International students preparing to study in Australia should be excited about the prospect of a once-in-a-lifetime academic and cultural experience. A critical part of your enjoyment is an underlying feeling of safety and security. In this comprehensive guide, we'll look at every aspect of international student safety in Australia, and offer practical tips and strategies to ensure your well-being amid what can initially feel like a daunting new adventure. From understanding local laws and emergency procedures to finding the right health insurance and staying vigilant in unfamiliar environments, this international student safety guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to explore the beautiful country you are studying in.
Prepare For Your Safety Abroad
As an international student coming to Australia, preparation is crucial for maintaining your health, safety and security abroad. Before you leave home, book in for a health check-up and research whether any vaccinations are required. Familiarise yourself with Australian laws and customs, and ensure you have necessary travel documents and insurance. Research local emergency services and support networks available that assist international student safety, such as student welfare offices and counselling services offered by universities.
General Student Safety Tips
There are a number of critical factors to consider when it comes to the safety of international students. Below, we will provide some tips and hints for international students before they embark on their journey to study in Australia.
Research Your New Surroundings
Arriving in Australia with a basic knowledge of your study destination is a smart way to hit the ground running. Take a look at a map and learn the geography of the city you are landing in; having some awareness of the key streets and landmarks will allow you to quickly familiarise yourself, and give you a sense of comfort and confidence in your new hometown. Venture onto the public transport systems and explore your surroundings. Becoming better acquainted with the area is a great way to remove that initial fear factor, while it can also open your eyes to potential risks. All of this helps ensure international student safety in Australia.
Be Alert and Aware
Remaining alert and aware of your surroundings at all times is a fundamental aspect of your safety as an international student. Trusting your instincts wherever you are - whether on campus, in student accommodation, or exploring the city - is essential for personal safety; if something or someone is making you uncomfortable in a particular situation, strongly consider safely leaving. Stay vigilant, pay attention to your immediate environment and those within it, and listen to your intuition - as well as locals you trust - when navigating unfamiliar environments.
Keep Valuables Close
As an international student, your travel documents and identity cards are the most important items in your possession. Keep them in a safe place, only remove them when absolutely necessary, and before you arrive in Australia, make copies of all the items highlighted in this student checklist. Keep the everyday personal valuables you travel with - your phone, wallet, handbag - on you at all times. Be discreet with these items to avoid making yourself an obvious target for theft. Following these practical international student safety tips will go a long way to ensuring the safety of your valuables.
Stay in Contact
Regular communication with family, friends and fellow students is another helpful way to maintain your safety. Establish a routine for phone or Facetime calls back home and let the person you’re in touch with know in advance if you’re not going to be available. If sharing student accommodation, inform roommates where you’re heading, and roughly when you expect to be back. Have them do the same for you; in doing so, you’re fostering a supportive living environment and having a good idea of each other’s whereabouts in case of emergencies.
Use the Buddy System
Embracing the buddy system - whereby you and a selected friend essentially team up and willingly become responsible for one another’s safety - can significantly enhance international student safety in Australia. Travelling in pairs or groups not only deters unwanted attention but also provides mutual support and assistance in unfamiliar situations. Sticking together is a simple means of providing safety in numbers, and will allow you to navigate your surroundings with more confidence while minimising the likelihood of encountering potential hazards.
Student Safety Plan
So what is a safety plan for students? A student safety plan encompasses strategies and resources to ensure your well-being and should cover everything from how you would expect to respond to dangerous situations, to familiarising yourself with emergency procedures in Australia. The plan should also involve staying vigilant and informed about both your surroundings and the latest happenings in your area. Finally, ensure your personal student safety plan includes travel and health insurance in order to mitigate potential risks and provide access to medical care if needed. We will discuss those two types of insurance in more detail below.
Overseas Health Cover
International students are required to have adequate health insurance for their entire stay in Australia, in order to satisfy conditions of student visas. Health cover is also an integral part of international student safety; should something unplanned occur, you will be extremely thankful you are comprehensively covered. Choosing a health insurance policy through OSHC is a simple process, and benefits generally include doctors and hospital treatment, as well as ambulance and on-the-spot treatment cover.
Student Travel Insurance
Australia is a wonderful country to explore, and there are countless adventures to be had. Before you head off during your midterms, though, or take that quick road trip on a public holiday, investing in student travel insurance is a must. This insurance provides coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen circumstances, offering peace of mind and financial protection.
Managing Emergencies
Invariably, accidents and incidents do happen. Fortunately, when it comes to ensuring international student safety, Australia is a country well equipped with a range of services to effectively manage such emergencies. From university student support centres and counseling services to 24-hour emergency services such as police, ambulance, and fire departments (call 000), you will receive the most prompt response possible to any situation. Familiarise yourself with these resources so you feel confident managing any such unexpected events.
International Student Safety in Australia
Australia is a beautifully and generally safe country in which to study, but it pays to be well prepared, alert, in contact with others, and equipped with both a student safety plan and adequate coverage (request a quote and find the best student cover right here). Arm yourself with all of these things and you will have the security and confidence to make your study time ‘Down Under’ an immensely enjoyable experience.
