From unexpected conversations in elevators to people walking around barefoot in shops, Ravish\u2019s intro to Aussie life was full of surprises. If you\u2019re a new international student wondering \u201cIs this normal?\u201d<\/em> This one\u2019s for you.<\/p>\n\n\n Ravish knows that Australians speak English. But he didn\u2019t realise how fast, casual and full of slang it could be.<\/p>\n \u201cI used to work in customer service, and I couldn\u2019t understand a single word sometimes. I\u2019d just laugh, smile, and say, \u2018Have a good day.\u2019\u201d He admits this strategy almost backfired when a customer told him a tragic story\u2026 and he accidentally laughed.<\/p>\n Lesson? Give yourself time. The Aussie accent grows on you. And yes, it\u2019s totally okay to ask someone to repeat themselves.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n One of Ravish\u2019s biggest surprises? Seeing people casually walking barefoot. In shops, on the street, basically anywhere.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere I\u2019m from, it\u2019s seen as unhygienic,\u201d he says. \u201cSo I was pretty shocked at first.\u201d<\/p>\n It turns out it\u2019s not unusual for Aussies to kick off their shoes, especially near the beach or in warm weather. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n Coming from a culture where people keep to themselves, Ravish was taken aback by how social Australians can be.<\/p>\n Whether it\u2019s a stranger saying \u201chi\u201d on the street, a quick chat on the bus, or someone making conversation in the lift, Ravish wasn\u2019t used to all the small talk. At first, it was overwhelming. But now?<\/p>\n \u201cI love it,\u201d he says. \u201cIt\u2019s way better than what I was like before. I used to be really shy and introverted, but coming here pushed me to open up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <\/ol>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n Feeling out of place at first is totally normal. For Ravish, the cultural shift pushed him out of his comfort zone, but it also helped him grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip:<\/strong> If you\u2019re a new international student, take it slow and soak it all in. Say hi back. Try the things that feel unfamiliar. You\u2019ll be surprised how quickly they become part of your everyday life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So if you\u2019ve just arrived in Australia and you\u2019re thinking, \u201cWhy is everyone barefoot and trying to talk to me?\u201d<\/em>, don\u2019t worry. Ravish was just as shellshocked. But like him, you\u2019ll soon find that these little cultural quirks are what make your uni life in Australia unforgettable.<\/p>\n\n\n If you thought that barefoot walking and strong accents are the only thing you have to get used to, just wait until you try the Aussie cuisine!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n Ravish and his fellow hosts play a challenge where they see which one of them got the impostor<\/em> Aussie dish.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n Have you ever thought to yourself… I\u2019m at Curtin, now what? <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n Well, IACNW is devoted to busting the secrets of student life at Curtin, Perth and beyond! Watch the new season starring Aakanksha, Musa, Kristel and Ravish on YouTube!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n
The accent? stronger than expected<\/h3>\n
Barefoot in the mall?<\/h3>\n
Everyone talks to you (like, everyone)<\/h3>\n
What to Expect (and Why It\u2019s Worth It)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ravish and the gang get shocked with Aussie Cuisine!<\/h2>\n \n \n
![\"Video](\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Untitled_1.11.1-aspect-ratio-2-1-1000x500.jpg\"\n)
\n<\/a>\n Watch more ‘I’m at Curtin, Now What’<\/h2>\n \n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DSC07696-740x370.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n