Living in Perth

With the magnificent Swan River gently meandering its way from rolling eucalypt covered hills to the sparkling Indian Ocean, the city is blessed with enormous natural beauty.  All this, and low rental, quality accommodation makes Perth the preferred place of study for thousands of overseas students every year.

For the outdoor types Perth is close to paradise!  From walks and picnics in stunning parklands to a casual round of golf at any one of a number of championship courses, from sailing on the Swan to swimming in the clear azure ocean; from water skiing to windsurfing or just plain relaxing, Perth is perfect.  Everything is so close to hand.  Even Margaret River, one of the world’s finest wine districts, is only a leisurely few hours drive south.

On the other hand, Perth is a whole lot more than just one of the world’s beautiful cities; it’s also a thriving business centre and Australia’s principal window to South-East Asia.
Right in the very heart of Perth’s Central Business district is the Australian College of Applied Education.  It’s just a hop, step and jump to the central bus and railway stations and city shopping.

Just five minutes away is Northbridge, the jewel of Perth’s night life.  With numerous sidewalk cafes, restaurants, live music venues, late night bars and nightclubs, not to mention the museum, art galleries and cinemas, Northbridge is a never ending play where the acts change everyday.
There can be no better place than Perth to study and at the same time enjoy such natural beauty combined with the rewards of the city’s relaxed lifestyle.

Arrival

It is advisable to arrive in Perth at least one week before Orientation.  This provides students with enough time to settle into their accommodation and relax before the new Semester commences.
Arrangements to meet students upon arrival at the Airport can be made if required. New students must notify the International Office of their date, time of arrival and flight details at least two weeks before arrival.

Accommodation

Arrangements for student accommodation are available on request. Students requiring accommodation should advise the International Office at least 4 weeks before arrival and identify the type of accommodation required which may be either homestay or student hostel (off campus).

“Where am I going to live?” This is one of the first questions an international student may have. If requested the Admissions Department will arrange temporary accommodation for you which may be either:-
• Homestay
• Hostel (off campus)

If you require temporary accommodation you must advise the Admissions Department at least 4 weeks prior to arrival and identify the type of accommodation required.

Homestay

We highly recommend this type of accommodation which enables you to live with an Australian family in their home. This provides a wonderful opportunity to experience Australian family life and culture as well as to further develop English language skills.

If this is your first time living away from home, "Homestay" is the best option. It will help you cope with the feelings of homesickness as you are in the security of a family environment and they will involve you in social activities and family outings.
Our host families are chosen with care and there are regular site inspections of facilities. Placements are also made with consideration given to special dietary, health or religious requirements.

The procedure to book a "Homestay" is:-

  • Complete the "Homestay Application Form" and return it to the International Office no later than 4 weeks prior to course commencement.
  • Ensure your form identifies any special requirements
  • Forward payment for the following:-
  • Accommodation Booking Fee $160.00
  • Four (4) weeks rent in advance ($225.00 pw) $900.00

Your rent includes breakfast and dinner, electricity, private bedroom and access to facilities of the house.

The minimum period of stay is four (4) weeks. After this period - should you decide to leave - you need to give your “homestay family” two weeks’ notice. It is suggested you provide a letter indicating your decision to leave and the exact date you will leave the family.

In our experience, most students thoroughly enjoy their homestay experience and many decide to stay for the full duration of their studies. However, if you are unhappy or experience any difficulties:-

  • Your first line of communication should be with your host family. Ask questions if you are confused - don’t be shy or afraid. They will help you adapt to changes in culture/ lifestyle.
  • If you are homesick, try not to blame your host family. It is natural to experience some level of culture shock and homesickness. Give your host family a real chance.
  • If you really cannot discuss the problem at home, see your Homestay Coordinator who will talk the problem through with you and work out a solution with the family.

Hostel (off campus)

This is basic “budget” style accommodation, however rooms are clean and comfortable and staff are friendly and welcoming. Single room is $224 per week. No meals are included however there is a Dining Room at the Hostel. The Hostel is located in the city and close to cafes, shops and our campus.
Bathroom facilities are communal: shared with alternate male and female floors. Guest services include 24 hour reception, TV lounge, phone room and laundry facilities.

The procedure to book a hostel accommodation is:-
• Complete the “Hostel Application Accommodation” and return it to the Admissions Department no later than 2 weeks prior to course commencement.
• Ensure your form identifies the type of room required
• Forward payment of Accommodation Booking Fee $160.00

Students pay the hostel direct on arrival. Students also need a $50 key deposit.
A security bond, generally equal to four weeks’ rent, is payable in advance and refundable when the tenancy ceases provided that there is no damage to the property.
It is extremely important to read the “Tenancy Agreement” carefully before signing. Your Homestay Coordinator will be more than happy to assist you.

Student under 18 years of age

Parental permission

  • If you are under 18 years of age, your parents and/or legal custodian must give permission for you to study in Australia.

Accommodation and welfare arrangements

  • If you are under 18 years of age, you must have acceptable arrangements for your accommodation, support and general welfare for the duration of your student visa or until you turn 18 (whichever happens first).
  • You must show that you will either:

- live in Australia with your parent or legal custodian
- live in Australia with a relative over 21 years of age who is nominated by your parent or legal custodian
- live in Australia under a welfare arrangement that has been approved by your education provider.

Welfare provided by a parent or legal custodian

• If your parent or legal custodian will be providing welfare for you during your stay in Australia, this should be indicated at the time your “Application for Admission” is submitted.
• You can arrange to bring a parent or legal custodian to Australia as your carer on a Student Guardian visa.

Welfare provided by a relative

  • If a relative will be providing welfare for you during your stay in Australia your parents and/or legal custodians will need to give their written permission for this arrangement when your “Application for Admission” is submitted. The name of your relative must be also nominated.
  • Your nominated relative must be one of the following and over 21 years of age:
  • brother or sister
  • stepbrother or stepsister
  • step-parent
  • grandparent
  • step-grandparent
  • aunt or uncle
  • step-aunt or step-uncle
  • niece or nephew
  • step-niece or step-nephew
  • spouse

Welfare provided by an education provider

  • Your parents and/or legal custodians can give their permission for your accommodation, support and general welfare arrangements to be provided by your education provider.
  • Your education provider is not obliged to approve friends or other relatives as a homestay provider for you. A homestay provider must meet requirements to be accepted as student guardians.
  • Upon arrival in Australia, students must utilize the education provider’s airport transfer service.
  • All homestay accommodation fees must be paid in full in advance prior to arrival in Australia.

Change of welfare arrangements

  • It is a requirement of your visa that appropriate welfare arrangements be maintained during your stay in Australia.
  • If you do not maintain adequate welfare arrangements during your stay in Australia your student visa may be cancelled.
  • If you intend to change your welfare arrangements at any time you must have written approval for this change. Depending on your circumstances, this approval must come from either your parents/legal custodian or your education provider and the department must be notified.
  • If you are changing your welfare arrangements from education provider approved arrangements to welfare provided by a relative, you must lodge a completed form 157N with the Department of Immigration and Culture (DIAC).
  • If you do not maintain adequate welfare arrangements during your stay in Australia your student visa may be cancelled.

Further details regarding obligations for Students Under 18 years of age may be viewed at the DIAC website www.immi.gov.au

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Perth is generally lower than in other capital cities of Australia.  A student living in Perth should budget approximately $220-$250 per week for living expenses.

About Perth, Western Australia

Western Australia is Australia’s largest state - Perth is the capital city. One of the world’s most beautiful cities, it is also a thriving business centre and is at the forefront of the country’s trade push into Asia.Situated on the banks of the Swan River, the city is clean and modern and is just a few kilometres away from its world renowned beaches. For outdoors types, Perth is paradise. Long walks, picnics in the park, golf, sailing, surfing, water skiing - the choice is yours! There is plenty to see and do with numerous art galleries, cinemas, shops and markets. Perth nightlife also offers an exciting variety of sidewalk cafes, restaurants, music venues and nightclubs. ACAE is centrally situated in the heart of the city - close to the central bus and train stations and just a 5 minute walk to city shops.

Climate and Clothing

Perth enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with warm dry summers and cool, rainy winters. There are four distinct seasons, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. You will need to bring different types of clothing for the year.

Spring/Summer: Light cotton clothing. You will also need to protect yourself against the sun by wearing sunscreen and a hat.
Autumn/Winter: Warm clothing such as woollen sweaters and a raincoat and/or overcoat. Warmer clothing may be more readily available. In Australia than your own country. Students on campus wear business attire which is detailed in the Text Book and Student Attire Information Sheet.

Cultural adjustment

Moving from one country to another often results in a sense of dislocation, however most students find that, having made the adjustment, what felt like a burden has become a bonus in terms of enrichment of life experience.

When the cultures of two countries are very different the change of situation can be something of a “culture shock” - a sense of loss of the familiar and loved environment of home and the support network it provided. The things that were once familiar such as language, food, climate and people’s behaviour can be very different in your new country.

Adjusting to a new environment can be frustrating at first, however most students find that after they have made the adjustment, the differences that were difficult initially have become the most important aspects of their new life in Australia.

Staff at ACAE understand the difficulties international students can have trying to study and adapt to a new country and our Student Services staff are available to help you throughout the year.

Language

One problem often faced by students new to Australia is the use of slang. Slang is used by many Australians in their every day conversation and can seem like a completely new language. Here are some common examples:
G’Day - Good Day/Hello
See ya later - Goodbye
Mate - Friend
Good on ya! - Well Done!

Arriving in Perth

The Student Services Department arranges the reception of all new international students. New students must notify us of their date, time of arrival and flight details to ensure they are met upon arrival - look for the “Australian College of Applied Education” sign. You will be then transported to your accommodation. The fee for an airport transfer is $95.00 You will be also provided with details on how to make your way to campus to attend your Orientation.

Arrival on Campus

Your first point of contact will be a member of staff from the Student Services Department. This person will continue to provide you with support during your studies. There is also a special student support system made up of senior international students who have volunteered to help you settle in. They understand your immediate needs and will help you settle in to Australia.

Orientation

Held in the week before commencement, attendance at which is compulsory. Upon arrival you will receive a "Welcome Pack" which contains information about Perth and the institution. The Orientation programme includes:-

  • A formal welcome by the Managing Director
  • A tour of the school and its facilities
  • Morning tea during which you will be introduced to staff and your new classmates
  • Details about what is expected of you as a student, and the rules and regulations by which you must abide.
  • The issue of your Student ID card, a Transperth Pass which entitles you to discounted public transport and your class timetable for the Semester.

Counselling and Pastoral Care

This is a confidential, professional and free service for students. Counselling focuses on student needs to maximise their tertiary educational experience. Counselling assists students to solve problems, develop new skills in personal and educational contexts and resolve developmental issues. Counselling can assist with interpersonal relationships and family and social problems, where these impinge on the person's educational effectiveness.

Information and help is available for such matters as emotional aspects of learning, including anxiety, writing blocks, difficulty with concentration and procrastination; dealing with work/study/relationship conflicts; identifying and using one's own best learning style; course concerns such as special consideration, deferment and appeals; personal problems; trauma debriefing.

Banking

The Student Services Department will provide you with banking information during orientation. The campus is convenient to all major banks and you will be able to open an account and deposit a bank draft if you have brought one from home.

It is best to set up a bank account during the first few days of arrival - you will need proof of identification (your passport) and at least one other type of identification with you. You will also need to give your Tax File No. (TFN) to the bank to gain exemption from the very high tax rate imposed on interest bearing accounts. A savings account is very popular with students. An access card, which operates the 24 hour automatic teller machines (ATM) is useful for deposits and withdrawals when the banks are closed.

Living expenses

The Cost of Living

A student living in Perth should budget approximately $300 per week for living expenses including accommodation, meals, transport, laundry, telephone and incidentals.

Electricity and Gas

If you are renting an apartment a connection fee (approximately $29.80 is payable as soon as you move in. Every two months, a bill will be sent by either Western Power (electricity) and every three months by Alinta Gas. You will only receive a gas bill if your apartment has appliances operated by gas. If you do not pay your bill by the due date the electricity and gas may be disconnected by the suppliers.

Telephones

To connect a telephone to a house or apartment, first check if there is already a line available at that address. If a connection is available, you only pay a re-connection fee of $50.00. If there is not line installed, there will be a New Line Connection Fee of $220.00. However it is very unusual to rent an apartment or house in an Australian city without an existing telephone line.

If you would like you phone to have an international access (IDD) a $500 bond is required or presentation of a Visacard. The bond is held by Telstra/Optus and refunded to you after 12 months of satisfactory payment of your accounts.
A passport and one other form of ID needs to be presented when completing an application. If you do not pay your bill by the due date the telephone service will be disconnected by Telstra/Optus. 

Your Responsibilities as a Tenant

In Australia, all persons must meet their financial commitments and it is a offence to avoid payment of your debts. Changing your address does not release you from any financial debt incurred at your previous address. If you find you are experiencing difficulties in keeping to a budget please see your Student Services Adviser who will offer assistance.

Getting around Perth

Driving

If you have a Driver’s Licence from your own country you may use it to drive in Australia for three months only, after which you will be required to apply for a Western Australian licence. If you have an international driving permit you can use it with your licence from home until one or the other expires.

Driving is on the left side of the road in Australia and wearing of seat belts is compulsory. Strict drink-driving laws apply as do heavy fines for speeding.

If you are considering purchasing a car please see your Student Services Adviser who will advise and assist you to ensure you fully understand all costs involved.

Public Transport

Perth has a very efficient transport system that includes trains, buses and ferries. At Orientation you will be issued with a form which will enable you to apply for a Transperth Smartrider Card which will entitle you to a discount when travelling on public transport in Perth.

Health matters

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

The Australian Government requires all international students and their dependants have medical insurance cover for the duration of their visa in Australia.

On arrival, you will be required to complete an OSHC form and the School will arrange your cover with Medibank Private for your first year of study. It is the students responsibilty to ensure their OSHC is current at all times. A Overseas Student Health Cover Brochure detailing fees and the medical services available is contained in your “Welcome Pack”.

It is important that you do not let your OSHC lapse or you will be breaching visa regulations.

Looking After Yourself

When you live away from home, you may experience problems such as:-

  • financial concerns
  • where to live and with whom
  • homesickness
  • loneliness
  • pressure to achieve good results with your studies

Some suggestions to help you avoid or reduce stress are:-

  • exercise regularly
  • maintain a balance of study and free time
  • maintain a healthy diet
  • avoid excessive alcohol consumption
  • ensure you get at least 8 hours sleep each night

The Staff and Students of the Australian College of Applied Education look forward to welcoming you to Perth.

We wish you every success in your studies and in your future career in the world of hospitality.

Assistance & Essential Services

Ambulance, Fire and Police   000

Health

Medical    
Central City Medical Centre
400 Wellington Street
Concourse Level
Open every day 8am – 7pm

Perth Medical Centre
713 Hay Street
Perth
Ph: 9481-4342
(Students can see a doctor without an appt if they wait an hour)

Royal Perth Hospital
Wellington Street
Perth
Ph: 9224-2244

Dental

Perth Dental Emergencies
Upper Walkway Level
Forrest Chase
419 Wellington Street
Perth
Ph: 9221-2777
Open 7 days 8am-8pm

Help & Support Services

Alcohol & Drug Information Services 9442-5000
(Confidential counseling and information) 

Lifeline 13 11 14
(Suicide Counselling) 

Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline 9223-1199 

Sexual Assault Resource Centre
Crisis Line 9340-1828
Or FREECALL 1800-199-888

Legal Aid

Legal Advice

Citizens Advice Bureau
22 Barrack Street
Perth
Ph: 9221-5711

Law Society of WA
Ph: 9322-7877 

Legal Aid Commission of WA
55 St. Georges Tce Perth
Info line 1300-650-579

Multicultural Services Centre WA
20 View Street
North Perth
Ph: 9328-2699
Mon-Fri 9am – 5pm (by apt)

Please do not hesitate to contact us, if you have any questions to the above.