment and sport. There is something for everyone in Sydney, so make sure you get out there and discover it!

Studying at Macquarie University will give you the opportunity to experience life in one of the worlds most beautiful and cosmopolitan cities. Sydney has been voted as one of the worlds top ten cities (ten years in a row) by the leading US travel magazine, Travel + Leisure, 2007.

Australia
Australia has a population of almost 22 million, concentrated in the major cities along the coast: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. Each city has its own personality with a mix of late 19th century European architecture and modern high-rise buildings. Most cities also have their own Chinatown and ethnic neighbourhoods so youll always be able to find food, restaurants and entertainment from your home country! For this reason, overseas students have no problems fitting in, and lecturers are familiar with teaching students from many different backgrounds. Outside the cities, Australia is a continent of diverse and breathtaking landscapes from dry arid deserts to rainforests, from mountains where you can ski in winter to pristine sandy beaches. The Great Barrier Reef stretches from the tip of Australia down the east coast and is considered one of the worlds natural wonders a fantastic playground for diving and snorkeling adventures.
Australia is truly a multicultural

Multicultural City
multicultural cities with more than 25% of residents born overseas. Sydney has a population of 4 million from 180 different nations, speaking 140 different languages. This diverse population makes Sydney an exciting place to live, work and study. Australia offers a friendly, English-speaking environment in which to live, study and travel. As international interest focuses increasingly on the cultures and economic dynamism of Asia and the Pacific, Australias economic and political role is now recognised as a key element in the regions future.
Sydney is one of the worlds most

Top FIVE things to do in Sydney

1 Catch a ferry For only a few dollars, catch a ferry from Circular Quay, right by the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, and travel to beautiful Manly beach in the citys north. 2 Have a barbeque On a warm summer evening, get a group of friends together and have a typical Australian barbeque. Many of Sydneys parks provide gas barbeques so all you need to do is grab some sausages and start cooking! 3 Wacth a game of football Watch a game of Australian Rules football, put on the team colours of red and white, and cheer for the Sydney Swans. 4 Visit the Sydney Aquarium See 11,000 Australian sea animals and walk along 60 metres of underwater tunnels at the Sydney Aquarium, one of Sydneys most popular tourist destinations. 5 Go to the Blue Mountains Catch a train for a day trip to the Blue Mountains, and see Australias jaw-dropping natural beauty. There are bushwalking trails for beginners and more experienced hikers.

State and Territories

There are six states and two territories in Australia: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. The capital city is Canberra, which is located in the Australian Capital Territory in the southeast of the country.

Government
There are three levels of government in Australia: the Australian Government (Federal), state and territory government and local government (councils). The Australian Government is based in Canberra at Parliament House and is currently headed by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

country and Australians are

For more information, visit: www.seesydney.com.au www.visitnsw.com.au www.cheapeats.com.au

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More about Australia

Climate in Australia
Summer (Dec-Feb) Max 28.5 Celsius Min 18.2 Celsius Autumn (Mar-May) Max 22 Celsius Min 14.5 Celsius Winter (Jun-Aug) Max 16.8 Celsius Min 8.6 Celsius Spring (Sep-Nov) Max 21.7 Celsius Min 13.3 Celsius

Climate
The Australian climate ranges from tropical to temperate and Sydney has a temperate climate. The wettest months are March to May; the coldest month is July and the hottest months are January and February. The average rainfall is around 1,200 millimeters per year. Average humidity is roughly 62 per cent. Sydney has a mild climate that encourages Sydneysiders to enjoy many outdoor For current weather activities. please conditions

Transport
Public transport Australia has an extensive and comparably safe public transport system that includes trains, buses, trams and ferries. You can buy tickets at train stations, ferry wharves or onboard buses and trams. Macquarie City Campus is accessible by bus and train services from surrounding suburbs. Sydneys public transportation system provides bus, train and ferry services. For general enquires, timetable and route information call 131 500 or please visit:
www.131500.info/ realtime/default.asp

Student concession
International students in New South Wales are not eligible for travel concessions for public transport. The only eligible international students are those sponsored by the Australian Government and students involved in formal university exchange programs. Concessions are available for international airfares for international students. The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally accepted proof of status. For more information, visit: www.isic.org/sisp/ index.htm

Taxis
Metered taxis operate in Sydney. You can call a taxi and book your journey by phone or wait at taxi ranks, which are at transport terminals, main hotels and shopping centres. You can also hail taxis on the street. If the light on top of the taxi is on, then the taxi is vacant. There is a minimum charge on hiring and then a charge per kilometre travelled. You may be charged a small fee for paying by credit card or Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale (EFTPOS).

International food supplies GST and cost of goods and services

Familiar food can be a great comfort when you are living far from home. A goods and services tax (GST) of 10 per cent is added to most goods and services in Australia. Items excluded from this tax include fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, bread and dairy products. The GST is added to the cost of the item on the shelf, so the ticketed price is the amount you will pay at the cash register. Although the cost of goods and services is monitored by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to protect consumers from being unfairly charged for items, costs do vary slightly depending on the place of purchase. The best advice is to visit several stores to find the lowest price for an item.

Your own transport

You may decide to purchase your own transport. A reasonable secondhand bicycle can be bought for about AU$200 and a good secondhand car can be purchased for less than AU$10,000. It is a good idea to have a secondhand car inspected by a reputable mechanic to ensure it is roadworthy.

visit the official Government website at: www.bom.gov.au

Australias diverse cultural heritage has resulted in some of the finest and most varied cuisine in the world. There are restaurants for all tastes, with Asian, Middle Eastern, African and European food heavily represented. Australian cuisine itself is a mixture of all these influences, with traditional dishes given an Australian flavour. For cooking at home, you will find a wide range of international ingredients at major supermarkets and specialty food stores. There is also a wide range of foods available for people with special diets, such as glutenor dairy-free products, vegetarian and vegan products and halal meats. Information for Muslim students
www.international.mq.edu. au/macquarie/sydney/ religion

Eatability Best Sydney restaurant guide For more information on Australian driver licenses and road rules, please visit the Road and Traffic Authority NSW: www.rta.nsw.gov.au
www.eatability.com.au/au/ sydney/

Sydney markets
www.sydneymarkets.com. au/index.html

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More about Australia

Post services
You may wish to extend your religious community while in Sydney, and there are a Australia Post provides postal services and variety of religious communities and church mail is delivered once a day from Monday to services available in Sydney. One way to find Friday. For larger parcels, a card will be left in a community or place of worship near your your letter box for you to take to your nearest home is to look in the telephone directory. post office for collection. The postal service is reliable and efficient with next day delivery Anglican www.ministryblue.com/anglicanwithin the same city. Most post offices are nsw.html open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. Baptist http://baptistnsw.asn.au/ They sell stationery, post bags, phone cards Brethren www.christianbrethren-nsw.org. and stamps. You can also pay your electricity au/ and telephone bills and some other accounts at a post office. For more information, please Buddhist www.buddhistcouncil.org/ visit: Catholic www.catholic.org.au/websites/ index.asp?cat=2&page_no= For more information: www.auspost.com.au/ Greek Orthodox www.goc.com.au/ gocweb/ Jewish www.nswjbd.org/ Muslim www.icnsw.org.au/ Presbyterian www.pcnsw.org.au/ Uniting www.uca.org.au/ For more information about Religion at Macquarie: www.international.mq.edu.au/macquarie/ sydney/religion

Weights and measures

Australia uses the metric system of weights and measures. Speed and distance are measured in kilometres, goods in kilograms and litres, and temperature in degrees Celsius. Fri 1 May 2009 12:31 | 19C Partly Cloudy.

Telephone services
Australia has a modern communications system. Public telephones are widely available and accept coins and pre-paid phone cards. Mobile phones are also very popular and are available from a variety of service providers.
www.mobileoptus.com.au/ www.telstra.com.au/mobile/ http://youcompare.com.au/

Water
Australia is a very dry country and water is a precious commodity. Many Australian cities and towns experience drought from time to time and often have enforced water restrictions. Do not waste water unnecessarily. Tap water in Australia is clean and safe to drink. You should learn about appropriate water use when you arrive by visiting Sydney Water website: www.sydneywater. com.au

Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Australia and service charges are not added to accounts by hotels and restaurants. At any time, tipping is a matter of choice in recognition of good service. You can tip food and drink waiters up to 10 per cent of the bill for good service. You are not required to tip taxi drivers.

Religion
In keeping with Australian thinking, Macquarie City Campus recognises and respects your religious choices. Australians embrace people from all walks of life, cultures and religions. For example, if your religion prohibits you from eating certain foods or drinking alcohol, you will be able to maintain these customs. A good source of information is Macquarie Universitys chaplaincy services. The Chaplaincy service provides information and services on various religions and denominations, including: Anglican, Greek Orthodox, Baptist, Jewish, Brethren, Muslim, Buddhist, Presbyterian, Catholic and Uniting. The Chaplaincy is located at Macquarie University, North Ryde in building C9B near the U@MQ building. Please click here to visit the website. In addition, Macquarie University offers separate Muslim prayer rooms and ablution facilities for both men and women in the Ground Level, Building E3A. For more information: www.mq.edu.au/chaplaincy/ chaplains/muslim/index.php

More things to do in Sydney

Check the view from the Centre Point Tower Sail the Harbour Walk around Darling Harbour Explore Circular Quay Visit the Australian Museum Spend a weekend in the Blue Mountains Brunch at Bondi Beach Shop in Paddington Walk around or join a tour of the Botanical Gardens.

Time zones
There are three different time zones in Australia. Daylight saving also comes into effect in some parts of Australia during the summer months. Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST): Greenwich Mean Time plus 10 hours (Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland) Central Standard Time: AEST minus 30 minutes (South Australia and the Northern Territory) Western Standard Time: AEST minus two hours (Western Australia).

Tourism
Sydney offers a rich and vibrant arts and entertainment scene with concerts, opera, jazz, theatre and cinema regularly available. Sporting activities are also popular and swimming, tennis, golf, many codes of football, cricket, squash and other activities cater for both participants and spectators.
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au www.lonelyplanet.com/ australia/sydney http://sydney.citysearch.com.au/ www.sydney.com.au/

Shopping
New South Wales has world-class shopping facilities. Hours are generally 9 am to 5.30 pm seven days a week, with late night shopping until 9 pm on Thursday. Some supermarkets are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Shopping guide: http://westfield.com.au/aucentres/ www.coles.com.au/ www.woolworths.com.au/ www.franklins.com.au/home/

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Life Down Under

Australian culture
Australia is a young and diverse nation and Australian people come from numerous different cultural backgrounds. Australians are proud of their egalitarian culture whereby regardless of what level of society they come from people are treated the same. This attitude may explain why you may see students criticising public figureheads or calling staff by their first name. As you settle and make friends, you will find that there is really no such thing as a typical Australian. You will also encounter a wide range of social customs, habits and perspectives on life that may be new and different to your own. This section will prepare you for some of these experiences.

Conversation
The majority of Australians speak English although you will find many Australian born individuals speak a second language. One common problem faced by new international students is the slang used by many Australians, which may at times seem like a different language. Dont be afraid to ask an Australian what they mean when using slang, as they are likely to enjoy translating for you. Australians have a unique accent and share a tendency to speak quickly and run words together or shorten sounds. If you do not understand, ask them to repeat it. With time, you will find that you understand this new accent and will quickly be using the new lingo yourself!

themselves and others.

Invitations
If someone offers you a shout, this means they will pay for your meal or drink. If you offer someone a shout of drinks, this means you will pay. If you are asked to join or go with a group to a meal or to a function, you will be expected to pay for your own expenses. If you are invited to a home for a meal or function, it is polite to ask if there is something you can bring. This might include a beverage, food or flowers. Most students BYO (Bring Your Own), which means everyone brings either beverages or food to share. Barbecues are popular meals in Australia, especially in summer.

of alcohol. In Australian bars and hotels, you pay for each drink as you receive it, not when you are leaving. A hotel has two meanings in Australia; it is a place that provides accommodation as well as a bar or a pub that sells alcoholic beverages. It is acceptable for both men and women to drink in bars together. Australian students drink socially at bars, hotels, pubs, parties and restaurants. However, many Australians choose not to drink alcohol and you should also not feel obligated to drink alcohol.

price. However, you can try to bargain at garage sales or markets.

Dress
Australians tend to dress casually in almost all situations. Due to the weather, many students wear jeans, t-shirts, shorts and casual shoes. There will be some occasions, such as a job interview, where you will need to dress up. Before buying new clothes, check out what others are wearing. If you are unsure how to dress for an occasion, ask friends or colleagues for advice.

standards of living in the world. Sydney is home to people from over 180 countries, and at least one in five Australians are born overseas. Cultural diversity is part of our national identity and is one of Australias greatest strengths.

Australians at home
Australians greatly value their home life, and while they are usually pleased to have visitors, it is polite to telephone beforehand rather than arrive unannounced. Australians generally eat three meals a day: breakfast around 7-8 am, lunch around noon-1 pm and dinner or tea around 6-8 pm. Given the multicultural nature of Australia, you may be invited to a friends house to eat Thai food with chopsticks one night, and pizza or a barbecue the next.

General behaviour
In urban areas it is an offence to make loud noises after 11 pm. Try not to telephone Australians before 9 am or after 9 pm. If you have to cancel an appointment or will be late, it is courteous to call and explain to the person waiting. Smoking is not permitted on public transport, in government offices, restaurants or in shopping centres. Smoking is also not permitted in any University building.

Sport
Most Australians are passionate about sport, both playing and watching. Check the Macquarie University Sports Association website for information on sports on-campus. Cricket, netball and rugby league are very popular in Sydney. Make sure you check out a game. Water sports are popular in Australia because of the good weather and extensive coastline.

Time
Australians are generally very punctual when it comes to meeting each other socially and starting business and work functions. You should try to be as punctual as possible. Even though it might seem like everyone is very easy-going, Australians do not like to wait or have their time wasted.

Greetings
Greetings are usually very informal, with students using hello, hi, or gday. You will also hear the expression How you going? or Hows it?, which translates to How are you? In formal situations, such as business settings, shaking hands and a Good Morning or Good Afternoon are traditional greetings. Australians often refer to their friends, both male and female, as mates.

Names
First names are used in Australia but titles such as Mr, Mrs, Ms and Dr followed by the surname are used in business and formal situations. The use of nicknames or shortened names such as Johnno for Jonathan or Juz for Justine is also common.

Australian people
Australia is an Englishspeaking country and has one of the highest

Alcohol
In Australia, people under the age of 18 years are prohibited from purchasing and drinking alcohol. There are heavy fines and penalties for driving under the influence

Bargaining
Bargaining is not practised in Australian shops as products are marked with the sale

Humour
Australians are known for their unique and dry sense of humour. This often involves light-hearted teasing about

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Cost of living and standard of living

Cost of living Some typical costs in Sydney
Facility/Service A cup of coffee Lunch in a Cafe Lunch Fast food (McDonalds, etc) Yum Cha (Dim Sum) Takeaway food (Indian, Chinese, Thai, pizza etc.) Movies AUS $ $2.50 $3.50 $8 $10 $6 $10 $6 $10 $10 $20 $12 $15 $16 Many theatres have budget nights that are cheaper Notes/ recommendations :: Single student An international single student living in Sydney requires approximately AU$14,000 to AU$18,000 for living expenses each year (this figure does not include your tuition fee). Living in residential colleges increases the cost of living by around AU$3,000 per year. This would only cover the basics and would not allow for luxuries or much social activity. :: Students with family If you are bringing your family with you, budget for at least an extra AU$8,000 per year for your spouse and AU$5,500 per year for each child. This figure does not include school fees for children. If you intend to bring school-age dependents to Australia, it is compulsory for them to attend school. Please seek the advice of Macquarie City Campus who can assist you with this process.

:: Tips for saving money

Walk or ride a bicycle Catch the bus, train or share a taxi Move to cheaper accommodation or share with others Rent an unfurnished flat/ house and buy secondhand furniture Buy budget or no name brand groceries Buy clothes during the end of season or closing down sales Buy staple food (rice, oil, flour) in bulk and share with others Take a packed lunch to University.

Standard living expenses

:: Cost of living

All international students require a minimum of AU$14,000 to AU$18,000 for living expenses for each academic year.

Table: average costs for accommodation, food, utilities and entertainment

Facility/Service Airport Transfer AUS $ $80 $150 Notes/recommendations Based on transport costs from the airport if you have not organised to be met as part of the Airport Reception Service For three weeks Rent for your accommodation in advance. Rental bond if you are renting off-campus accommodation.

A night out (dinner, club, disco, etc.) A binder A pen Paper Textbooks Phone calls home Shampoo Tooth paste Laundry detergent Contact lens cleaner Soap Batteries

$60 + $2 $5 $2 $3.50 $3 $5 $300+ $5 $25 $5 $10 $3 $8 $6 $3 $8

Food, transport and associated expenses Rent advance or rental bond Bedding Warm clothing Accommodation Phone calls Food Bus and train fares Stationary/ Photocopying Total

$250 $500 $300 $700 $100 $250

Based on costs if you have not brought it with you, or it is not provided in your accommodation $50 $150 Especially in winter (June to August) if you are coming from a tropical climate $90 $200 per Cost depends on your style of accommodation week $10 $20 Mobile (cellular) phone calls will be more expensive $50 $100 $30 $45 $15 $235 $365+ based on eating at home

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Visa information
International student fees
As an international student at Macquarie City Campus, you are required to pay international student fees for your program of study. The amount to be paid is dependent upon your program of study and your enrolment load. The tuition fee is calculated and charged on a semester basis. Initially you must pay your commencement fee prior to coming to Macquarie City Campus. Your commencement fee is printed on your Letter of Offer, and is usually about AU$12,500. Fees vary depending on program of study. You should obtain the per credit point fee by using your Letter of Offer and dividing this by the number of total credit points in your program. This will give you an estimate of the cost of your program. For more information:
www.city.mq.edu.au/fees. html

Settling into Macquarie City Campus

permanent residency status, you will need to notify Macquarie City Campus before your enrolment date in order to transfer to local student status. If you gain permanent residency during the semester you should notify Macquarie City Campus as soon as possible. However, you will not be entitled to local student fees until the following semester. International students Like any student arriving at a new university, you will experience a period of adjustment. However, being an international student you will not only be adjusting to new teaching and learning styles, but also to a new country, culture, and maybe even a new language. If you are an experienced traveller you may find these changes relatively easy. However, if this is your first time in a new country you may initially experience mixed feelings excitement, fatigue, happiness, confusion, frustration, inspiration, sadness and often in succession in the first few weeks. The following lifestyle tips are designed to help you adjust: Talk with family or friends about how you are feeling, particularly those who have travelled abroad. The International Student Services (ISS) staff at Macquarie University, North Ryde, welcomes any discussions of this nature and is professionally trained to assist. Enjoy some of your favourite things from home photos, homewares, foods, magazines, music, etc. Read about Australian culture the newspaper will help you get a feel for what is going on. Attend Macquaries Orientation Week and meet many other students also new to the University and Australia. Participate in programs offered by ISS. Join a University Club or Society. Ask for more information if you need it Australians are friendly people and love to help each other. Please consider the student support services (SSS) that are offered to all Macquarie students www.sss.mq.edu.au. The SSS are located at Macquarie University. University students in Australia are expected to be independent, self-motivated, and able to organise their own study times. Be prepared for a maximum of 50 students in the lecture theatres, fewer hours in lectures, and more hours of independent, self-directed study. You will also be expected to participate in tutorials, which are smaller than lectures, and where you will need to join in discussions and give oral presentations. Another surprise to many international students is the large amount of reading and writing that is required. It is a good idea to brush up on these skills before university starts. There is also a lot of constructive debate, both written and spoken, as students are encouraged to discuss their opinions about theories and ideas. It is important to come to Macquarie City Campus with a questioning mind, and to realise that there is not always only one right answer. Students and lecturers almost always talk to each other using first names, rather than more formal forms of address. It is accepted practice to contact your lecturer by using their university email or visiting their university office during consultation times, but it is not appropriate to visit them or call them at home.

Student visa conditions

Overseas Student Health Cover It is a visa condition that all overseas students maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) while in Australia. If you have an accident or health problem you will be able to redeem some, or all of your medical costs. Macquarie City Campus will organise one policy for the duration of your studies at Macquarie City Campus and English studies (if you are studying English at ACL Sydney English Centre). This will be through OSHC Worldcare. Costs are outlined in your Letter of Offer. An OSHC Worldcare representative visits Macquarie City Campus twice a week and is able to assist students with information and renewals. For more information:
www.oshcworldcare.com.au

Preparing for study in Australia

obtaining Australian permanent residency may also need to re-apply for entry into certain programs.

Tuition fee and refund policy Macquarie City Campus applies the tuition fee refund policy to any refund requests. The policy complies with all of the requirements for tuition fee refunds stipulated in the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000, associated Commonwealth Regulations and the ESOS National Code of Practice. To view the current Tuition Fee Refund Policy, visit:
www.city.mq.edu.au/ refundsandwithdrawals.html

If you think your fees have been miscalculated, please contact the Finance Officer at accounts@city.mq.edu.au

Change of immigration status

Admission fees for international students are different from students who are permanent residents or citizens of Australia. Should you change your immigration status and gain Australian

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Enrolment and orientation

Orientation is an important day, so dont miss out.
In this session you will meet the Student Services team. The Student Services team will provide information relating to your student visa, tips to help you adjust to life in Australia and information relating to various services on-campus. Attendance is compulsory. You only need to attend the one orientation session that is listed on your Letter of Offer. New Student Orientation will cover the following: Welcome and introduction Enrolment and program planning Student ID photos Credit for previous study Fee payment options Student success strategies Student Services Library Services Macquarie City Campus Tour Questions and Answer session.

Working in Australia
Getting permission to work
If you were granted a student visa on or after 26 April 2008, you and your dependant family members where relevant will already have Permission to Work automatically included with your visa. The income earned from part-time work is not adequate to cover study and living costs. Further information about the conditions that apply to working while studying is available here: www.immi.gov.au/students/students/ working_while_studying/conditions.htm

Types of work for international students

International students often find work in retail, hospitality and administration. You could expect to earn AU$10-AU$15 an hour, depending on the kind of work you do and your age. You may be paid more for working on Sundays or public holidays. Tutoring younger students in the field you are studying or in your native language is also a good way to earn money. Student tutors can earn about AU$40 an hour. Remember that your first priority in Australia should be your studies. If you decide to take on the challenge of parttime work, start with a few hours a week until you are able to find a balance with your studies, and definitely do not work more than 20 hours per week as this is in breach of your student visa. For further information on working in Australia, visit the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website at www.immi.gov.au/

It is compulsory to attend orientation and that you come prepared with questions. A wide range of topics will be covered, and you will receive your timetable for the semester as well as have an opportunity to meet other students.

Online employment search

www.truelocal.com.au www.mycareer.com.au www.seek.com.au www.careerjet.com.au

DR CHARLES KOH
LECTURER

Come and meet some of your lecturers, familiarise yourself with your new campus and make new friends.
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More about working in Australia

Income tax
Do you have to lodge an income tax return? If you worked in Australia during the year, its likely that you will. If you are: a resident of Australia for tax purposes, and had amounts of tax withheld from income you received or earned, or had amounts withheld from interest because you did not quote your tax file number (TFN) or Australian business number (ABN) to the investment body, or your taxable income is more than AU$6,000, or a non-resident and you have taxable income in Australia exceeding AU$1, excluding any income that had nonresident tax withheld from it. You will need to submit an income tax return before the end of October, unless you get a registered tax agent to prepare and lodge a tax return on your behalf. If you are using a tax agent for the first time, or are going to use a different agent this year, you must contact them by 31 October. Your taxable income includes wages, interest, dividends and youth allowance, amongst other income. If you have earned wages, ask your employer for a payment summary. It will show the total income you earned, including any tax withheld. You may be entitled to claim a deduction for expenses you paid in respect of your work. Australian citizenship does not automatically mean you will be considered a resident for tax purposes. Usually, international students studying in Australia for more than six months are deemed a resident for tax purposes and are treated as being a resident from when they arrive in Australia to commence their study. If you are unsure about your residency status or want more information, visit the Tax Office website at www.ato.gov.au
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Bank services
There are many banking institutions represented in Australia. Normal trading hours are 9.30 am to 4.00 pm Monday to Thursday and 9.30 am to 5.00 pm on Friday. Some banks are open on Saturday mornings, but all are closed on Sundays and public holidays. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are readily available for withdrawals 24 hours a day. Most stores and supermarkets also have EFTPOS terminals where you can pay for goods directly from your bank account and make cash withdrawals.

More Information www.stgeorge.com.au www.anz.com www.commbank.com.au/ www.westpac.com.au www.amp.com.

More about working in Australia

Opening a bank account
It is recommended that you open a bank account as soon as possible after arriving in Sydney. Always make sure you understand the conditions of any account. Remember to ask about any special Student Accounts the bank may be offering. Banks in Australia provide savings and cheque accounts, plus a range of other financial services, including personal loans, bank drafts and transfer of funds. To open an account, present your passport and one other form of identification, such as your student identification card or International Drivers License. Most students open an account that has access to an ATM via a handy card. Cash is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The ANZ Bank, Commonwealth Bank, St George Bank and Westpac Bank can be found near Macquarie City Campus. Most bank branches are open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. When you open a bank account, you may be required to provide a TFN. (For more information on obtaining a Tax File Number please see the sections on Tax returns and Tax File Numbers.)

Tax returns
As an international student you may be affected by Australias taxation system. You should obtain a Tax File Number (TFN) from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) if you are going to work in Australia. You may also need a TFN to open a bank account. (For more information please see the section on Tax File Numbers below.) To apply, complete a form available from the ATO website or an Australia Post office. If your visa allows you to work you can use the ATOs online registration system. You will need to supply your name, current address and date of birth. You may also need to supply your date of arrival in Australia, current overseas passport (with current entry permit), and proof of enrolment, such as a student card or the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) issued by your institution. If you work in Australia you will need to lodge an income tax return, either through a registered tax agent or by completing it yourself. If you complete your own income tax return, e-tax is the fastest way to obtain a refund. In most cases this will be within 14 days. You can download e-tax from the ATO website. For more information about tax file numbers and tax returns, phone the ATO on 13 28 61, or visit www.ato.gov.au

Superannuation
If you work in Australia as an international student, and are paid AU$450 or more in a calendar month, you may be entitled to superannuation. Your employer is usually required by law to pay money into a superannuation or retirement savings account for you. This legal requirement is called the Superannuation Guarantee. If you are eligible, you may be entitled to receive this money when you permanently leave Australia. This payment is called the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP). To find out more about superannuation or to apply online for your DASP, please visit www. ato.gov.au

Tax File Number (TFN)

An individual tax file number (TFN) is issued to each taxpayer in Australia. You need a student work visa before you apply for your TFN, if you intend to work in Australia. Your bank, building society or credit union in Australia will ask for your TFN when you apply to open an account. If you do not inform the financial institution of your TFN, they are required to deduct 50 per cent of your interest and forward it to the Australian Taxation Office. You can register your TFN with the bank when you receive it. For more information about a TFN and to apply, visit the Australian Tax Office website: www.ato.gov.au/

Transferring funds
Money can be transferred to Australia via bank drafts or cheques and telegraphic transfer. Bank drafts from overseas will take a few days to arrive and can take up to 10 working days to clear through an Australian bank. Telegraphic transfers usually take a shorter time, but cost more. Cheques take about five working days to clear.

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Student Services contact

Students at Macquarie City Campus receive holistic support and assistance from our experienced, professional Student Services team. They assist you in meeting your academic goals by providing advising, advocacy and referral services in: academic planning and support disability services personal matters cultural adjustment institutional policies and procedures student visa issues accommodation employment Macquarie City Campus Level 2, 11 York Street Sydney NSW 2000 Tel: + 61 2 9964 6533 Email: info@city.mq.edu.au Students are encouraged to make an appointment with the Student Services team regarding academic and personal matters. Appointments can be made at Macquarie City Campus reception. Consultations are confidential, but are subject to legal limitations. Please note that advice is not available through email.

Keeping in touch!
Want to keep in touch with the latests news from Macquarie?
Join our facebook group to meet current and new students http://www.facebook.com/macquariecitycampus

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/mqcsydney

Youtube Macquarie City Campus and hear what our students say http://www.youtube.com/macquariecity

View events that are happening around the campus www.city.mq.edu.au/event-campus2010.html

KAROL CLANCY
STUDENT SERVICES MANAGER

Welcome and congratulations on receiving your offer. If you have any problems or issues, my role is to provide advice and support with your problems from the day you start studying. I hope to welcome you at Orientation day. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Have some fun and be involved with the Student Representative Group (SRG City) http://www.city.mq.edu.au/student-rep-group.html

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For student enquiries contact Tel: +61 2 9964 6553 Free call: 1800 998 703 (within Australia) Email: student.enquiry@city.mq.edu.au Mailing address Macquarie City Campus Locked Bag 3004, Australia Square NSW 1215 Australia Location Macquarie City Campus Level 2, 11 York Street Sydney NSW 2000 Australia (Above Wynyard Station) Tel: +61 2 9964 6533 Fax: +61 2 9964 6588 Email: info@city.mq.edu.au

ABN: 32 117 351 014 CRICOS Provider Code: Macquarie University. 00002J, Sydney Institute of Business and Technology 01576G

www.city.mq.edu.au

Selected photographs in this publication are Copyright Paul Foley/Lightmoods; Bernie Phelan Photography; Macquarie University; and Unilodge 2009. Macquarie City Campus will not be liable to you or to any other person for any loss or damage (including direct, consequential or economic loss or damage) however caused and whether by negligence or otherwise that may result directly or indirectly from the use of this publication. The information in the guide was correct at the time of printing, September 2008. Macquarie City Campus reserves the right to change course offerings, progression rules, entry requirements, fees arrangements and all other aspects at any time without notice.