It is important to always feel like you can ask for help if you need it. It is also important to know where you can get help.

There are a number of resources and services available to international students to ensure that they are getting the most out of their student experience.  

Asking for help may save you a lot of unnecessary worry and stress.    

Student services provided by your Institution

The first point of contact if you need help with anything should be your institution.

The international office staff or staff who you were in contact with during your application and enrolment process will do their best to help you in anyway they can and if they can´t help, they will refer you to someone that can help you.  

Most universities and large institutions have dedicated Student Service departments (usually within their International Office) and Student Counsellors who can assist students with a range of enquiries which may include:

- Orientation and Enrolment

- Overseas Health Insurance (OSHC)

- Student Visa information and renewals

- Work visa and visa extensions

- Careers advice and development

- Withdrawal from Study

- Study Skills

- Student fee information including Refund, Fee Deferral and Fee Adjustments

- Scholarships

- Monitoring of student performance

- Social activities such as day-trips, social networks, student clubs

- Graduation Referrals to other services on and off campus  

Health and Counselling Services

All institutions will be able to provide information regarding the nearest Health and Counselling Centre. Sometimes these services are available on your campus or nearby.  

If you need medical assistance, you will need to see a doctor. Sometimes you may need to make an appointment to see a doctor or in some Medical Centres you can wait to see a doctor.  

You also have the option of seeing a Counsellor or Psychologist if you need assistance with any difficulties you may be having in regards to your study or personal life. You will find these services are easily accessible, confidential and discreet.   

Study Skills

Students in Australia, especially university students, are expected to be independent, self-motivated, and able to organise their own study times. This way of learning may be quite different to what you have been used to and you may not receive as much attention and direction from your teachers or Professors. It is therefore, important to ask for study skills help from time to time.  

Most institutions offer various services to international students to assist them with their studies.  This may include a staff member who offers you one-to-one assistance, short courses or dedicated departments to assist you during your studies.

The international office on your campus or the office where you enrol will be able to tell you where you can find help in regards to these services.

If you are struggling with your studies or just need a few tips on how to better manage your study timetable, it is best to ask for help. 

Student Clubs and Societies

There is nothing better to meet a new friend who is having a similar experience to you. It can be helpful to talk to other students about what you are going through and most often you will find out they are having some of the same experiences and feelings as you are. This is very comforting!  

There are a number of clubs and societies which you can join through your institution or within the community which may assist you in many different ways.  

You are never alone in your experience and you can find help and comfort through others who are studying with you.

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