International Student Guide - James Cook University Brisbane

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International Student Guide - James Cook University Brisbane
International
2019
       Student Guide

                       1
International Student Guide - James Cook University Brisbane
Contents
Welcome to JCU Brisbane                                        3
Before You Arrive                                              4
About Brisbane                                                 5
     JCU Brisbane Campus - 9 Things to Do Before You Arrive    6
     Visas                                                    8
     Organising Your Travel                                   8
     Accommodation Considerations                             11
     Family                                                   11
     Money & Finances                                         12
     Culture Shock                                            14
     4 Things Successful Students Do Before They Arrive       15
Living in Brisbane                                            16
     Lifestyle                                                17
     Accommodation                                            18
     Services                                                 20
     Shopping                                                 23
     Money & Finances                                         24
     Health                                                   25
     Medical Services                                         26
     Working in Australia                                     29
     Safety                                                   30
     JCU Brisbane Emergency Evacuation Plan                   31
     Adjusting to Life in Australia                           37
     Aussie Values and Culture                                37
     Public Holidays & Special Celebrations                   39
     Recreation                                               39
Studying at JCU Brisbane                                      41
     The JCU Code of Conduct                                  42
     Top 10 Things to Do After You’ve Arrived in Brisbane     42
     Fees and Charges                                         45
     Managing Your Enrolment                                  47
     Applying to Graduate                                     48
     Complaints and Grievances                                48
     Keys to Success                                          49
     Exams & Grading                                          51
     Academic Progression Policy                              53
     Support Services                                         53
     Contact Information                                      54

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International Student Guide - James Cook University Brisbane
Welcome
“Welcome to James Cook University Brisbane, a diverse
 community dedicated to providing students with a high
 quality education in a friendly and supportive environment.
 At JCU Brisbane we pride ourselves on delivering real world
 learning opportunities to ensure your study provides you with
 a valuable qualification in today’s competitive business world.

Located in the heart of Brisbane’s central business district,
JCU Brisbane’s high rise campus provides students from all
over the world with the opportunity to attend classes and
explore everything our beautiful city has to offer. With
access to countless cafes, parks, Queen Street shopping mall,
and a view of the iconic Story Bridge within walking distance,
we’re confident there is something here for everyone.

Smaller class sizes mean you will have greater access to           this state such a wonderful place to live. Why not visit the
lecturers, highly educated professionals who are motivated         beautiful beaches of the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast or
to teach and guide you to succeed. We offer a broad range of       explore the rainforests and waterfalls of our surrounding
experiences and engagement with the university community           mountains? We know the big move to Brisbane may at
in order to provide you with a truly Australian experience.        times be overwhelming but we hope Brisbane can be your
We encourage you to take full advantage of the facilities and      home away from home.
services JCU Brisbane has to offer.
                                                                   I wish you every success during your time at JCU Brisbane.”
Comfortable winter temperatures and warm summers mean
we enjoy an outdoor lifestyle. With only a relatively short        Kevin Anderson
commute by car or train, you can experience what makes             Campus Director

                                                                   Academic Staff
                                                                   “On behalf of the Academic staff I would like to welcome
                                                                    you to James Cook University Brisbane.

                                                                   I have been working here since the campus opened in
                                                                   2006 and during my time here I have found that this
                                                                   campus offers a great culture for its students. We are
                                                                   a smaller campus and I’m confident this provides our
                                                                   students with all the best opportunities to excel and
                                                                   access staff support.

                                                                   As the Senior Associate Dean Academic, I look forward
                                                                   to meeting you all through the course of your studies
                                                                   and I wish you the very best as you embark on this new
                                                                   adventure in beautiful Brisbane.”

                                                                   Dr Ashley Orth
                                                                   Senior Associate Dean Academic
                                                                   ashley.orth@jcub.edu.au

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International Student Guide - James Cook University Brisbane
Before You Arrive...
Need to Know
•   Currency: Australian dollars ($)                           •   Driving: Drive on the left; the steering wheel is on
                                                                   the right
•   Language: English
                                                               •   Tipping: Not required; you can tip 10% in restaurants
•   ATMs: Nationwide
                                                                   if you’re happy with the service
•   Credit Cards: Visa and Master Card are widely accepted
•   Visas: All visitors to Australia need a visa, except New
    Zealanders. Check out Department of Home Affairs for
    more information

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International Student Guide - James Cook University Brisbane
About Brisbane
Brisbane is renowned for its multicultural society, warm sunny
climate, close proximity to beautiful beaches, low crime rate and
friendly people.

In addition, the relatively low cost of living compared to other
Australian capital cities including Melbourne and Sydney, makes
Brisbane a great choice.

James Cook University Brisbane Campus is housed in a modern
high-rise building in the Central Business District (CBD).

The campus is located within walking distance of the riverfront,
Queen Street shopping mall and the Queensland State Library.
With discounted public transport services available for full-time
students, it’s easy to explore and experience everything Brisbane
city has to offer.

                      Brisbane’s Top 10

                         1.   Take a stroll through Southbank
                              Parklands

                         2.   Enjoy spectacular views from the
                              Mt Coot-tha lookout

                         3.   Cruise the Brisbane River by CityCat

                         4.   Travel to beautiful Moreton Island and
                              snorkel around the wrecks

                         5.   Have a picnic at New Farm Park

                         6.   Check out the Australian wildlife at Lone
                              Pine Sanctuary

                         7.   See a live stage show at QPAC or visit the
                              exhibitions at the Gallery of Modern Art
                              (GoMA) or Queensland Art Gallery

                         8.   Take a tour of Brisbane’s City Hall which
                              is also home to the Museum
                              of Brisbane

                         9.   Head to Suncorp Stadium or the Gabba
                              to watch a live sporting match

                         10. Climb Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge

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International Student Guide - James Cook University Brisbane
Why Choose JCU Brisbane Campus

                                                                                                                        2%
                                                                                                             Ranked in the top 2% of
                  Located in                              Trimester System                                   universities worldwide
                Brisbane's CBD                                                                                 Academic Ranking of World Universities 2017

                                                                                                                           #
            Employment and careers                           Five stars for                                  Rated #1 in Australia for
             assistance from Joblinx                          job success                                     employer satisfaction
                                                             Good Universities Guide 2017                           QILT 2017 Employer Satisfaction
                                                                                                                        Survey National Report

Students who choose to study at JCU Brisbane will
graduate with a tertiary qualification from a respected
                                                                             Fun Facts
and highly acclaimed university. In addition to this,
students will develop connections with a world-renowned                              •      Australia’s national colours are green and gold
business, recognised for achievements in vocational and
                                                                                     •      Australia’s floral emblem is the wattle
tertiary education, training, employment, recruitment and
apprenticeships.                                                                     •      The animals on the Australian Coat of Arms are
                                                                                            the Red Kangaroo and the Emu. These animals

9 Things to Do Before You                                                                   were chosen to symbolise a nation moving
                                                                                            forward (as neither animal can walk backwards!)
Arrive at JCU Brisbane                                                               •      Australia is the driest inhabited continent on
                                                                                            earth, with the least amount of water in rivers,
                                                                                            the lowest run-off and the smallest area of
 1.   Apply for a student visa – go to page 8
                                                                                            permanent wetlands of all the continents
 2.   Make travel arrangements – go to page 8
                                                                                     •      Australia is home to more than one million
 3.   Get to know the suburbs of Brisbane – go to page 18                                   species of plants and animals, many of which
                                                                                            are found nowhere else in the world, and less
 4.   Explore accommodation options – go to page 18
                                                                                            than half have been described scientifically
 5.   Check if you have outstanding conditions on
      your offer and prepare to bring the documents with
      you

 6.   Browse through the Australian Customs and
      Quarantine Services website to see what you
      can and cannot bring into Australia – go to page 9

 7.   Obtain a letter or prescription from your medical
      practitioner if you have any special medical
      conditions or medications that you need to
      take through customs

 8.   Provide your family and friends with your contact
      details in Australia

 9.   Get your stuff ready!

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International Student Guide - James Cook University Brisbane
Things to Do in South East Queensland
1.   Explore the beautiful beaches of the nearby Gold and         6.   Get vertical and go rock climbing – Kangaroo Point Cliffs in
     Sunshine Coasts, accessible by train or bus                       Brisbane and the Glasshouse Mountains on the Sunshine
                                                                       Coast offer perfect outdoor adventures
2.   Spend a day exploring Mt Tamborine in the Gold Coast
     Hinterland, exploring the quaint shops, walking through      7.   Take a ferry to North Stradbroke Island or Moreton Island,
     lush rainforest and viewing the beautiful waterfalls              and experience the Great Outdoors for which Australia
                                                                       is famous
3.   Get lost in the World Heritage listed Gondwana
     Rainforests, only an hour or two’s drive from Brisbane,      8.   Visit Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world. See
     visit Springbrook, Natural Bridge, even spend the night           beautiful pure water lakes, sand dunes and native animals
     and see the glow worms light up the night                         such as dingoes and kangaroos in the wild

4.   Watch the sunrise whilst floating through the sky in a hot   9.   Take a Whale Watching tour, departing from the Sunshine
     air balloon                                                       or Gold Coast and see the whales on their annual
                                                                       migration. (May – October)
5.   Enjoy the 360 degree views from the observation deck
     of Skypoint on the Gold Coast, or if you’re feeling          10. Get up close with Australian wildlife at Australia Zoo at
     adventurous you can even climb to the top!                       Beerwah, Sunshine Coast

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International Student Guide - James Cook University Brisbane
Visas
                                            Visa conditions
Most international students will require    You must hold a valid passport              Please make plans to leave Australia
a student visa to study in Australia.       and student visa at all times while in      before the end date of your student visa.
Some other visa holders are also eligible   Australia. It is your responsibility to     If you have not finished your studies by
to study as international students in       ensure that your passport and student       the end date stated on your CoE you will
Australia. Many students apply for a visa   visa are current, and that you apply for    need to apply for a new CoE and a new
on-line or via the Australian Diplomatic    any renewal before your passport or visa    student visa.
Mission in their country.                   expires.
                                                                                        JCU Brisbane staff cannot provide
In order to apply for a student visa        If you are granted a visa, you must abide   visa advice. For information on
you will need a valid passport, an          by its conditions. Failure to comply with   Australian visa matters please visit the
electronic Confirmation of Enrolment        these conditions could result in the        Department of Home Affairs website
(eCoE), evidence of Overseas Student        cancellation of your visa. JCU Brisbane     www.homeaffairs.gov.au
Health Cover (OSHC) and any other           is obliged to report students who breach    or phone 131 881.
documentation required by the               their student visa conditions to the
Australian diplomatic post with             Department of Home Affairs.
which you lodge your application.                                                       Organising
You must ensure to allow enough
                                            These conditions include
                                            (but are not limited to):
                                                                                        Your Travel
time for processing between lodging         •    Complete the course within the
                                                                                        You will need to make your own travel
your application and Orientation Week            duration specified in the CoE
                                                                                        arrangements to Australia. Please try to
(‘O’ Week), as it may take some time to     •    Maintain satisfactory academic
                                                                                        arrive a few days before the start of the
process. Average visa processing times           progress
                                                                                        compulsory Orientation to allow you
can be found on the Department of           •    Maintain approved Overseas
                                                                                        time to settle in.
Home Affairs website.                            Student Health Cover (OSHC)
                                                 while in Australia
                                                                                        More information on the compulsory
                                            •    Remain with the principal education
                                                                                        workshops and Orientation program
How to apply for a Student Visa                  provider for 6 calendar months
                                                                                        can be found online.
You may be able to apply for a student           (or two trimesters at JCU Brisbane),
visa online through the Department of            unless granted release to transfer
                                                                                        Documents
Home Affairs website.                            provider
                                                                                        You should prepare a folder of official
                                            •    Notify your training provider of
                                                                                        documents to bring with you to
Important: If your online application is         your Australian address and any
                                                                                        Australia, including:
lodged when you are outside Australia,           subsequent changes of address
                                                                                        •   Valid passport
you must also be outside Australia               within 7 days
                                                                                        •   Copy of your visa grant letter
before the visa can be granted. Refunds     •    Work restrictions depending on
                                                                                        •   JCU Brisbane Letter of Offer
are not available if you enter Australia         the visa subclass you hold. Check
                                                                                        •   Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE)
on another type of visa before your              the Department of Home Affairs
                                                                                            issued by JCU Brisbane
online application has been decided.             website for more information
                                                                                        •   Receipts of payments (e.g. tuition
                                                                                            fees, OSHC, bank statements etc.)
You should complete your application        A full list of mandatory student visa
                                                                                        •   Insurance policies
with as much information as possible        conditions can be found online.
                                                                                        •   Original or certified copies of
at the time of lodgement. Applications
                                                                                            your academic transcripts and
with missing information may take           Be aware of your visa end date; this end
                                                                                            qualifications
longer to finalise.                         date will be indicated on your visa grant
                                                                                        •   Other personal identification
                                            documentation. Alternatively you can
                                                                                            documents (e.g. birth certificate, ID
Helpful links:                              view your visa date and conditions using
                                                                                            card, driver licence etc.)
• Student visa information                  Visas Entitlement Verification Online
                                                                                        •   Medical records and/or prescriptions
• List of Australian embassies and          (VEVO).
    representative offices

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International Student Guide - James Cook University Brisbane
If you have a permanent or temporary
disability and need special study
conditions or support services, ensure
                                                   Will My Mobile                         Australian mobile phone networks
                                                                                          operate on the GSM 900 / 1800
you have noted this on your Application            Phone Work                             frequency bands. You should check
                                                                                          your phones instruction booklet or
form. Once onshore, if you need
assistance in classes or exams, contact
                                                   in Australia?                          call the phone’s supplier to see if
                                                                                          your handset is compatible.
academicadmin@jcub.edu.au                                                                 If your phone is marketed as ‘GSM’,
                                                                                          ‘tri-band’ or ‘quad- band’ there is
                                                                                          a good chance that it will work. You
If you are travelling with your family,                                                   also need to ensure that your phone
you will need to include their documents                                                  is not carrier locked if you want to
                                                                                          use it with an Australian SIM card.
as well. Keep all documents in your
carry-on luggage. In case you lose the
originals, make copies that can be left
behind with family or scan and email           purchase most things upon arrival in       What if I run out of medication
copies to your email address.                  Australia but the price may be higher      while I am in Australia?
                                               than in your own country.                  If the medication you require is a
What to bring                                                                             prohibited import, you cannot import
Australian Customs Services and                Bringing medications                       additional quantities by mail. You should
Quarantine are very strict. Before you         into Australia                             consult a local doctor. If the medication
start packing, visit the Department of         Medicines brought into and taken out of    is not approved in Australia and there
Agriculture webpage for information            Australia may be subject to customs        is no suitable alternative, a local doctor
on what you cannot bring into Australia.       controls. You can bring some               may be authorised to import the
Also read about what can’t be mailed           medications into Australia for the         medication on your behalf.
into Australia and let friends and family      purpose of treating your own medical
know.                                          condition or treating a passenger who is   Clothes
                                               under your care, provided that you have    People from other countries may choose
If you’re in doubt about whether your          a prescription or a letter from            to wear their national dress. Brisbane
goods are prohibited or not, declare it        your doctor to confirm that the            students usually dress informally;
anyway on the Incoming Passenger Card          medicine was prescribed by a medical       jeans, shorts and t-shirts are considered
which you will receive on the plane.           practitioner.                              standard wear. Bring some loose,
Students have received fines for not                                                      comfortable clothes for the warmer
declaring items.                               Ensure that the maximum amount of          months, and suitable winter clothing for
                                               medicine you bring is equivalent to 3      the cooler months. You may have one or
Baggage allowances flying into Australia       months’ supply. Some medications           a few formal occasions throughout your
will vary according to your carrier, flight    are prohibited from being brought into     stay so bring along formal attire. For
class and country of origin. Please check      Australia unless you hold a permit.        festive occasions, you may want to bring
what baggage allowances your airline           You can find a list of prohibited          traditional dress and accessories.
has and think carefully about what you         medication on the Therapeutic Goods
                                                                                          Other items you might need to include
are going to pack. Economy passengers          Administration website.
                                                                                          (most can also be purchased
are generally permitted 1 x checked
                                                                                          in Australia):
luggage (35kg) and 1 x carry-on (7kg)          To find out how to apply for a permit
                                                                                          •    Alarm clock
for international flights, but only 20kg       contact the Therapeutic Goods
                                                                                          •    Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
of checked luggage on domestic flights         Administration.
                                                                                          •    bath towels, bed sheets, pillow
within Australia. You will be able to
                                                                                               cases
                                                                                          •    Dictionary (bilingual)
                                                                                          •    Small sewing kit
    Australia: Thongs
    New Zealand: Jandles
                                              Thongs Around                               •    Music CDs or iPod
                                                                                          •    Toiletries
    Hawaii: Slippers                              the World                               •    Umbrella
    UK: Flip Flops                                                                        •    Insect repellent
    South Africa: Slops                                                                   •    Scientific or graphics calculator
                                                                                          •    Camera
    or Plakkies
                                                                                          •    Micro recorder for lectures
    South Pacific: Go–Aheads                                                              •    Spare glasses or contact lenses
                                                                                          •    Your optical prescription
                                                                                                                                       9
International Student Guide - James Cook University Brisbane
•   Photos of friends and family              When you first arrive in Australia you     Once you have your luggage you will go
•   Swimming suit                             will be required to make your way          through Customs. Be careful about what
•   Small gifts from home                     through Australian Immigration. An         you bring into Australia. Some items
•   Electricity adaptor                       Immigration Officer will check your        you might bring from overseas can carry
•   Ethernet cable                            documents and may ask you a few            pests and diseases. You must declare ALL
                                              questions about your plans for your        food, meat, fruit, plants, seeds, wooden
The standard voltage for electrical items     stay in Australia. Once you have passed    souvenirs, weapons, medications, animal
in Australia is 240V. Electric plugs have     through the immigration checks you will    or plant materials or their derivatives.
three flat pins one of which is an earth      move to baggage claim to collect your      For more information about bringing
pin. You may need to buy an adaptor           luggage. Check that nothing is missing     in these items visit the Department of
or have the plugs changed when you            or damaged. Staff at the Baggage           Agriculture website.
arrive. If the item runs on 110V power it     Counter will help you to find your
may be cheaper to purchase a new item         belongings or lodge a claim for damage     Keeping in contact
rather than an adapter.                       or loss.                                   Before you leave home, provide your
                                                                                         family and friends with your flight
Mobile phones & laptops                       You may see a quarantine detector dog      details and the address of where you will
You can bring items such as a laptop          at the baggage carousel or while waiting   be staying when you arrive. Once you
computer, and similar electronic              in line to pass through immigration.       have arrived in Australia, let your family
equipment, duty free into Australia           Do not touch the dog and follow            and friends know that you have arrived
provided that Customs is satisfied these      any instructions asked of you by the       safely. It is important to always let
items are intended to be taken with you       quarantine officer.                        someone know where you are and how
on departure. For more information                                                       to contact you by phone or email.
visit Australian Customs and Border
Protection Service.

If you are considering bringing a mobile
                                                   Where we are
phone, laptop, or any communication
devices we suggest that you visit the
Australian Communications and Media
Authority at acma.gov.au before making
any purchases.

Your arrival                                                                                             Brisbane
Before landing in Australia passengers                                                                   Sydney
are given an Incoming Passenger Card
to fill in. This is a legal document. You                                                            Melbourne
must tick YES if you are carrying any
food, plant material (including wooden
souvenirs), or animal products. This
includes fruit given to you during your
flight. If you have items you don’t wish
to declare, you can dispose these in
quarantine bins in the airport terminal.
Don’t be afraid to ask airline staff if you
have any questions.

If you are carrying more than
AU$10,000 in cash, you must also
declare this on your Incoming Passenger
Card. It is strongly recommended
however, that you do not carry large
sums of cash but arrange for an
electronic transfer of funds into your
Australian bank account once it has
been opened.
                                                                                                                                      10
Transport from the airport

Train
The Airtrain is a direct train that runs
regularly from Brisbane International
and Domestic airport terminals to
the city. From the city you can take
connecting rail or bus services to
surrounding suburbs.

Shuttle bus
Con-x-ion runs a door to door transfer
service from Brisbane International
and Domestic airport terminals to your
accommodation.

Taxi
                                            Brisbane accommodation                          •   Employment opportunities for your
Taxis are available 24/7 from sheltered
                                            Finding the right place to live is one              spouse are not guaranteed
taxi ranks outside Brisbane International
                                            of the most important considerations            •   Extra costs for food, clothing and
and Domestic airport terminals. A taxi
                                            when settling down in a new country.                other necessities
meter will always be used and will
                                            See Accommodation for more                      •   The effect on you and your studies
determine the cost of your travel.
                                            information, or for alternative                     if your family is not happy in
Expect to pay $45 - $55 for a one-way
                                            accommodation options please                        Australia
trip from the airport into the city.
                                            visit the Choose Brisbane website.              •   Whether your children will adjust to
Use the Fare Estimator for an
                                                                                                school in Australia
estimation of the cost dependent on
                                            Important: You are responsible for the          •   Waiting lists for child care centres
your destination.
                                            costs of your accommodation and                     and the expense of placing them
                                            you may be required to provide the                  in one
Rideshare and Uber
                                            accommodation provider with a deposit
Brisbane Airport is one of the first
                                            or credit card details on arrival to finalise   You may find it useful to arrive in
Australian airports to enable rideshare
                                            the booking. Please also see page 18.           Australia first and adjust to living in
pick up services. Order your rideshare
                                                                                            Australia and then arrange for your
using your preferred app and follow the
                                                                                            family to join you. For more information
signs at the airport to the designated
“Ride Booking” area to meet with your
                                            Family                                          visit the Department of Home Affairs
                                                                                            website.
driver.
                                            Bringing your family to Australia
                                            Before bringing your spouse and/or              Child care
Accommodation                               children to Australia, you will be asked        If you need childcare there are various

Considerations                              to prove that you can support them
                                            financially. You are required to identify
                                                                                            options available to you. Child care in
                                                                                            Australia can cost over $90 per day per
                                            all family members on your initial visa         child. There can be long waiting lists for
It is important to consider carefully the
                                            application. If this is not done it may         places in some childcare centres.
type of experience you wish to have
                                            mean that they will not be granted visas.       There are many professionally staffed
when deciding where to live. Keep the
                                            Find out if your family is eligible and         childcare centres in Brisbane city and
following things in mind when deciding
                                            how they can come to Australia on the           suburbs. See mychild.gov.au for more
where to live:
                                            Department of Home Affairs website.             information on Early Learning and Child
•      Will noise bother you?
                                                                                            Care in Australia.
•      Will sharing a bedroom or a
                                            Before making a decision to bring your
       bathroom be okay for you?
                                            family to Australia it is important to          Many schools offer before and after
•      Would you prefer to live within
                                            consider:                                       school care programs (usually 7am-
       walking distance to the University
                                            •   The cost of airfares for your               8.45am and 3.30pm-6.00pm). These
       and the City, or are you happy to
                                                family to and from Australia                programs may incur additional fees.
       take public transport?
                                            •   Possible higher rent for a larger           Children who need these programs must
                                                home                                        be registered with the school.

                                                                                                                                         11
Schools
If you would like to bring your children      •   The school will issue an electronic     Also take into consideration the distance
to Australia with you, consider the               Confirmation of Enrolment Form          from the school to JCU Brisbane, the
following:                                        (eCoE) stating the program and its      suburb in which you intend to live and
•    It is a condition of your student visa       duration, so that you can obtain the    the method of transport you plan to use.
     that children 5 years or older must          appropriate visa for your child
     attend formal schooling while they                                                   For further information visit Education
     are in Queensland                        When choosing the most appropriate          Queensland International.
•    You will need to provisionally enrol     school for your child, it is best to ask
     your child in a school before you        questions about the school’s curriculum,
     leave your home country and you          school size, extra-curricular activities
     will have to pay the school fees one     and the size of individual classes.
     trimester in advance

Money & Finances
                                                                                          Academic Excellence
Accessing money                               Handling your funds                         Scholarship
You should read this section carefully,       There are various ways in which you can     JCU Brisbane recognizes exceptional
and discuss the issues raised in this         manage and access your funds:               academic effort by students by
section with the bank or financial            •   Electronically transfer funds into      offering a scholarship-based Academic
institution in your home country before           your Australian account at any          Excellence Award system which runs
you leave. All banks operate differently          time, banks usually charge a fee for    over a three trimester period. Students
and it is important to be aware of all            each electronic transfer made           can first qualify for the Academic
fees, charges and ease of access to                                                       Excellence Award recognition after
your funds.                                   •   Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs)        the completion of their first trimester
                                                  with the Cirrus Logo are easily         of study. All awards are made in the
How much to bring                                 accessible (including at the airport)   trimester following the trimester in
Make sure you have sufficient funds               and allow you to withdraw cash          which the student qualifies.
to support you when you first arrive.             from your overseas bank account
It is recommended that you have                   (if your ATM card has international
approximately AU$1500 to AU$2000                  access). Check this with your
available for the first two to three weeks        financial institution before
to pay for temporary accommodation                leaving home
and transport. Consider bringing most of
this money as either traveller’s cheques      •   Visa and MasterCard are widely
or on an international credit card.               accepted in Australia, American
traveller’s cheques can be cashed at any          Express and Diners Club are
bank or currency exchange in Australia.           available in some locations.
                                                  Remember that repayments to
Lost credit cards or traveller’s cheques          many of these cards can only be
can be replaced, but very few travel              made in the country where they
insurance companies will replace lost or          were issued. You may be asked to
stolen cash.                                      provide identification when making
                                                  a purchase with your credit card.
Currency exchange                                 Do not rely on being able to get
Only Australian currency can be used              a credit card from an Australian
in Australia. Once you have arrived in            bank when you arrive as Australia
Australia, you can change money at                has strict credit, repayment and
any bank or at currency exchanges.                identification laws
Search online for banks and currency
exchanges in Brisbane before you arrive.

                                                                                                                                      12
Restaurants, bars and nightclubs have        year. Search ‘What’s on Brisbane’ to find
Budget Tips                                   water available to you for free. Make        out what’s happening and the associated
                                              sure you ask for tap water, otherwise        costs. Make a calendar of the things you
Find tips below on how to best handle
                                              they may sell you expensive bottled          want to do, so you don’t miss out!
your funds when it comes to general
                                              water. Drinking alcohol at a pub, bar
spending, food and drink, transport,
                                              or nightclub can be expensive. Limit         Check out the JCU Brisbane Student
entertainment and textbooks.
                                              your intake to protect your health           Association Social Clubs and Facebook
                                              and your finances.                           page and get in touch to join in.
General
Ask about student discounts everywhere
                                              Transport                                    Many museums and art galleries have
you go. Make a weekly budget and stick
                                              The most cost-effective way to take          free entry. For those that have an
to it. Try writing down everything you
                                              public transport in Brisbane is to           admission price, ask about the student
spend for a week and work out where
                                              purchase a Go Card. This is an ‘electronic   discount. Some places have ‘cheap
your money is going.
                                              ticket’ which you can use on all bus,        Tuesday’, including movie cinemas &
                                              train, ferry and tram services throughout    restaurants. Brisbane and South East
Shop around before making large
                                              Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine            Queensland has a wealth of beautiful
purchases. Many stores will also offer to
                                              Coast regions. Students enrolled in          natural attractions – you can pack lunch
match a competitor’s price if you have
                                              a full-time load of 3 subjects will be       and have an amazing day of exploring
seen it cheaper elsewhere. Be sure to
                                              eligible for a student concession.           often for only the cost of transport.
consider buying things second hand.

                                              Get a bike! A cheap second-hand              Textbooks
Food & drink                                                                               Secondhand textbooks are much
                                              bicycle will be a great investment to cut
Never go grocery shopping hungry!                                                          cheaper than buying them new - just
                                              transport costs, expand your horizons
Local farmers markets may have fresh                                                       make sure you get the correct edition.
                                              and keep you fit. Look at buying plane
fruit and vegetables cheaper than                                                          Visit the library on level 2 if you wish to
                                              tickets early to get the best deal. Use      buy or sell second hand textbooks.
supermarkets.
                                              webjet.com.au to compare specials. If
                                              travelling shorter distances, consider       You can also buy the title online from
Check out what is on special at the
                                              taking the bus.                              coop.com.au or bookdepository.com.
grocery store and look out for home
brand products – they are usually                                                          Or instore from one of the following
                                              Looking to go somewhere local with
cheaper. Buy in bulk and save. Buy some                                                    Brisbane based bookstores:
                                              a group? You can call the local taxi
healthy snacks in bulk and keep them
                                              company on 131 008 and ask for a Maxi        QU Books
with you – a handful of nuts and a piece
                                              Taxi that will hold up to 10 people.         3/39 Campbell St
of fruit is cheaper and healthier than fast
                                              By sharing the cost, you can get where       Toowong, QLD 4066
food. Take a reusable water bottle with
                                              you need quickly at a low price.
you and fill it up for free where possible.
                                                                                           American Book Store
                                              Entertainment                                7/39 Campbell St
Petrol stations and convenience stores
                                              There are many free attractions and          Taringa, QLD 4066
are often more expensive than shopping
                                              activities happening throughout the
at a grocery store.

Prepare lunch at home rather than                Grocery Store
buying it in the city. The JCU Brisbane
                                                 Milk 2L......................   $2         Strawberry jam 500g.......... $3
Student Lounge has microwaves                    Loaf of bread................   $1-$5      Vegemite 380g.................$7
available for use on campus. You can             Butter 250g..................   $3         Orange juice (100%) 2L........$4-$6
                                                 Minced meat 500g.............   $5         Noodles 5 pack................$4
pack a ‘cut lunch’ with sandwich fillings,       Beef sausages 500g...........   $4         Honey.........................$5
salads, fruit and juice to bring with you.       Eggs (free range) doz........   $6-$8      Deli meat.....................$4
                                                 Tofu 250g....................   $3         Rice 1kg......................$2
                                                 Breakfast cereal 375g........   $3-$5      Cheese........................$4
Eating at a restaurant is fun and a nice         Apples 1 kg..................   $6         Bananas 1kg...................$3
                                                 Pasta 500g...................   $1         Laundry powder 1kg............$4
treat – however it can be expensive to           Pasta sauce..................   $3         Toothbrush....................$2-$4
do it regularly. You can pack a picnic for       Frozen pizza.................   $5         Toothpaste 100g...............$3
                                                 Canned tuna 500g.............   $4
a fraction of the cost and enjoy it with
friends in one of the many beautiful             Meals
locations in the city.                           Fast food chain.............. $10–$15
                                                 Main meal at a restaurant.... $15–$30+
                                                 House beer or wine in a pub.. $5–$8

                                                                                                                                         13
Cost of living
The cost of living in Brisbane is generally   The table below provides a guide to the approximate cost of living in Brisbane.
lower than for other capital cities such
as Sydney or Melbourne. Many JCU                Expense                                                            Approximate cost per week (A$)
Brisbane students choose to live in the
suburbs and share accommodation. To             Rent (share accommodation)                                         $100 - $225
the right is a table of estimated costs for
                                                Groceries and eating out                                           $80 - $280
food, rent, travel and extras during your
stay in Australia. All costs are listed in      Gas, Electricity                                                   $35 - $140
Australian Dollars (AUD) and are subject
                                                Mobile Phone and Internet                                          $20–$55
to change.
                                                Public Transport/Travel                                            $15–$55

                                                Miscellaneous (clothes, toiletries, medical) $30 - $80
                                                Total per week                                                     $280 - $835

                                              All prices are to be used as a guide only and can vary based on individual circumstances. For more information regarding
                                              living in Australia visit the Study in Australia website at: www.studyinaustralia.gov.au

Culture Shock
Culture shock is the feeling of being out     Be objective: Try to analyse objectively                           expression each day; watch a TV
of place in an unfamiliar environment.        the differences between Australia and                              program in English for 30 minutes.
The initial excitement of moving to a         home. Look for the reasons why we do                               Each goal that you achieve will give you
new country often subsides and                things differently in Australia. Remember                          more self-confidence.
the different cultural expectations,          that customs and norms are (mostly)
attending to daily responsibilities and       logical to the locals, just as your customs                        Share your feelings: Find local
behaviours previously taken for granted       and norms at home are logical to you!                              friends who are sympathetic and
can cause stress. The potential stress of                                                                        understanding. Talk to them about
dealing with these persistent challenges      Set goals: These should be small tasks                             your feelings and specific situations.
can result in feelings of hostility and       that you can accomplish each day.                                  They can help you understand ideas
frustration with your host country as         If you feel like staying home, plan a                              from their cultural point of view.
well as a profound longing for home.          trip to the post office or shop to buy
                                              something, ride a bus or go to a sports                            Remember, if you are experiencing
Overcoming Culture Shock                      event. If you feel that language is your                           culture shock or difficulty adjusting,
Once you realise you have culture             problem, set daily goals to learn more:                            you can always come to speak to JCU
shock, moving on will depend on you.          study fifteen minutes a day; learn                                 Brisbane support staff.
It is you who must take some positive         five new words a day; learn one new
steps to feel better, and the sooner you
take them, the better!

Recognition: Remember that culture
shock is a normal part of your
adjustment. Symptoms include:
reactions to situations that may not
be normal for you; you may be more
emotional or more sensitive, or lose
your sense of humour. Recognising your
culture shock symptoms will help you
learn about yourself as you work your
way through it.

                                                                                                                                                                         14
4 Things Successful Students
Do Before They Arrive
It is said that before anything else, preparation is the key to
success. However, many students don’t think about their
studies until the trimester has already begun. Then they spend
the first few weeks trying to get organised. If you prefer to get
a head start, here are 4 things you can do before arriving in
Australia to increase your chances of academic success.

  1          Explore how the university works. Studying in
             another country can be both an exciting and
             rewarding experience, but it may also bring changes,
                                                                    2   Identify the main features of academic writing.
                                                                        The ability to write in an academic style is
                                                                        something you develop as part of your university
             which can sometimes make you feel overwhelmed.             study. It will be useful to know the variety of
                                                                        academic writing styles and rules before you start
             •    What important dates do you need to be                assignments.
                  aware of?
             •    Where do you find the JCU Brisbane campus?            •   What are the different types of
             •    What are the online portals you will be using?            academic writing used in assignments?
             •    What is the difference between a lecture and a        •   What is referencing?
                  tutorial? (page 43)                                   •   What is plagiarism?
             •    What do successful students do in their first
                  week in Australia? (page 42)
             •    Read through the Frequently Asked Questions
                  on the JCU Brisbane website to see what other
                  students are asking

    3        Find ways to connect with others. Eating well,
             exercising, sleeping properly, having friends, are
             all part of a well-balanced life. When you move
                                                                    4   Practise listening to Australian English. Visitors to
                                                                        Australia often remark about the difficulty in
                                                                        understanding the Australian accent.
             to a new environment it is possible that you will          Understanding what we hear is an important
             initially have problems finding this balance, and          skill for communication because we need to
             this increases the chances of you sometimes                understand what people are saying before we can
             feeling unhappy or experiencing culture shock.             respond in any way. It is also important because
             Having a few good friends with whom you can                we spend a lot of our time listening – it has been
             study and share your experiences will boost your           calculated that students spend over 50% of their
             academic performance.                                      time listening.

             •    What are some ways to make new friends                •   Watch some Australian film and TV. Screen
                  and connections?                                          Australia has some great suggestions
             •    Where do you go for help?                             •   Australia Plus TV produces Australian English
                                                                            language learning video content and English
                                                                            programs for a range of levels
                                                                        •   What are some note taking strategies to use
                                                                            before, during and after lectures?

                                                                                                                                15
Living in Brisbane

                     16
Lifestyle
Brief history of Australia                                             General Information
Australia’s original inhabitants, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait
                                                                       State            Queensland
Islander people, are the custodians of one of the world’s oldest
                                                                       Population       Over 2.2 million people
continuing cultures. They have been living in Australia for more
than 40,000 years.                                                     Climate          Subtropical
                                                                       Language         English
The rest of Australia’s people are migrants or descendants of          Time Zone        GMT/UTC + 10 hours
migrants who arrived in Australia after the first settlement in        Currency         Australian Dollar ($AU)
1788.                                                                                   Relatively low compared to other Australian
                                                                       Cost of living
                                                                                        capital cities such as Sydney and Melbourne
In 1945 Australia’s population was around 7 million people.
Since then, more than 6.5 million migrants have settled in             Weather
Australia, significantly broadening its social and cultural profile.
                                                                                 Dec — Feb
                                                                                 Average temperature: 27°C
Today Australia has a population of nearly 23 million people.
                                                                                 Mar — May
Approximately 25% of Australians were born overseas.
                                                                                 Average temperature: 23°C

Migrants have enriched almost every aspect of Australian life,                   Jun — Aug
                                                                                 Average temperature: 17°C
from business to the arts, from cooking to comedy and from
science to sport. They, in turn, have adapted to Australia’s                     Sep — Nov
tolerant, informal and broadly egalitarian society.                              Average temperature: 22°C

                     There are more than 100                                                Queensland has more than 200
                     islands off the Queensland                                             national parks to explore
                     coast

                                                                                            Queensland has the world's largest
                     Tourism and Hospitality is the                                         sand island, Fraser Island
                     largest industry in Queensland

                                                                                            Queensland has Australia's biggest
                     Queensland is home to the                                              theme parks with Sea World, Movie
                     World Heritage Listed Great                                            World, Wet 'n' Wild and Dreamworld
                     Barrier Reef                                                           located on the Gold Coast

                                                                                            More than 16% of Brisbane
                     Queensland’s coastline is                                              households speak a language
                     7,400km                                                                other than English at home

                     Queensland is nearly five times                                        Brisbane's Story Bridge is one of
                     the size of Japan, seven times                                         only three bridge climbs in the
                     the size of Great Britain and                                          world
                     two and a half times the size
                     of Texas

                                                                                                                                      17
Accommodation
Expectations                                Where to look
                                                                                       Popular suburbs for student
Looking for accommodation can               There are a number of ways you can
                                                                                       accommodation include:
sometimes be stressful. The more            search for and find accommodation,
                                                                                       •   Brisbane
preparation you can do before you           including:
                                                                                       •   Fortitude Valley
arrive the better. Do some research         •    Book a room at Student One;
                                                                                       •   Highgate Hill
into the way Brisbane is laid out and            premium living within walking
                                                                                       •   Kangaroo Point
the areas where most students choose             distance of JCU Brisbane campus
                                                                                       •   Mt Gravatt
to live. Think about the advantages and     •    Visit realestate.com.au or
                                                                                       •   Mt Gravatt East
disadvantages of living close to campus          domain.com.au to view properties
                                                                                       •   Nundah
or in the suburbs.                               listed through a real estate agent
                                                                                       •   Robertson
                                            •    Visit gumtree.com.au or
                                                                                       •   Runcorn
Some rental properties may come fully            flatmates.com.au to view
                                                                                       •   South Brisbane
furnished. While others do not, there are        classified ads
                                                                                       •   Spring Hill
various second hand and inexpensive         •    Check out the student noticeboard
                                                                                       •   Sunnybank
furniture retailers available.                   on level 1 as current students will
                                                                                       •   Sunnybank Hills
                                                 often post notices if they have a
                                                                                       •   Upper Mt Gravatt
                                                 room available to rent
                                                                                       •   Windsor

                                                                  Advantages and Disadvantages
                                                                  of Living Close to the City
                                                                  Advantages:
                                                                  •   Close to the JCU Brisbane campus
                                                                  •   Close to potential employers (i.e. restaurants / cafés)
                                                                  •   Cost of public transport is less
                                                                  •   Closer to nightlife and entertainment venues

                                                                  Disadvantages:
                                                                  •   Cost of accommodation is more expensive

                                                                                                                                18
Renting in Queensland

Before you rent accommodation
in Australia, it is important that              Choosing a Roommate
you understand your rights and
responsibilities as a tenant.
                                                Checklist
We strongly recommend that you visit            •   Bills and expenses - do you          •   You may also want to
                                                    expect to share costs or is              clarify your stance on
the Queensland Residential Tenancies
                                                    everyone independent? How do             alcohol or illegal
Authority (RTA) website prior to                    you plan on splitting expenses?          substances
signing any leases for off-campus
                                                •   Is preparing and buying food a       •   What are their likes and
accommodation.                                      group effort or not?                     dislikes?

                                                •   If you have dietary or               •   What are their opinions
Things you may need to be aware of if               cultural requirements are they           on overnight visitors?
you rent a property:                                going to consider
                                                    that when preparing or               •   Is a social gathering at the
•   Rights and responsibilities of the              buying food?                             house a group decision?

    tenant and landlord:                        •   Who cleans and how often?            •   Are they interested in
    There are rules that apply to renters                                                    exploring the region?
                                                •   How much privacy do you need?
    and landlords in Queensland, it is              Are the bathrooms shared?            •   What are they studying?
    important you are aware of them.
                                                •   Do your potential
    Read about them online                          housemates smoke?

•   Bond/Security Deposits:
    At the start of tenancy you may
    be asked to pay a rental bond; this
    is a security deposit paid before       •   Restrictions:                                RTA website’s Charging for utilities
    you move in. If you damage the              The tenancy agreement may                    page or Rent and other payments
    property or do not clean it before          contain restrictions, such as not            page for more information. Note:
    leaving, the landlord has a legal           permitting smoking or animals                you may also be asked to pay up to
    right to keep some or the entire            in the residence. Make sure that             two weeks rent in advance
    amount of the bond. Otherwise               you know and understand these
    the landlord must organise to have          restrictions before signing the lease.   •   Disputes:
    the bond returned to you within a           If you do not obey the restrictions          If a disagreement occurs between
    month of you moving out of the              on the lease, the landlord can ask           you and your landlord or agent
    accommodation. A bond is usually            you to leave                                 check if the issue is covered in your
    equivalent to four weeks rent. Make                                                      rental agreement. Find out about
    sure that you get a receipt when        •   Entry condition report:                      your rights as a tenant and dispute
    you pay your bond. The landlord             This document describes the                  assistance online
    must lodge the bond with the                condition of the residence at the
    Residential Tenancies Authority             time you move in. Make sure that         •   Maintenance:
    (RTA). Find out more online                 you review this document carefully           The landlord/agent is responsible
                                                before you sign it to make sure that         for keeping the property in good
•   A tenancy agreement/lease:                  it accurately reflects the condition         condition. As the tenant you are
    A tenancy agreement / lease is a            of the property. Find out more               responsible for looking after the
    written between the tenant and              online                                       property and keeping it clean and
    landlord. It states the period of                                                        damage free. Your responsibilities
    tenancy, rent amount and any            •   Rent and other payments:                     may include lawn, pool and smoke
    special terms. It is important              You will pay rent for the period             alarm maintenance
    to remember that a lease is a               of the tenancy agreement. The
    legally binding contract. It can be         amount of rent and how it should         Helpful links:
    expensive to break a lease if you           be paid will be detailed in the          •   Choosing a rental property
    change your mind about renting the          tenancy agreement. In addition to        •   A comprehensive guide to renting
    property. Find out more online              rent you may also have to pay for        •   Ways you may be asked to pay rent
                                                electricity, gas or water. Visit the

                                                                                                                                     19
Services                                   •   Does the contract include a handset
                                               or do you have to provide your own?
                                                                                       two years. You can compare broadband
                                                                                       plans comparebroadband.com.au to
                                                                                       find the best deal to suit your budget.
Telephones                                 You may find websites such as
                                           whistleout.com.au and                       Free wireless internet
Calling overseas from Australia            youcompare.com.au useful when               In Australia you can access the internet
To call an international phone number      making decision on a mobile phone. If       from many public areas: hotels, libraries,
from Australia:                            purchasing a plan you will need to take     airports, and internet cafes. If you bring
1. Dial the international access code      identity documents including passport,      your laptop, PDA, iPod, iPhone, etc.
    (0011)                                 student card and credit card.               most of these places offer free wireless
2. Dial the country code                                                               Internet,and you can find free WIFI
3. Dial the area code (if required)        Internet Access                             hotspots in most common public areas.
4. Finally dial the phone number
                                           In Australia, there are a number of ways    Please keep in mind that Australian
For example: if calling France (country    you can connect to the internet – via       internet services/speed may not be
code+22) Dial 0011 22 then the local       an ADSL2+, NBN, or Mobile/Wireless          what you are used to. Sometimes it may
code and phone number.                     Broadband service.                          be faster or slower depending on your
                                                                                       home country’s internet speed.
Many students find that the most           If you don’t want to set up physical
effective way to call home is by using     (“fixed line”) internet connection, a       Internet access on campus
Skype.                                     mobile/ wireless broadband connection       Students are given unlimited internet
                                           is your best option. This service           access, for study purposes, on-campus
Calling Australia from overseas            essentially has the same coverage as        via the WIFI network Eduroam. Students
To contact Australia:                      mobile phone services, so it is available   can access the internet services on
1. Dial the international access code      almost everywhere. The first thing to do    university computers located in the
    from that country (this will vary      is find a provider to set up your service   library or computer rooms by signing
    from country to country)               which you can do online or over the         in using their JCU username.
2. Dial the Australia country code (61)    phone. Some providers offer a month
3. Dial area code without the first zero   to month plan, others will require you      To connect to the campus WIFI network
4. (eg Queensland would be 7 instead       to sign a contract that may last up to      follow these steps.
    of 07)
5. Finally dial the phone number

For example, to call the JCU Brisbane
campus, dial +61 7 3001 7800
                                                                      Inspecting a Rental
Mobile/cell phones                                                    Property Checklist
Before bringing your mobile phone to
Australia check with the Australian
Communications and Media Authority             •   It’s a good idea to take notes      •   Is the place furnished? What
to make sure it can operate here. If               of each property you inspect.           kind of furniture does it have?
                                                   For example the address, rent
you are unable to use your mobile in               and agent                           •   What kind of heating/cooling
Australia, then there are a wide range                                                     is there?
                                               •   Are there laundry facilities?
of options open to you. Firstly, decide                                                •   Are there fly-screens on
whether a pre-paid mobile phone or             •   Is there a telephone line               the windows and doors of
                                                   already connected?                      the property?
a phone on a plan suits your needs.
Consider the following before agreeing         •   Do the light fittings work?         •   Is it close to transport,
                                                                                           shops, and campus?
to a phone plan:                               •   Is the oven gas or electric?
•    Can you meet the expected                                                         •   Will the area be noisy?
     costs for the entire period of            •   Do the toilet and shower work?
                                                                                       •   Is there good security?
     the contract?                             •   Is there dampness or mold on
•    Are there any charges for ending              the walls?                          •   Will the landlord carry out
                                                                                           any repairs before you move in?
     a contract early?
•    Can you alter your contract
     if required?
                                                                                                                                    20
Transport

Buses and trains
Buses and trains run regularly between
the city and suburbs. You can use
Translink’s Journey Planner to plan
your route. Remember to check the
bus number and the bus direction to
make sure that you will end up at your
intended destination.

You can also use the “Get Directions”
option on Google maps for information
on ways to get around the city. This site
can provide directions for cars, public
transport options and best routes for
pedestrians and bicycles.

Taxis                                         means of transport over short distances.     Please visit Queensland road rules and
Taxis can be expensive but if you are                                                      bike user guide.
travelling together in a group it can be      You can buy inexpensive new bicycles
cheaper and more convenient than a            from shops like Big W, Target or K-Mart.     Ridesharing
bus. Taxis known as ‘maxi-taxis’ can take     There are also a number of specialized       Ridesharing services such as Uber are
as many as 10 passengers. It is advisable     bicycle shops. If you prefer to buy          common within Brisbane and South East
to book them in advance. It is the law        a second-hand bicycle look at the            Queensland. Order your ride using your
in Australia for all passengers in taxis      University’s notice boards as well as on     preferred app.
to wear seat belts. You cannot bargain        gumtree.com.au or in the Courier Mail
with a taxi driver for a fare as the meter    newspaper.                                   Driving
is always used. The contact number for                                                     If you plan to drive a car or ride a
taxis Australia-wide is 131 008.              In Australia it is compulsory for all        motorbike while you are in Australia
                                              cyclists to wear an approved bike            you need to know the road rules before
Bikes                                         helmet and you can be fined for not          you attempt to drive. One of the leading
Many students find that riding a bicycle      wearing one when riding your bicycle.        causes of death in Australia is from road
is an easy and affordable way to get          Cyclists must obey the road rules, just      accidents and international visitors are
to/from the campus and around the             like cars and other motor vehicles. They     at high risk. We advise all international
surrounding suburbs.                          must ride on the left-hand side of the       students who are planning to drive in
                                              road at all times, obey traffic lights and   Australia to undertake some
CityCycle is a public bike hire service in    road signs, and give way to pedestrians      driving lessons.
Brisbane. Bike hire and return is available   at pedestrian crossings. Cyclists may
24/7 and hire is free for 30 mins and         also be convicted for drink driving or
under, which makes this a cost effective      using a mobile phone while riding.

                                                                                                                                       21
Key Road Rules to Follow
      •    You (and your passengers) must                               function on your phone. Using a hand
           wear seatbelts at all times while                            held mobile phone is also illegal
           the vehicle is in motion. If you are                         when your vehicle is stationary but
           driving, it is your responsibility                           not parked (e.g. when you’re stopped
           to ensure that all of your passengers                        at traffic lights)
           are wearing seatbelts
                                                                   •    You must only have the maximum number
           As a passenger, you can also be fined                        of passengers in the car as per the
           for not wearing a seatbelt                                   car’s specifications

      •    Children under seven years of age                       •    To avoid accidents, make sure that
           must be restrained in a suitable and                         you take a 15 minute rest break
           properly fastened child restraint or                         every two hours
           booster seat when travelling in a
           car. The type of restraint depends on                   •    Watch out for pedestrians at
           the age of the child.                                        pedestrian (zebra) crossings
           Read more about child restraints at                          and at stop signs
           qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/
           children

      •    It is illegal in all Australian
           states and territories to use a
           hand-held mobile phone while driving.
           This includes talking, sending text
           messages, playing games, taking
           photos/video or using any other

Overseas driver’s licence                  Drinking alcohol and driving
You may drive in the state of              It is your choice to have a few alcoholic   In Australia the amount of alcohol
Queensland with your current overseas      drinks with friends at a party or when      in your blood must not be more than
licence for the duration of your stay      you are out at a nightclub. However,        0.05% if you are driving a motor
in Australia as a student on a student     if you are planning to drink alcohol,       vehicle, scooter or riding a push bike on
visa. This is on the condition that the    the best option is to leave your car        a roadway. It is estimated for men this
licence is current and in English, or      at home. If you do plan to have a few       is no more than two standard drinks in
that you carry a certified translation     drinks, designate someone to be the         the first hour and one standard drink
of it with you. For details of certified   driver for the occasion. A ‘designated      each hour after that. For women it is
translators in Brisbane visit National     driver’ agrees not to drink alcohol at      no more than one standard drink each
Accreditation Authority for Translators    all and makes sure that everyone gets       hour. Be aware that this is a guide only;
and Interpreters Ltd. If your home         home safely.                                your blood alcohol content can vary
country licence expires whilst you are                                                 depending on gender or body size.
in Australia, you will need to obtain      Police conduct Random Breath Tests
a Queensland driver’s licence from         (RBTs) throughout Queensland any time       If you are on a learner or provisional
Queensland Transport.                      of the year to deter and detect drink       licence you must have a blood alcohol
                                           drivers. Visit the Queensland Police        content of 0.0%. Do the right thing,
                                           website for further details about driving   don’t drink and drive!
                                           in Queensland.

                                                                                                                                   22
Shopping
                                         Business hours                             Bargaining/haggling
Brisbane has a number of shopping        Retail stores are usually open between     When shopping in Australia, you
centres. The major shopping centres      9:00am and 5:30pm on Monday,               generally don’t bargain or barter (also
include:                                 Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.             called haggling) for the price of an item.
                                         Thursday is “late night shopping” when     The displayed price for items is fixed and
Queen Street Mall                        stores stay open until 9:00pm. On          if Australian GST (Goods & Services Tax)
Queen Street Mall, Brisbane QLD 4000     weekends stores have limited opening       is applicable it will already be included
                                         hours. Retail stores generally open from   in the displayed price.
Westfield Carindale                      9:00am – 4:00pm on Saturday and
1151 Creek Rd, Carindale QLD 4152        11:00am – 4:00pm on Sunday.                Purchasing an item
                                                                                    The most common methods of
Indooroopilly Shopping Centre            Major grocery stores are generally         purchasing items are by cash or card,
322 Moggill Rd, Indooroopilly QLD 4068   open from 7:00am - 9:00pm Monday           also known in Australia as EFTPOS
                                         to Saturday, and Sunday 9:00am –           (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of
Westfield Chermside                      6:00pm.                                    Sale). Visa and Mastercard are the most
Gympie & Hamilton Rd,                                                               commonly accepted cards.
Chermside QLD 4032

Westfield Garden City
Logan Rd & Kessels Rd,
Upper Mt Gravatt QLD 4122

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Money & Finances
Accessing Your Money                         ATMs                                        Paying bills
                                             (Automatic Teller Machines)                 Most bank accounts offer lots of
Be money smart                               ATMs can be used to withdraw cash           easy options for paying bills. Most
The Australian Government has a              from an account by using the ATM            transaction accounts and savings
website moneysmart.gov.au that can           card which is available with most bank      accounts allow you to pay bills
give you Australian financial guidance       accounts. You can also use ATMs to get      electronically (e.g., using facilities such
information, including; budgeting, tax,      an account balance and transfer money       as telephone banking, Internet banking)
banking, insurance, superannuation,          into other accounts. Some ATMs also         and using direct debits.
buying a car and how to avoid                allow you to deposit cash and cheques
financial scams.                             into your account. Please be aware that     Important: direct debits are a convenient
                                             you may be charged a fee for using          way to pay everyday bills. Make sure
Setting up a bank account                    another bank’s ATM. Fees for using ATMs     you’ve got enough money in your
You can choose to open an account in         can vary between banks and between          account to cover the cost of the debit
any bank in Australia. Before setting        accounts.                                   or you might end up with an overdrawn
up a bank account we recommend                                                           account or a dishonour fee.
that you research the services and fees      Using an ATM
provided by the major banks. Many            You will be given a Personal                Account statements
banks have student accounts. You will        Identification Number (PIN) which you       Most banks will provide regular
require your student ID card to prove        will enter into the ATM to access your      statements for your accounts.
you are a student and to gain access to      account. It is the key to your account      Telephone and Internet banking
the benefits offered by a student bank       and it is important that you never tell     statements are also available.
account. For a comparison of accounts        anyone your PIN.
in banks throughout Australia see this                                                   Safety when carrying money
website.                                     These general rules should be followed      •   Don’t carry large amounts of cash
                                             for ATM safety:                                 or advertise the fact that you are
To open a bank account, you will need:       •    Have your card ready when you              carrying money
•   Your passport (with arrival date              approach the machine                   •   Divide your cash into different
    stamped by Australian immigration)       •    Be aware of your surroundings,             locations on your person (front
•   Student ID card                               ensure no one is close enough to           pocket, coat pocket or shoes)
•   Money to deposit into the account             see you enter your PIN                 •   Keep your wallet in one of your
    (this can be as little as $10)           •    Take a look around as you approach         front pockets at all times
                                                  the ATM and if there’s anything        •   Do not carry cash in a backpack or
Most people in Australia use internet             suspicious, don’t use the machine at       back pocket
banking or telephone banking, which               that time (report any suspicions to    •   Divide your bank/credit cards and
enables them to manage their money                the police on 131 444)                     keep them in separate locations
and pay bills online. You can also visit a   •    Do remember that EFTPOS can            •   Be very careful how you carry your
branch of your bank to access money,              be used to withdraw cash at many           handbag, and never leave it open
pay bills and make enquiries over-the-            other places, like supermarkets and        for someone to slip their hand
counter.                                          service stations                           inside
                                             •    If you simply want to check your
Banking hours                                     account balance or transfer funds      What should I do if I get into
Most bank branches are open from                  between accounts, you can use          financial trouble?
Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm                online banking                         If you get into financial trouble and feel
(except on public holidays). Automatic                                                   you won’t be able to pay your tuition
Teller Machines (ATMs) remain open 24        If your ATM or credit card is lost or       fees, please send an email outlining your
hours a day.                                 stolen (or if your PIN has been revealed    situation to the Finance Team as soon as
                                             to another person), notify your bank        possible - finance@jcub.edu.au
                                             immediately. Most banks have a 24-
                                             hour telephone number for reporting
                                             lost cards – it’s a good idea to keep a
                                             record of this number handy at all times,
                                             just in case.

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