Adapting to Aussie Life: A Comprehensive Guide for International Students
by Raquel Valle, KBA Global Education & Migration
You’ve ticked off your university enrollment and secured your Subclass 500 visa. Now, it’s time to arrange your accommodations.
Homestays in Australia are fantastic because they provide more than just a place to stay – they offer an opportunity to truly experience Aussie life. Be sure to arrange your homestay with a professional hosted accommodation provider like the Australian Homestay Network.
If you’re a bit nervous about what to expect in a homestay, don’t worry! In this detailed post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about living with an Australian homestay family, ensuring you feel comfortable and ready.
In this blog post…
What are Australian families like?
Inside an Aussie Home
Your Personal Space
Communicating with your Host
Common House Rules
Helping With Chores
Mealtimes
Bringing Guests Over
Participating in Family Activities and Outings
Home Security and Safety
Weather and Clothing
Transportation
Finding a Homestay Family
1) What are Australian families like?
Many different kinds of people are homestay hosts. A homestay family could be made up of:
- Mother, father and children
- A young couple
- A single man or woman
- Grandparents
- Retired individuals
- A single mother or father and their children
People from all over the world can be homestay hosts. They come from a variety of backgrounds and have their own hobbies and interests. Some have pets, some do not. Some live in houses with a backyard, while others live in a townhouse or apartment.
AHN has a unique placement process to find you a host family that matches your preferences in a manner that encourages and supports diversity. They do not discriminate based on religious affiliation, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.
2) Inside an Aussie Home
There are many types of homes in Australia, including freestanding houses, townhouses, and apartments. As you settle in, you’ll find a mix of familiar and interesting spaces:
- A cosy living room for family gatherings and relaxation, complete with comfortable seating and a telly (Australian for television).
- Kitchen with an open-plan layout that blends seamlessly with the dining and living areas and allows people inside to interact easily
- Bedrooms typically furnished with a bed, wardrobe and desk
- Bathrooms (typically shared) complete with standard amenities
- Patios and outdoor spaces for leisure and bonding (dining, playing, etc.)
You’ll also notice unique touches that add character, like indoor plants and local Australian art.
3) Your Personal Space
Expect to stay in a room with a bed, wardrobe and study desk all set up for you. Aussie hosts are dedicated to making you feel at home. They’ll likely allow you to rearrange some of your stuff to make your room cosier and more suitable for study work.
Ready to find your Aussie family?
4) Communicating with your Host
Australians like open and honest conversations. They’re also generally curious about other cultures, so don’t hesitate to share your customs and express yourself.
Keep your tone friendly and casual, and get used to phrases like ‘G’day’ for hello and ‘How’s it going?’. Don’t forget to say ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you’ when making any requests.
Like anyone, they’d welcome praise and feedback about your stay. If you genuinely love their place, let them know you intend to stay longer, for instance, when planning to apply for a student visa in Australia in the future to pursue further education.
5) Common House Rules
Just like anywhere else, there are rules in place to make sure everyone gets along.
Shared Spaces
In Aussie homes, shared spaces like the kitchen and living room are places where everyone comes together. They’re usually kept tidy and organised, with everyone pitching in to clean up after themselves. Ask your host family about any specific rules they have for these areas.
Internet
Your homestay will have internet you’re allowed to use, but whether it’s unlimited or has limited data varies. If it’s limited, there might be rules like no gaming or streaming, or restrictions on usage time.
Knowing this beforehand helps you make better arrangements, like getting your own prepaid mobile internet access.
Telephone
While some homestays may provide a landline, you’re expected to use your personal mobile phone for connecting with family and friends.
Understand that using the landline for international calls can be expensive. If it’s really necessary, you can instead ask your family to call you through your host’s landline. Always ask your host’s permission first when doing so.
Smoking and Alcohol Consumption
Many homestays will have strict rules about them.
In some places, you might not be allowed to smoke indoors, or you’ll need to smoke outside and clean up after yourself.
It’s best to clarify this with your host and follow their preferences.
Note that according to Australian law, individuals under 18 years of age are not allowed to buy or consume cigarettes or alcohol.
Curfew
If you’re an international student under 18, you usually need to come home by 10pm.
Regardless of age, you must let your host know if you’re going out and if you’ll be back late, and make sure you return at a reasonable time without causing any issues.
If you plan on working part-time, make sure to communicate this with your host family so as not to disrupt any household routine.
Quiet Hours
To maintain a peaceful atmosphere, many homestays have designated quiet hours or times when noise should be kept to a minimum, typically late evenings or early mornings. This is especially common for households with infants and young children.
AHN has thousands of host families across Australia!
6) Helping With Chores
Pitching in with chores is part of being a responsible member of your Aussie homestay. This typically includes:
- Cleaning and tidying your bedroom
- Keeping your personal belongings in your room and not scattered around in shared spaces
- Cleaning the shower and bathroom after use
- Keeping the bathroom clean and dry
- Setting and clearing the table
- Washing and wiping dishes, and storing leftovers properly
- Washing clothes (usually just your own clothes, although some hosts may offer to do it for you)
7) Mealtimes
Mealtimes in your Aussie homestay are a blend of diverse flavours and can vary based on preferences, culture, and customs. Breakfast could range from classic cereals to hot options, while lunches and dinners often include a variety of meats, vegetables, and carbs.
Typically, Aussies enjoy their meals in the kitchen or dining area, but occasionally, they bring the dining experience outdoors for bonding, such as at barbecues and picnics.
Depending on which package you choose, your host may provide you with meals, or you can arrange your own. If you have preferences or dietary needs, discuss them with your host, especially for snacks. Also, inform them in advance if you’ll be late for a meal or won’t be eating at home that day.
Aussies appreciate good table manners. Use the appropriate utensils, avoid burping or slurping, and refrain from talking with your mouth full.
8) Bringing Guests Over
You may like to have your parents visit you after sorting out their invitation letter and tourist visa. Your Australian hosts will usually be happy to welcome them – just give them a heads up!
Having them stay overnight, though, is usually not allowed as homestays are strictly for students.
As for friends, some hosts may allow them with advance notice, but they often prefer you meet them elsewhere.
Always raise the matter with your host. Inform them about who’s visiting, when, and for how long.
9) Participating in Family Activities and Outings
Your host family might invite you to various outings, from local events to exploring breathtaking places. It’s a great opportunity to get to know them better and immerse yourself in Australia’s wonders.
However, keep in mind that your host may not cover the expenses. So, it’s a good idea to check with them to ensure you can plan well and have enough cash at hand.
10) Home Security and Safety
Your host will provide you with keys to the house. Take care of them responsibly to avoid breaking or losing them.
In case of emergencies, such as crimes or danger, dial Triple Zero (000) for police, fire, or ambulance assistance.
Also, it’s essential to respect your Aussie hosts’ privacy. Do not take or share any photos of your Aussie family members or any part of their house without consent, especially online. Keep in mind that this is against Australian privacy law.
If any accidents, breakages, or property damage occur, be sure to inform your host family immediately so you can address and resolve the situation smoothly.
11) Weather and Clothing
In Australia, you can expect hot summers, often with temperatures soaring, especially in the northern regions. Winters can bring cooler temperatures, particularly in the southern areas.
So, pack a mix of clothing. Lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton are perfect for the heat, while layers and a good jacket are handy for cooler times.
Don’t forget essentials like sunglasses and sunscreen to stay protected against the intense Australian sun. Also, be prepared with a waterproof jacket or an umbrella as some regions can experience sudden rainfall.
Here’s a handy list of what to pack if you’re an international student studying in Australia.
12) Transportation
Australia has a well-established public transportation system, including buses, trains, and trams in major cities. If you’re in the suburbs, you can take a public bus to the centre.
Keep in mind, though, that there might be fewer services on weekends and public holidays. You can confirm with your Australian host about this, including any travel discounts you can take like the Go Card in Brisbane or Opal Card in Sydney.
You may also consider getting around by cycling. Australian cities are pretty bike-friendly, with proper bike lanes and paths. You may buy your own bike or rent one – just make sure to wear a helmet.
Walking is also safe in Australia. There are plenty of pedestrian-friendly areas, making it easy to get around on foot.
AHN homestays guarantee that you will be a maximum of 60 minutes away from your education provider.
13) Finding a Homestay Family
For a positive student accommodation experience, count on the Australian Homestay Network to find you a caring home away from home. They’re recognised by the Australian Government for having high homestay standards and were the first organisation in Australia to be endorsed by NEAS as a Quality Homestay Service Provider.
Book early and enjoy the hospitality of a friendly AHN host!
