Independent Living
Beginning university life for undergraduate international students can be overwhelming when it comes to developing independent living skills.
In your home country, you may have a lot of friends and family to provide you with unlimited support or whatever you need while you are studying. At school, your teachers and parents may follow up with you to ensure your complete assignments and may ask you about the progress of your schoolwork. At university, you are responsible for your own academic progress and general wellbeing. It is a great opportunity for you to develop independent living skills while you are living in Melbourne. Below are some tips about how you can develop such skills but keep in mind that we are here to help.
Tips for Developing Independent Living Skills
- Manage your time effectively. Plan ahead what you have to do and what you want to do in a week or a month.
- Balance your study and social life. Studying and living overseas generally happens only once in a life time. Learn how to achieve your academic goals and enjoy your experience in Melbourne at the same time.
- Do not be afraid to ask questions.
- Discuss your concerns within your peer support network.
- Keep records of your expenses to manage your budget.
- Think about your future. Work out what you want to achieve (both professionally and personally), and how you are going to achieve this.
- Consider developing additional skills that you do not have or want to further develop (i.e. joining a cooking class, a time management workshop etc).
- Be familiar with as many support services and facilities as possible.
- Come and talk to us, your International Student Advisers. You do not need to come with a problem. We are happy to simply listen to your experience or share our experience with you.
Please feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss this issue further. Our friendly International Student Advisers are here to support. Please visit our Team & Contact Us page for details.
top of pageUseful Links & Contacts
Counselling ServiceLevel 2, 138 - 146 Cardigan Street, Carlton
T: +61 3 8344 6927 or +61 3 8344 6928
W: www.services.unimelb.edu.au/counsel/
Careers and Employment
Level 1, Baldwin Spencer Building (Corner of Union Road and Tin Alley)
T: +61 3 8344 6686
F: +61 3 9348 1237
E: enquiries-careers@unimelb.edu.au
W: www.services.unimelb.edu.au/careers/
Student Housing Services
Ground Floor, Baldwin Spencer Building (Corner of Union Road and Tin
Alley)
T: +61 3 8344 6550
E: housing-info@unimelb.edu.au
W: www.services.unimelb.edu.au/housing/
Faculties also have useful resources and Teaching and Learning Units for international students. Please visit your faculty website (use the faculties quick link on the top right) or contact your faculty for further information.