This section will provide you with a brief overview of some essentials such as student visas, average student living costs and an accommodation guide. For detailed information about Australia and study related topics please visit the useful links section on this site for some reliable in depth links to these topics.
Australian Pacific College is located in the beautiful city of Sydney and looks over the blue waters of Sydney Harbour. Sydney is recognised as a safe, clean city with fresh air and numerous trees, parks and green spaces.
Sydney also has stunning beauty including wonderful supervised surfing beaches where you can walk and swim in safety. If sport appeals to you, there is a great variety from which to choose. Australians love sport and either participate in their favourite sport or watch it regularly.
Within walking distance from APC are many cultural and historical places which form the very heart of the city: the Rocks area, rich in history from the colonial past; the Opera House; Darling Harbour, the State Library; Chinatown; and some of the world’s finest Shopping Centres – Sydney has it all and it is all within a five minute train ride or walking distance from the College.
Australians also enjoy eating out in many of the fine restaurants available in Sydney. Restaurants cater for every taste and budget. The cosmopolitan nature of Sydney has enabled the development of a wide variety of ethnic restaurants providing the opportunity to experience cuisine from around the world.
Brisbane, the capital of Queensland – known as the “Sunshine State” –is a dynamic, cosmopolitan, safe and friendly city, once voted Australia’s most livable city. It is surrounded by some of the most popular sightseeing places in Australia: the Gold & Sunshine Coasts, beautiful sand islands, zoos and theme parks. The city is also renowned as the education centre of Queensland as it is home to nine universities.
Living costs are comparatively low and public transport is affordable and accessible. The amazing weather, excellent quality of life on offer and the friendly people make Brisbane the perfect Australian city in which to live and study.
Australians are friendly people and quite informal. Don’t forget different countries have different customs. We say 'please' and 'thank you' a lot, and always say 'excuse me' when we talk to a stranger or to someone who is busy. It is okay to shake hands when you meet someone - or just smile and say 'How are you?' Australians use first names a lot, but with older people wait until they ask you. Call them 'Mr Smith' or 'Mrs Smith' or by their first name if they ask you.
Sydney's Climate is temperate with 342 days a year of sunshine on average. The wettest months are March to May; the coldest month is July and the hottest months are January and February.
Australia is a dry country and has water restrictions in place to limit the amount of water that is wasted.
Please remember to turn off taps, limit the length of time you leave water running when you clean your teeth, take a shower or wash your hands. If you own a car use a bucket to clean your car instead of a hose.
Sydney Water imposes heavy fines for water wastage.
Layered outfits are the most practical clothing for Australian conditions.
A waterproof jacket is useful, but even in mid-winter, an overcoat is not often necessary in Sydney.
Australian dress is generally casual by international standards.
Australia is considered to be one of the safest countries in the world. However, like in all countries/major cities, undue risks should not be taken in Sydney. For example, avoid poorly-lit areas at night time, do not provoke undue attention to yourself with loud behaviour, dress etc. and take care of your valuables and belongings at all times. If you are not familiar with Sydney or if you must travel at night, travel with a friend. Also do not accept a ride in a car from someone you do not know, even if they seem friendly or helpful.
