Study Abroad Guide for Brisbane, Australia

As an International Student studying in Brisbane, Australia I have felt the overwhelming feeling of moving and living in a new country and city to study. It can be a scary feeling to move so far from home and overseas to a country you are not very familiar with. There are a few basics for any person moving to the city of Brisbane, Australia which should help lessen some of these feelings.

Phone Cards - Things have changed since years ago, and it is now much easier to stay in contact with your family and friends back home. It may seem far, but you can call home at a reasonable price. International Phone Cards are a common purchase in Australia. You can find these cards in any convenience store within the city. The cards are prepaid so you can buy different amounts such as $10, $20, and so on. You should look at the card rate because different cards have different rates depending on the country you are calling. However, as an example a $10 card should buy you about 8-10 hours of talking time, which is amazing considering the distance.

Mobile Phones - Many people in Brisbane purchase mobile phones for convenience. There are reasonable prices and you can go for a prepay or monthly plan. The main mobile companies are Telstra, Vodapone, and Optus, all three companies can be found along the Queen Street Pedestrian Mall, which will allow you to shop around for the different prices and plans.

Internet - If you don't have Internet access where you are staying or you are brand new in the city there is no reason to worry. There are plenty of internet cafes spread across the city, which are relatively reasonable in price, usually ranging from $3 -$6. You will be able to email home, and some cafes even have webcams so you can see your loved ones at home. A few examples within the city are Global Gossip at 290 Edward Street and Internet City at Level 4, 132 Albert Street.

Tourist Information - To help acquaint yourself with the city it is always helpful to pay a visit to the local information center. You can find the Brisbane Visitor Information Centre on the corner of Albert & Queens Street. This is a great stop for all Brisbane related questions or for some maps of the city.

Banks & Money - There are plenty of ATM machines and foreign-exchange branches scattered throughout the city. Most of these banks accept international cards. It is also helpful to open your own Australian Bank account once you have had time to settle into the city. Travelex is a popular one located on Edward Street in the Queen Street Mall.

Accommodation - It may take you some time to find your perfect apartment or place of residence. This means that while you are apartment hunting you will need a place to stay. A visit to the Brisbane Visitors Accommodation Service on the 3rd floor of the Roma Street Transit Centre will help you find a place in the meantime. They are equipped to provide you with different options for different budgets as there are plenty of hostels, hotels, and serviced apartments.

Public Transport - Brisbane has a strong Public Transport system relying on Bus, Train, and Ferry. The different routes can be found at the Brisbane Visitor Information Centre or online at www.transinfo.qld.gov.au. All routes and fares operate on a zone system so if you use the transit system regularly it is helpful to purchase a monthly pass.

Shopping - Queen Street Mall is the most popular and populated area in the city for your shopping needs. They have a pedestrian mall as well as other shopping centres off the pedestrian walkway. There is something for everyone here.

Air - Domestic Airfare in Australia is relatively reasonable. Their main airlines are Qantas, Virgin Blue, and Jetstar. All airlines have a website and can easily be booked online. Australia is a large country, so take the opportunity to explore some of the other areas while you can.

References:

Lonely Planet, East Coast Australia