Adjusting to Life as an International Student

I first arrive in Melbourne, Australia as an international student in July 2005. My first day was spent sleeping on my bed at South East Flats, which has been home ever since. I woke up some time in the afternoon, hungry and alone. Without doing much, I found my way to the Campus Centre, where I ask for directions to the nearest town, to grab some food.

The next few days were spent doing Orientation Week at Berwick Campus. O-Week it seems is where I met and made a lot of new friends. It was also during these few days where I figured how to use the public transport system, bought my own groceries, found Halal food (yes, it’s easy to get Halal food here!!) and did some shopping for my new room.

One of the few things I had to adjust to was getting use to the constant weather change in Melbourne. Usually in Singapore, a top and jeans would be sufficient enough. Now, I have to wear 3 layers, a jacket and scarf and don’t forget to grab the keys before locking the door (a habit I only mastered after my first 3 months).

For the first time in 20 years, I am living by myself, far away from family and friends. Feeling homesick is something an international student will always have to go through especially when special events such as birthdays and festive celebrations come along (more specifically, Eid Mubarak!). I had to start learning how to manage my time properly and handle my finances appropriately. More importantly, I had to make major adjustment to the slower speed of living that the Australians are accustomed to.

Public transport and early closing times of shopping centers were a nuisance as there does not seem to be any night life in the suburbs. As an international student, I have to pay full fare prices to use the public transport, which till today I find it ridiculous (But of course, that is another whole issue by itself!).

It was also in the first six months where I had experience being discriminated by the locals. Unexpectedly, I only had my Australian friends (also locals) to fall back on and to give me the strength I needed to move on. This has taught me a very valuable lesson: It does not mean that a group of majority treats the minority the same way.

I have to admit that my first six months in Melbourne was not easy. I went through a lot of hardships and life lessons which I am, surprisingly, thankful for. Many people, my age, do not understand what it is like to move to another country by yourself and having to adjust. People change because of the lessons they learn while they are here, which eventually is for the best. Surviving through all these experiences is only made possible with the help and support from my family and friends back in Singapore.