You’ve made your decision to move to Australia for university – hooray! Now for the next step – moving to Australia and getting started at university. For all the excitement, many students find this step intimidating. That is why it is important that the university you choose makes it easy. Deakin offers a wide range of opportunities and services to help you in this new chapter of your life.
Arriving in Australia
Your classes will not start until Week 1, but you should plan to arrive in Australia well before that. Getting here early gives you a chance to settle into your accommodation, get to know your local area, and make sure you have everything you need to start your studies. If you choose to live on campus at one of Deakin’s residences (known as Res by those who live there), you will be greeted with a range of welcome activities.
‘Living on Res is one of the decisions I feel happy and proud making,’ says Geelong Waurn Ponds campus student Sayine. ‘There are loads of activities such as food trucks, movie nights, coffee runs and more. I thought that I would feel out of place in a foreign land, but my housemates are really kind and [I] made a lot of friends just days into living at Res.’
International Student Welcome
International Student Welcome is an event two weeks before classes start designed to – you guessed it – welcome new international students. The event includes a welcome information session, a campus tour, lunch and opportunities to connect with services like Student Central.
Attending International Student Welcome in your first year at Deakin should be a top priority!
Discover all there is on offer during OWeek
Orientation Week (OWeek) is an exciting time for new Deakin students! Bachelor of Civil Engineering student Sarbjeet recommends all students coming to Australia attend as many OWeek activities as possible. ‘Try to go to different clubs and societies, engage with others … it really helped me with my transition into this university overseas.’
During OWeek, the Deakin University Students Association (DUSA) offers social events such as trivia, parties, ‘come and try’ sport sessions and club showcases. You will also have opportunities to meet academic staff during information sessions for your degree.
Some of Deakin’s campuses are quite large. Taking a tour is a wonderful opportunity to discover the campus and how to get around. Information sessions about study skills, peer mentoring, and understanding the library will set you up for academic success. Since there are so many activities on offer, you can even create a personalised Orientation Itinerary with everything that interests you.
Find a club or society perfect for you
If you are worried about making friends, Deakin has hundreds of student clubs and societies to join! Clubs are a great way to meet students with similar interests, hobbies, cultural or religious background. Clubs run activities throughout the year, and you can even choose to get involved with club leadership.
Bachelor of Arts student Adzra got involved with the Perhimpunan Pelajar Indonesia Australia (PPIA), aka the Indonesian Students’ Association of Australia, before she started at Deakin and ended up as the Deakin branch President! ‘It provides a sense of home for Indonesian students. It helps us feel connected,’ she explains.
Get the support you need
Did you know Deakin has been voted the #1 university in the Australian state of Victoria for student support? We offer support services including help with improving your English, academic and study skills, mental health and wellbeing counselling, technology help and more. We encourage all Deakin students to know that help is available, and to take advantage of it!
For psychology student Jolene, moving to Australia ‘was initially a pretty daunting experience. But, she says, ‘Deakin was really helpful in my adjustment to university study through academic and social support services.’
Quick links
What you need to know before you arrive in Australia
Learn more about living in Australia
More about Deakin’s student support services
Learn more about Orientation Week