Adjusting to New Culture

Studying in Australia is a great opportunity to get an excellent education, learn new language skills and make lifelong friends. Whether those differences are small, or you feel like you’ve landed on a different planet, adjusting to a new culture takes time. 
Here are some tips to help you embrace your adopted culture so you can make the most of your university years. 

Do Your Research 

Find out as much as you can about Australia to avoid arriving with no prior knowledge of the local culture. Learning about the Aussie way of life will give you a good idea of what to expect on arrival, so you can get settled in sooner. 
Being aware of social norms will give you the confidence to get outside your comfort zone. While it’s impossible to really get to know a foreign culture until you’re fully immersed in it, doing your research will ensure you’re prepared for the adjustment process. 

Ask Questions 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the culture you’ve arrived in. Every country has unique elements that will seem strange to newcomers, so it’s understandable that you may find some parts of Australia’s culture confusing. Asking questions is the best way to educate yourself. 
You’re sure to be surrounded by a mix of international and domestic students at your university who’ll be able to answer any questions you may have. Reaching out will make you feel less isolated, as it can be comforting to discuss all the different aspects of studying overseas with those who’ve had similar experiences. 

Give Yourself Time 

Diving into a new culture can be exciting and exhausting at the same time. Moving abroad means you won’t be able to operate on autopilot like you normally would in your home country. Language barriers and culture shock can make even simple things like ordering coffee confusing, meaning you may have to put in more effort than you normally would for such a mundane task. 
Things will get easier as time passes, so don’t be disheartened if you feel stressed or anxious at first. Within a few months, you’ll start to feel like a local. 

Find Reminders of Home 

Just because you’re studying abroad doesn’t mean you have to forget your own culture. Most Australian cities are home to multicultural communities, making it easy for international students to find reminders of home. 
From eating out at restaurants that serve your favourite traditional dishes, to attending cultural festivals, there are plenty of ways to celebrate where you come from. Even watching your favourite TV show from back home can be a great source of comfort if you’re feeling overwhelmed with culture shock. 

Being surrounded by other internationals students will help you feel more at home while studying abroad. UniLodge can help you find the perfect home away from home in a vibrant student community.

Browse our student accommodation today.