There are plenty of incredible experiences for international students in Western Australia. You’ll be able to make new friends while engaging with a unique culture, all while being able to enjoy some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. Plus, at Curtin, you’ll be studying at a university that’s ranked in the top 1 per cent of universities worldwide, according to the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2023.
Here are our five top tips to make the most of all that Western Australia has to offer while you study.
1. Create a bucket list
Creating a bucket list of Western Australian experiences is a fantastic way to organise your goals.
For example, perhaps there are certain attractions you want to explore while in Western Australia. Maybe you’re eager to swim in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef or visit The Pinnacles, breathtaking natural limestone structures that were formed 20,000–30,000 years ago.
Or, you may be interested in attending events unique to Western Australia. One example is EverNow, a celebration of Aboriginal culture, grounded in the knowledge of the Noongar peoples, the traditional owners of the lands. The Western Australian capital, Perth (Boorloo), also plays host to several events throughout the year, such as Perth Festival. You can find a full list of events and unique experiences via the Tourism Western Australia website.
Whatever they may be, take the time to write down your goals; this will help you prioritise and decide how to allocate your time. Once you’re clear on what it is you most want to experience, you can make travel arrangements and organise logistics with the friends who might be accompanying you. This means you can start ticking off some of those items on your Australia bucket list.
2. Get out of your comfort zone
Getting out of your comfort zone is one of the most rewarding things you can do while studying in Western Australia. It’s one of the biggest steps in growing as a person, as it opens you up to making new friends and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
While you’re studying at Curtin, don’t forget to check out the university’s various clubs and societies. Joining in is a great way to meet people who have similar interests to you. By attending events like trivia and games nights, and saying “yes” to new opportunities, you can build your confidence and embrace the exciting social events on offer in Western Australia. Explore Curtin’s diverse clubs and societies here.
3. Explore your study destination
Western Australia is known and loved for its natural beauty, which makes it an attractive place to study.
In the city of Perth, you’ll find plenty of interesting things to see and do. Public parks, museums and galleries, bars and breweries, libraries and stadiums – the city has it all. Northbridge in particular is an entertainment hub, with a thriving food and drink scene, quirky shops and fun activities, from walking tours to escape rooms.
Eager to venture out of the city? Take a well-deserved break from your studies by swimming in the crystal clear waters around destinations like Margaret River, Albany and Exmouth. If you’d like to meet some local wildlife, you can catch a ferry from Fremantle to Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) and meet a quokka. Or if you’d like to burn off some extra energy, you can take a hike at Karijini National Park. There are countless possibilities to explore within Western Australia.
For more inspiration, check out Visit Perth’s regularly updated roundup of tourist attractions.
4. Embrace the culture
One of the best things about studying in Western Australia is having the chance to embrace the state’s unique culture.
Thanks in large part to its friendly and welcoming locals, Western Australia is a hot spot for tourists from around the world, particularly Asia. Its position on the west coast of Australia makes the capital, Perth, a hub for those visiting from nations like Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.
It’s not just the city’s visitors that are culturally diverse – its locals are, too! According to the 2021 Census, more than 40 per cent of Greater Perth’s population was born overseas, making the city a melting pot of cultures from around the globe.
Cultural diversity is also at the heart of Curtin. Our student community is highly diverse, with roughly one-quarter of students coming from overseas. This means that, as an international student, you’ll have plenty of peers around you who understand your circumstances.
Not only will these experiences enrich your study abroad but they will also help you better understand Australian history and the country as a whole.
5. Seek support when you need it
Sometimes, making the most of your international study experience requires a little extra help. Perhaps you need a bit of help improving your academic status, adjusting to life in Western Australia or making career-related decisions.
In these circumstances, remember to use the support resources around you. By seeking out these services and getting professional guidance, you’ll not only gain a sense of direction but invaluable peace of mind moving forward. You can then spend more time and energy enjoying your university experience to the fullest.
At Curtin, there are support services to address every aspect of the international student experience. Our study support resources can aid you in improving your skills, achieving better academic results and leveraging Curtin’s study facilities. Our personal support resources can assist with queries on a range of topics, from mental health to career advice to disability support.
With the help of these five tips, you’re sure to optimise your international study experience and create memories that will last a lifetime.
