Living in Australia

At The University of Notre Dame Australia, you can experience Australian life right on the beach in Perth, Western Australia or in the vibrant heart of the university precinct Sydney, New South Wales.

If you’re currently a student looking for support, we have information on our International students support page.

About the cities

  • Sydney

    As one of the most popular cities globally and home to the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, you will never run out of things to see and do.

    Sydney offers a rich and diverse range of activities and places to explore. There is always something happening from concerts at the Opera House, free arts festivals such as Vivid Light, Music & Ideas festival, world-class sporting events, art galleries, and museums.

    Feel like getting into nature, walking the Bondi to Bronte coastal track (taking a swim along the way), catching a ferry with the locals to Manly for a priceless view of Sydney Harbour, or saying hi to some of Australia’s unique native animals at Taronga Park Zoo.  Take a dip at the famous Bondi Beach, relax in Hyde Park or take a day trip by train to the Blue Mountains or the beautiful South Coast.

    One of the best things about living in a culturally rich and diverse city? The food. With endless choices, explore Chinatown, Little Italy and the many food markets around the city.

    Feel safe and welcome

    Ranked the fourth safest city in the world1. You can feel secure and safe about your choice to live here. Enjoy and access the highest standards of healthcare, transport and infrastructure.

    As a multicultural home away from home, no matter where you’re from, you are sure to make friends with people from new cultures and meet those from home.

    1The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Safe Cities Index 2021

    Find out more about what’s happening in Sydney:

  • Perth 

    Ranked as the world's sixth most liveable city1, Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is a prosperous and economically thriving city.

    With approximately 2.2 million people, the city is known for its gorgeous climate, stunning beaches, and beautiful nature. As the capital, it also offers year-round opportunities and activities.

    Visit world-class art galleries and museums such as the newly refurbished WA Museum Boola Bardip. Shop, and catch a music or arts festival - including the third largest Fringe festival in the world. Eat at one of the thousands of restaurants, take a walk in the biggest inner-city park in the world, Kings Park, or take a dip in the pristine waters of Cottesloe Beach. There is always something happening to see!

    Western Australia is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and remote beaches. Travel north of Perth to find the Ningaloo Reef and swim with the Whale Sharks. Travel south of Perth to explore the Margaret River wine region, isolated beaches and pristine national parks.

    Fremantle

    In Fremantle's historic and picturesque west end, Notre Dame’s beachside campus is located just a 30-minute train ride from Perth. The city reflects a truly multicultural character and charm with cafés on every corner, nestled between art galleries, restaurants, bespoke clothing stores, and other specialty shops. You can also jump on a ferry over to Rottnest Island, where you can grab a selfie with the world-famous smiling quokkas.

    Feel safe and welcome

    As one of the most liveable cities globally, you can feel secure and safe about your choice to live in Perth.  From the moment you arrive at the airport, where you are welcomed by smiling faces at the Study Perth Welcome desk, the warmth of friendliness that Australia is known for will capture you.

    1The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Global Liveability Survey 2021

    Find out more about what’s happening in Fremantle:

Climate

  • Sydney

    Summer

    December – February

    18 – 29 degrees

    (64.4 – 84.2F)

    Spring

    September – November

    11 – 24 degrees

    (51.8 – 75.2F)

    Autumn

    March – May

    11 – 24 degrees

    (51.8 – 75.2F)

    Winter

    June – August

    9 – 17 degrees

    (48.2 – 62.6F)

  • Perth

    Summer

    December – February

    17.5 – 30 degrees

    (63.5 – 86F)

    Spring

    September – November

    11.7 – 23 degrees

    (53 – 73.4F)

    Autumn

    March – May

    13.7 – 26 degrees

    (56.6 – 78.8F)

    Winter

    June – August

    8 – 19 degrees

    (46.4 – 66.2F)

Cost of living

The general cost of living guidelines are listed on our costs of living page.

As an international student, there may be some additional costs to be aware of. When calculating your total cost of study in Australia, you should factor in the following:

  • Tuition fees
  • Visa application fees
  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
  • Flights
  • Costs of living (such as those in the table on the costs of living page)

Additional costs associated with or applicable to your studies (such as textbooks, uniforms, immunisations, and stationery) may apply. Visit other costs related to your study area for further information.

Please note: This information is provided as a guide only. All figures are quoted in Australian Dollars (AUD $).

For full information, please consult the study in Australia website, which is the official Australian Government site, for advice on studying in Australia.

Campuses

  • Sydney

    Broadway

    The Broadway Campus has 13 buildings throughout Chippendale to accommodate our growing student population. The Broadway Campus is home to our School of Business & Law, School of Arts & Sciences, School of Philosophy & Theology, and School of Education.

    Darlinghurst

    Notre Dame’s Darlinghurst Campus is home to our students studying Medicine and Nursing degrees. Here, students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including simulated wards and consultation suites.

    Notre Dame also has seven clinical schools spread throughout New South Wales and Victoria, allowing students to develop their urban and rural healthcare skills.

  • Perth 

    Fremantle

    Comprising 53 heritage buildings located in the beautiful and historic west end, Fremantle is home to the School of Nursing, Midwifery, Health Sciences & Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, School of Arts & Sciences, School of Business & Law, School of Education, and School of Philosophy & Theology.

Campus facilities

  • Sydney Broadway Campus

    St Benedict’s

    St Benedict’s (known as ‘St Ben’s Hall’) is home to the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, as well The Chaplaincy Convener’s Office is located near the courtyard area.

    Situated on level 1 overlooking the courtyard, is the multi-use space that can be used for teaching and events or productions. Student Life is situated on the ground floor adjacent to the courtyard. St Ben’s also has a Theatre room, computer lab and communications lab to support teaching activities. St Ben’s also accommodates bicycle parking in the courtyard.

    Pioneer House

    The University of Notre Dame Australia Broadway Campus Reception and Prospective Student Office, is located on the ground floor of Pioneer House.

    Pioneer House consists of teaching and lecture spaces, computer labs, and the Early Childhood room. Pioneer House is home to the Faculty of Education, the Student Wellbeing Support Centre and Student Success team.

    St Benedict’s Library

    Refurbished in 2020, this space offers students a comprehensive library collection along with a range of multipurpose study options, inclusive of meeting rooms set up with AV capabilities for zoom or presentation purposes, quiet study, or collaborative study groups of six students per room. The larger, quiet study room can accommodate up to 25 students. Booth seating arrangements, combined with work-stations inclusive of monitor docking stations and power charge points, are located throughout the library, and comfortable ‘lounge style’ seating options, make for an environment conducive to study and research. The library also has shower facilities and bicycle parking for students wishing to go green when travelling to our campus.

    School of Law and Business

    The University of Notre Dame's School of Law and Business on the Sydney Campus consists of teaching spaces as well as the moot court, which allows students to hone their litigation skills in a simulated court room environment.

  • Sydney Darlinghurst Campus

    The University’s Darlinghurst Campus is home to our budding health professionals, training for careers in nursing, medicine, and other health-related roles. The campus, inclusive of simulation laboratory and wards, has been designed to support students in these health science professions.

    The campus boasts two 8-bed and one 5-bed, state of the art simulation labs/wards for nursing midwifery and medicine. All three simulation labs/wards are fitted with the latest audio-visual technology, including digital touch panel screens, tutorial recording and broadcast capabilities.

  • Perth (Fremantle) Campus

    The University’s Perth (Fremantle) Campus, comprising 53 buildings, is embedded into the historic port city of Fremantle. The campus is home to a wide range of disciplines, and includes, state-of-the-art facilities, which support health sciences, physiotherapy, medicine, and nursing students.

    The campus also boasts two 8-bed and one, 6-bed simulation labs/wards. Each of the labs/wards are fitted with the latest audio-visual technology, including digital touch panel screens, tutorial recording and broadcast, plus individual bed recording for skills assessments.

    The University has also established two gymnasiums and Health Sciences / Physiotherapy Gyms, which include facilities such as 3D high-definition, video capture technology.

  • Computer labs and libraries

    Technology plays a key role in the learning process at The University of Notre Dame Australia and the University has created a user-friendly and supportive technology environment for students.

    If you don't have a laptop or maybe you need certain software, check out the open-access workstations with desktop computers for independent study in any of the University’s libraries. Simply plug in your device to charge or access wireless to take your study to a comfortable chair, lounge, or bean bag.

    Assistive technology and print services are available throughout the library spaces. For further information, check out the links below:

    Please refer to Library opening hours for each individual library operating hours.

    Students have easy access to the media and communications computer lab, which houses specialty software for recording, animation, or design. Chat to the lab co-ordinator to organise a time to access these facilities.

    Check out our Standard Operating Environment (SOE) to see what applications are available to students on University computers in libraries and labs.

Accommodation

  • Sydney

    While Notre Dame doesn’t offer on-campus accommodation in Sydney, housing options for students surrounding the campus including rooms in residential colleges or guest houses, shared student apartments and private rentals.

    For details on Sydney accommodation, visit the Accommodation page.

  • Perth

    Students applying to the Fremantle campus will have the option to stay in on-campus accommodation. There are also housing options for students surrounding the campus including rooms in residential colleges or guest houses, shared student apartments and private rentals.

    For details on Perth accommodation, visit the Accommodation page.

Public transport

  • Sydney

    A quick guide to public transport in Sydney

    Our Broadway campus is a five-minute walk from Central Station, the city’s main terminus for underground and overground trains. Many intercity coaches also operate from here. Buses stop right outside the uni, with an efficient service linking the city to every outlying suburb.  Sydney also offers an impressive ferry service. From Circular Quay you can reach harbourside destinations such as Manly, Balmain, and Watson’s Bay. For more information, visit NSW Transport.

    Opal cards

    An Opal card allows you to travel on buses, trains, light rail, and ferries across Sydney. Paper tickets are no longer used on the public transport network. Opal cards are available at newsagents, convenience stores, supermarkets, and other outlets. You’ll also be able to purchase them at railway stations, bus terminals, and other transport hubs. The minimum cost for an adult card is $10 and the card can be topped up depending on your use. Visit the NSW Opal website.

  • Perth

    A quick guide to public transport in Perth

    Perth has a modern transport network of trains and buses called Transperth. There is a good train service from Perth to Fremantle – Notre Dame is only a five-minute walk from Fremantle station. Buses also terminate at Fremantle train station. For more information visit Transperth.

    Most students travel using a SmartRider card. To obtain a SmartRider:

    1. Fill out a form from Student Administration (ND7) and have it validated.
    2. Take the validated SmartRider form to any Transperth Info Centre or SmartRider Retail Sales Outlet.
    3. Purchase a SmartRider card.

    The SmartRider card is valid for use on trains, buses, and ferries. The journey cost is dependent on which zone (area) you live in and how far you are travelling. Student discounts are given at the time of sign up. Fremantle and Perth city both have a free Central Area Transit (CAT) bus service. This bus service operates within these two areas at no cost, running approximately every 15 minutes.

Safety

  • Emergency numbers

    Emergency and life-threatening situations: 000
    Triple zero (000) should only be used in an emergency or life-threatening situation. It is used when you need urgent police, fire or ambulance assistance.
    If a person is unable to speak English, they should call triple zero (000) from a fixed line and say ‘police’, ‘fire’ or ‘ambulance’. Once connected to the nominated emergency service, stay on the line and a translator will be organised.

    Non-emergency police assistance: 131 444
    This is the number to call for police assistance or attendance and when it is not an emergency. Calls to 131 444 from most regional areas are automatically directed to the nearest police station.

    Free advice line: 1800 022 222
    For free health advice 24 hours a day call healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222.

  • Safety tips

    Australia is generally a safe country with low crime rates. It’s always important to ensure you feel safe though, particularly when walking alone or at night.

    • Use footpaths and well-lit, populated areas.
    • Carry your key in your hand for quick access to your car.
    • Walk in pairs or in a group where possible.
    • Campus security guards will escort students between buildings within campus grounds on request but are not available off campus.
    • If you’re playing music or podcasts through headphones, keep the volume to a mid-level so you’re still aware of your immediate surroundings.
    • Don’t resist if someone snatches your bag. Your life is more important than your belongings.
    • Don’t stop to give directions or information to strangers when asked, especially at night.
    • Walk confidently at a steady pace so you don’t appear vulnerable.
    • If you’re driving to campus after dark, park your car as close as possible in a well-lit area.
    • Make sure to always pay attention when walking.

    Please contact University Security to report the following issues:

    • Safety concerns
    • Maintenance and repairs
    • Emergency cleaning requirements
    Tip: Save Campus Security’s number on your phone

    Broadway: 0403 458 011

    Darlinghurst: 0406 318 213

    Fremantle: 0438 923 955 or the 24-hour security patrol call (08) 9433 0123

    Broome: 0475 985 197

  • Beach and water safety

    Australia has lots of beautiful beaches. At the beach, always swim in between the red and yellow flags, not outside them. The flags mark the safest place to swim and the area where lifesavers and lifeguards patrol.

    Read more about how to stay safe at the beach or watch some of the water safety videos in different languages.

  • Sun safety

    Australia enjoys many sunny days, but the ultraviolet (UV) rays can be intense and may be harmful to health over time.

    To avoid sunburn and skin damage, take the following steps:

    • Before leaving the house, get into the habit of applying SPF 50+ sunscreen and always carry sunglasses with you.
    • On especially hot days, we recommend wearing a hat and carrying plenty of water with you.

Culture

  • Etiquette

    Smoking is not permitted by law in all buildings, including licensed premises, or on public transport. This includes the use of e-cigarettes and vapes.

    Chewing gum or eating food noisily or with your mouth open is considered bad manners in Australia.

    Sniffing and spitting are also habits not appreciated by Australian people.

    Australians form queues (lines) when waiting for service in banks, supermarkets, cinemas etc. Queue jumping is considered very rude.

    On public transport, it’s conventional for younger people to give up their seats in favour of older adults, pregnant women, and those with disabilities and special needs.

    Australians value their environment and try to keep it as clean as possible. It’s a legal offence to throw rubbish on the ground and not in a rubbish bin, including cigarette butts. If you do it, you may get a fine.

  • Australian English and the Australian accent

    International students often find Australian English and the Aussie accent challenging. Watch as these international students share their thoughts on Australian English.
    Observations about Australian English
    International student in Australia: How is learning Australian English different

  • Australian slang

    Australian slang is a way of using certain words and phrases that are common in Australian culture. Watch the videos for an insight into some common Aussie slang. Yeah nah!
    Learn English: Aussie Slang
    Australian Slang

  • Working in Australia

    Finding a part-time or casual job

    Like many international students, you may get a part-time or casual job to earn an income while you study in Australia. Before you start looking:

    • Consider how much time you have: getting a job is a great way to earn money but don't let it take time away from your studies.
    • Check your visa rules: student visa holders can work up to 48 hours each fortnight while their course is in session (excluding any work undertaken as a registered component of their course of study or training) and unlimited hours during university holidays. Check the conditions of your visa (what you can and can't do) at Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO).

    To help give you an understanding of Australian workplace culture and its values, you can find information on Australian values and workplace culture explained and Australian workplace culture.

If you’re a current student looking for support, we have information on our International student support page.