She hails from East Africa, and he grew up in China. Nimisha is completing a Master of Physiotherapy and Yimian is in his first year studying a Bachelor of Information Technology. However, they have more in common than you think. Both international students came to Australia in search of higher education and found themselves a home in Canberra, the nation’s capital.
Insider Guides spoke to Nimisha and Yimian about their decision to come to Canberra, their differing experiences moving from interstate, and their advice for future students.
Making the decision to move
Yimian first came to Sydney to complete his Year 11 and 12 studies. From there, it was time to choose a university that would help him achieve his career goals and find success in his chosen industry, and that’s a big decision to make!
He consulted his high school advisor about the Australian lifestyle, more specifically, what it would be like living in Canberra. Once Yimian chose the University of Canberra (UC) for his tertiary education, he independently researched tuition fees, accommodation options, plus any available scholarships.
Before deciding to make the move from Melbourne to Canberra to pursue her postgraduate studies, Nimisha read through several resources provided by UC to understand what life could be like as an international student in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Fortunately, as she was already located in the country, it was easy for Nimisha to visit Canberra as a tourist and explore the city.
“The challenging part is making the decision to move,” she says. “Once you’ve committed, the process is easy!”
How do you move interstate as an international student?
As an international student living in Australia, know that you have the option to move cities, and change courses or institutions. However, it’s a significant decision to make, and there may be certain requirements you need to meet before you’re able to do so. But, if you don’t think your current course is the right fit, your passions or interests have changed, or you feel your student experience will be better in a different location, support is available.
Having already completed a bachelor’s degree in Melbourne, Nimisha knew she needed to be organised when she decided to move to Canberra. She reached out to UC’s international student support team, who perfectly understood her situation and unique needs as an international student.
“My advice to peers going through the same process would be to double-check all formalities and paperwork thoroughly. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help,” says Nimisha.
For Yimian, the move from high school to university in another city was straightforward.
“The process of moving within Australia was quite simple. I first accepted UC’s unconditional offer, then I applied for on-campus accommodation. Finally, I packed everything into my luggage and moved to Canberra from Sydney by coach,” Yimian shares.
Nimisha and Yimian’s top tips
Nimisha urges students to be sure of their decision when it comes to moving to a new city or country to study. While it’s a significant change, once you’ve made the leap, you’ll find the process of settling in easy.
“It might feel challenging at first, but that’s just a temporary phase when you move to a new place,” she says.
For both Nimisha and Yimian, finding accommodation was a top priority when they knew Canberra was the right move for them.
Yimian suggests international students planning to move to Canberra to apply for on-campus accommodation as early as possible.
“On-campus living arrangements are affordable and, most importantly, they are close to classrooms, meaning you save a lot of time travelling,” he says.
Make sure to ask your institution if there is any support with accommodation offered, as this can be a helpful way of finding a place to live. For example, UC offers an accommodation guarantee: confirmation that all first-year domestic and new or continuing international students are guaranteed places in student housing.
Nimisha’s process was a little more hands-on, and she sought assistance from her professors who were able to lend a hand in her search.
“To ease the process, I recommend peers establish a rental history first by staying in shared rental accommodations, living on campus, or staying with someone as a paying guest. My journey began at UC Lodge, and from there, I successfully secured a rental property of our own,” advises Nimisha.
So, what’s life like now?
After leaving Melbourne, Nimisha has now found a second home in Canberra.
“Canberra will give you a strong sense of home. With people from various backgrounds, settling in is easy. The mix of cultures and traditions, and especially the family of international students you build here, becomes your support throughout your study period,” Nimisha shares.
