Welcome to UTS
Whether you’re in Australia or abroad this session, you’ve just become part of the vibrant UTS community and gained access to so much more than what you learn in the classroom.
UTS International is here for you throughout your time at UTS. Before you start your studies, check out these videos we’ve put together to make your transition to UTS smooth and enjoyable. We discuss important issues of enrolment, university rules that affect you as an international student studying on a student visa, as well as practical information about services that you can access while at UTS.
Your guide to UTS—hear from international students
[Anisha] Hi I'm Anisha I'm from India.
[Luna] Hi I'm Luna and I'm from Nepal.
[Arla] My name is Arla and I'm from the Philippines.
[Suyash] Hi my name is Suyash, I'm from India.
[Arla] Today we are answering questions from future students about what it's like to study here at UTS.
[Anisha] When the plane touched down in Sydney, what was going through your mind?
[Arla] I was excited and nervous at the same time because, like I said, it's my first time to be away from my family, to be completely on my own. But it was also like, going to be an exciting adventure for me to learn.
[Luna] I was kind of scared because it was a new country for me, so I had like a thoughts going on, like how will I speak to people and how will I actually interact with the people, and I don't have like a good language, like English language. How will I actually manage to be, like you know, be in the community over here and study? So I had that all the fears going on.
[Arla] Did you find it easy to settle in to Sydney?
[Suyash] When I came to Australia, I went to one of my relations place to stay. I came to orientation week and there were different seminars going on. So it was really easy for me to settle down at UTS and in Sydney. I actually am a very extroverted person, so I met a lot of friends and I travelled across Sydney with my friends and this way it was really easy for me to settle.
[Anisha] It was hard for me initially because the curriculum back in our home countries and over here is different, so um, you get to a whole different approach of how to do things. But then, there's a lot of help available. Um, there's so many journals and articles you can read about, um you know, doing it and there's also UTS Helps, which initially helps you with like they help you with assignments. So yeah, I mean there has been help to get through the hurdles.
[Suyash] How does UTS help newly arrived international students? What do you think?
[Luna] If you're travelling alone in the in Sydney from your home country you can actually tell UTS beforehand to pick you up, if you get, like so they can help you out to find accommodation and how to use the transportation.
[Arla] I do remember a big like welcome for international students, wherein they would just basically, like you know, tell you about what it's like in Sydney and um, give you the chance to meet, uh, to meet with like the other, um, international students. And like some of my friends now, um, I actually met them on that day and we've been, like, really good friends ever since then.
[Luna] Why did you choose to study at UTS?
[Suyash] State of the art facility, the state of the art library, this support which is available at UTS is top notch. I chose UTS because of its various clubs, societies, its support, it's UTS Careers helps you to get along with your professional life. As well as, there's like UTS Indian Society and ActivateUTS, which helps you during your personal life, it helps you a lot.
[Arla] Aside from like the actual like commute going to school, it's also like the things that are, like, available near the school. So, like there's a mall right in front of us, um and if you want to go to the beach, you just have to walk to Central Station, take another train and then you're there. So like.
[Anisha] Really accessible.
[Arla] Everything is here. Oh! And like of course, the food options here are also really great. Like you know, for example, spice alley, it's just right in front of us as well. So yeah, you will never get bored here, really.
[Arla] What's your number one advice for new international students?
[Anisha] Oh.
[Arla] Have an open mind. There are some things that are, like different here from, from like you know, back in your home. So you just have to be like open to like learning and um adapting to things really.
[Luna] Just explore the university, explore Sydney or wherever you go just explore them. Because you will like learn lots of different things when you explore, as well as you'll be making new like different friends, you'll have friends from different backgrounds. Also you when you actually come here in Sydney, I actually suggest international students to network. And in Sydney, as well as at UTS you have lots of networking events where you can network with different people. That's how I got to network with lots of new friends, not only at UTS but across the Sydney. That actually helped me a lot.
[Arla] Thank you so much. We really hope that this was helpful for you and don't forget to be brave.
[Luna] Just follow your dreams and believe in yourself and just hope for, always hope for a better future ahead.
[Anisha] And if you have any more questions, go online and reach out to the community. We're all here to help you and we hope to see you soon here at UTS.
[Suyash] See ya.
[Luna] See ya.
What it's like to study at UTS
Meet our current students: Anisha, Luna, Arla, and Suyash! The four are here to answer your questions and share their experiences as international students living in Sydney.
[Dheeraj] Just explore new places because Sydney has a lot to offer. If you have, like friends that like to explore, there's so many good places, so many new beaches and they're like beautiful places to visit.
[Pramesh] Don't be scared of talking to strangers because they're really helpful here.
[Ruchika] Live with people from different countries. Like I live in housing, great experience of meeting people from different countries, getting to know about their lives, ideas.
[Zoran] Have a nice jacket during the winters and stay cool during the summers. Definitely bring shorts because it can get very very hot.
[Giorgia] I would say in particular nowadays summer, it's important to always wear sunscreen and make sure that you don't swim too far away from the shore unless like you're a great swimmer because there are a lot of rip currents.
[Pramesh] The sun in australia is pretty high in UV I think. Always carry a sunblock, small, big, keep it on your pocket, keep it in a bag. It's really useful.
Tips for new students
When you first walk in as an international student, you might find that Australia has so much to offer and so many possibilities of what you can do! Here are some tips from our students to get you settled in!
[Jenny] Don't feel like you're alone, because...If you go to Building 2, go upstairs and you can find a lot of students stressing out themselves as well. So you're not alone!
[Atif] If you're feeling stressed out and you need help, it's just right there in the word - especially if it's academic, go to UTS HELPS. They're already there to help you, especially with your assignments, your references. Go to UTS Library, there are heaps of services available there.
[Pramesh] It's pretty hard to balance work and uni. So what I would suggest is...always...make sure you give priority to your studies, because that's what you came for.
[Ruchika] Go to counselling if you're too stressed. Counselling services are free.
[Giorgia] It's better to do a little by little every day, than...leave it all at the end and then be even more stressed than you were at the start.
Stress management at uni
Moving into a different country and starting to live on your own can be stressful. Hear from our students how they address stresses in their uni life and how support services are available on campus to support you!
[Zoran] Raise your hand, talk a lot explain yourself, ask questions if you're not sure...
[Giorgia] New students should try and learn from Australian students. I think they're really used to just raise their hands and talk freely. This is something that maybe international students are not used to.
[Atif] It's not that formal here, as I was used to back in India -you were supposed to address people as 'Professor', 'Mister'...It's not that formal, you address everyone with their first names.There's that casual connection right there.
[Ruchika] Email your professors if you have any doubts.
[Jenny} Joining clubs and societies, it's one way to get familiar with the culture.
[Anisha] To read what there is before the class so that it at least gives me an overview of what's happening. So when the professor's
even talking about it, I have a slight idea. So that builds my confidence to even answer or ask questions that I might have.
[Giorgia] People are very friendly here and...there is no need to stress if you're going to make a mistake, or if you don't really know the answer that well.
How to feel more confident in class
When you've first arrived as an international student, you might feel a little overwhelmed in class and unsure if you're doing the right thing. Here are some tips from our students on how you can feel more comfortable and confident in class.
Hi my name is Apple Davalos. I'm from the Philippines, I'm studying a Master of Digital Information Management and I'm on my second year. Welcome to UTS.
When you first arrive at UTS it can be hard to adapt to a new culture and learning style. Being prepared is key. UTS Online is the best place to start. It is where lecturers share important information including introductory week activities, subject readings and helpful resources. It is where also, subject outlines can be found, which show subject specifics, assessment requirements and deadlines. Classes consist not just of lectures but of tutorials, workshops and seminars as well. They all require you to participate in group work and class discussion. What you need to do is to participate actively to get the most out of your class time and interaction with teachers, practice English skills and build confidence. But it's not just about learning facts, it is about equipping you with problem-solving skills so that you can be prepared to enter workforce. In Australia, tutors and lecturers welcome debate, discussion and active engagement from students. They're all approachable and willing to help you out in any subject related problems that you may have, so don't be afraid to join in.
During your course, you'll probably spend plenty of time at the UTS library. Did you know that UTS library runs workshop to help you improve your study skills? You should definitely attend a library tour during your Orientation week to know more about the support on offer. If you need any help on English writing or speaking skills, or, a bit more advice on academic requirements, health and well-being services or more on UTS. You can check out my friend Vanessa's video on support services for more information.
Remember being prepared is key to success at university.
Ready for your first class?
The big day is here! You’re about to take your first class at UTS. If you’re feeling nervous, don’t fear. Apple shares her tips to help you feel prepared for your first day of class.
Hi my name is Sabrina, I started Juris Doctor in 2016 and I'm a international student from China.
As a International student, I understand finding a place to live is one of the most important steps to settling into a new city. But there are lots of options to suit your budget and needs. When I first arrived in Sydney I found that looking for a place to live is really hard for me because I got a limited a budget and I don't want to live in a place where it is overcrowded. It's really helpful to talk to our staff at UTS housing to get some advice.
But before you started to looking for a place just make sure you consider your budget, needs, transport links and proximity to campus. UTS housing has five students residences on or around campus. This is a good option if you want to be close to campus and live with other UTS students. It's about 25% cheaper than the private rental market and the rent includes beers, furniture and a range of in-house events to help you make new friends. This takes some stress out of settling into a new city. You may want to try living outside of Ultimo to know Sydney better. Private student accommodation options include Igloo, Uni lodge and Urbanist. Private student accommodation is a great way to meet people, share living expenses and get to know different parts of Sydney.
Alternatively, you can try shared accommodation with houses or apartments and are usually furnished. Websites for shared accommodation include StudyStays, Gumtree and Flatmates. My advice is, if you are looking for accommodation online always visit the place in person before you pay a deposit or sign a contract. Make sure you are fine with the length of the contract and also get a detailed receipt of end payment before you go ahead with the agreement.
Many private rental options are available close to Sydney. You can visit sites such as Domain or Real Estate to view the options available. It's important to keep in mind that the rental usually does not cover bills like gas and electricity. Often private rental options are unfurnished as well.
Remember when it comes to renting, International students have the same rights of Australians. It's important that you know what you are entitled to. Visit the Fair Trading website to find out about what rental rights you have in New South Wales. Don't forget, UTS Housing is here to help you with any questions you may have about finding a place to live in Sydney. Visit there is housing.uts.edu.au to get in touch with us.
Finding a place to live in Sydney
Finding a place to live is one of the first steps to feeling at home in Sydney. Sabrina shares her advice for new international students, so you can find a place to live and start enjoying your time here in Sydney.
Hi, my name is Zoran. I study at UTS and I'm from India.
Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but while it's so beautiful it can also be quite expensive. Whether or not you find a job in Sydney, managing your money is super important. All you gotta do is be a little bit more savvy. Here are my top tips to save money.
So, tip number one: open an Australian bank account with a local bank and you won't need to pay international fees or exchange rates. You can also use your bank account to set up direct debits into your account like your salary or from your account to another, like your rent.
Number two: plan ahead. Find out when your big expenses like your rent or your tuition fees need to be paid. Put reminders for these in your calendar. Also make sure you set up your direct debits for these payments that way you can avoid late fees or credit card charges.
Number 3: spend wisely. By taking advantage of discounts sales and student offers, you can save money. Each week, look out for discount in supermarkets. And purchase textbooks, furniture, and more items second-hand. Always compare brands for competitive prices. And remember: Learning to cook will save you heaps on food. Small savings add up - you can set these savings aside for unexpected expenses or for a holiday with friends.
Here are some UTS students with the hottest tricks for saving in Sydney:
One tip is that if you go to Coles after 9:00 p.m., you get everything on half-price so you get like a bread for one dollar. If you check out "What's On Sydney", you can actually see all the free events that are in the city for the day, for the month, or for the week.
Save some money for your exam food budget because you'll be eating out a lot and eating out is expensive. Try to find cheap eats around university. You have so many places where you get a meal for less than $5. Free breakfast every Tuesday and Wednesday, and free noodles every Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Look for happy hours, especially offers. On Sundays, public transport is cheaper in Sydney. You can probably learn how to skateboard. Just skateboard to places, that's what I did. Cook at home! It's cheaper and healthier.
Oh, and one more thing: if you need extra support, you can talk to the UTS financial assistance service. They're here to help with any financial aspects of student life.
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Managing your money
Managing your money well is very important, and it will make your life a lot less stressful. Zoran and other UTS students share their top tips for managing your money and saving it.
