Although living and studying overseas can be quite exciting, it means adjusting to a new way of life in an unfamiliar place, away from your family and friends.

Coming to Monash may be your first overseas trip. Or maybe you’ve already spent a bit of time in another country. In either case, the better prepared you are, the smoother your transition to living and studying in Australia will be. And preparing mentally is just as important as preparing for practical matters.

What to expect

When you arrive here, you may experience certain things for the first time. No visits with family and old friends for long periods. Use of Australian English in social and academic settings. Unfamiliar styles of teaching and learning. Living alone or sharing accommodation with people you’ve only just met. Social behaviours and values unlike your own.

You may find some of these changes quite challenging. You may even lose a bit of self-confidence, withdraw from the new environment and feel lonely. If that happens, remember that such feelings are quite normal and usually disappear after the initial adjustment period.

Get assistance early

If you’re having trouble adjusting to life here or you’ve been struggling emotionally, don’t panic – you’re not alone. You’re welcome to access our student support services to discuss any issues you may have and get free advice. Staff can help you with family, housing, financial, religious/spiritual, physical and psychological matters. If you need assistance, we strongly recommend you access these services early – no problem is too big or too small.

Eat well to feel good

Many students arrive with little or no experience shopping or cooking for themselves. We strongly recommend that you learn to cook a few healthy meals before you arrive. Shopping for fresh groceries and cooking at home is cheaper and healthier than eating takeaway meals every day. And the better you eat, the better you’ll feel.