Adapting to Life in Australia

Studying abroad is a blend of social, cultural and academic challenges that international students have to face and overcome to get the best out of their experience in a new country. Many students find it fascinating to be introduced to an entirely new way of living, while some find it difficult to get the hang of it, especially when they are new and feeling homesick.

I was pretty excited when I arrived in Melbourne last winter, to start my new life in Australia as a graduate student. I remember coming out of the airport’s international lounge… only to find out that the driver who was meant to meet me was not there. I didn’t panic, though I felt irritated.

It was not something new for me to wait for someone, given in Pakistan – my home – it is a routine practice for people to not show up on time. I’d just expected something different (better) from Melbourne. But here is an interesting part: when my chauffer did arrive, after a delay of about 30 minutes, he could not help but apologize again and again, and again, for the delay. Now that was something different.

After spending about eight months studying in Australia, I have come across numerous situations that have left me dumbstruck, because they are just so different from what happens in my own country. I hope I can now pass on some insights for others about what to expect from life in Australia.

Like many other cities, Melbourne is a place of four seasons. The only difference about the Melbourne weather is that you will see the four seasons just in one day. A bright and sunny morning will suddenly pave the way for dark clouds that turn into heavy showers then vanish as quickly as they arrive, leaving a touch of coldness in the atmosphere. This is highly unlikely in my home country of Pakistan, given the rain would not fall even if the met department had predicted heavy showers. Take my advice: always keep an umbrella with you when you are in Melbourne.