Living out of home is an exciting experience, but if it is your first time here are a few helpful things you should know!
The costs supplied in this section are estimates only. All costs are quoted in Australian dollars and may be subject to inflation or currency fluctuations. The cost of living depends on individual lifestyles. SAIBT estimates that a single international student requires approximately A$23400 per year or A$450 per week for accommodation, textbooks and other study materials, as well as your personal expenses including transport, entertainment and recreation costs. This amount does not cover major expenses such as the purchase of a car, television, stereo or computer.
Please note that the first few weeks in Australia may be expensive, due to an outlay of ‘one-off’ expenses. These may include temporary accommodation, rental bonds, books, clothing, furnishings, etc. As such, we recommend you bring at least A$3,500 in travellers cheques and/or bank draft to cover initial expenses as well as at least A$800 cash.
It is advisable that you open a bank account immediately upon arrival, so you can transfer funds from overseas. A simple way to find a suitable bank or credit union is to search for ‘Banks’ or ‘Credit Unions & Societies’ in the Australian Yellow Pages directory: www.yellowpages.com.au.
The Study Adelaide website is a useful resource for students that details all you need to know before and after you arrive in Adelaide: www.studyadelaide.com.
Every time you use an ATM which charges you $2.50 a transaction, you are wasting money. $2.50 adds up a lot over time. Check out your banks partner ATM’s below:
Once you know roughly how much is going to be taken out, direct debit is an easier and cheaper way of paying, but make sure you always have enough money in your account before the bill is due. If you don’t have enough money in your account, you could be charged overdrawn fees or default on a payment.
Look into which transport options are the most convenient and cheapest. Also make sure you use concession ticketing. It is also a good idea to see if anyone wants to car pool and share the costs of fuel and parking.
Many retail stores, adventure parks, cinemas and restaurants have student discounts at the presentation of your ID card. This may be restricted to certain days, however, most have the offer all year round. Here are some of the stores which do:
Buying used is a great way to save money when you are a student! Two things that are usually good quality used items are textbooks and furniture!
Start getting creative in the kitchen and planning packed lunches. Just like ATM fees, $5 adds up really quickly when you can make a meal for 4 for $10 at home.
Having water during the day instead of sugary drinks will save you a lot of money. It will also provide you with a little extra cash for heading into Adelaide with your new uni friends.
You will find so called ‘Home Brand’ products in shops. Home Brand food is a lot cheaper than brands and most of the time they are made by the same company. The only reason they are cheaper is that their packaging is plainer.
Gym membership is one of these culprits. If you aren’t using it, then lose it. Be strong, if they offer you free personal training to stay, don’t take it! If you haven’t used the gym up until now, you won’t use it in the future.
There are so many free things to do in Adelaide. Here are some you should check out!
