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sydney

5 Tips to Study More Efficiently

The article is written by Paige Murphy
The cover photo by Rob Bye

Studying isn’t always easy… I’m definitely guilty of procrastinating! With the semester nearing an end, exam time is coming up. Everyone works differently and has a different studying style – it’s about finding what works best for you (although we don’t recommend cramming at the last minute!). Here are a few tips though that can help everyone to be a little more efficient when it comes to study time.

1. List, prioritise and plan

Create a list of everything that you need to get done. Then prioritise each task and allocate it a specified time – just like if you were sitting an exam. Put all of this into a schedule and make sure you’re realistic about the times you have set yourself. Give yourself plenty of time to complete anything that needs to alleviate any unnecessary stress. A little bit of organisation can go a long way!

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Photo by Estée Janssens on Unsplash

2. Maintain a healthy and well-balanced diet

It’s very easy to snack on chocolate and chips and all sorts of junk food. Eating these foods is actually counter-productive to your studying though, impacting on your energy and concentration levels. Instead, stick to foods like fish, nuts, blueberries and other fresh fruit and vegetables. These will help to keep your energy levels up and have been proven to aid in concentration and memory. Sugar and high levels of caffeine might be a quick fix but can see you crash out quicker, so swap your coffee out for green tea (at least you’ll get other nutritional benefits along the way) and stay away from soft drinks – stick to good all H²0.

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Photo by Cecilia Par on Unsplash

3. Keep up-to-date notes throughout the semester

Okay, so the semester is well past the half-way mark but there is no time like the present to get on top of your notes (and you can learn for next semester!). Allocate some time each week to take notes on that week’s topics for each of your classes. That way, come exam time things won’t feel so stressful and all you will have to do is re-read over them all instead of worrying about what was taught in week 3 that you have completely forgotten about.

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Photo by Brad Neathery on Unsplash

4. Organise your study space and keep free from distractions

It’s so easy to become distracted by the littlest things when you need to study. All of a sudden you could be doing anything, anywhere and it all seems so much more important than what you really need to do. Find a space that you would like to study – make sure it is neat and organised (so you don’t procrastinate by cleaning constantly) and somewhere that will be distraction-free. Turn your phone off or put it into flight mode so you won’t be distracted by notifications popping up, and make sure you won’t be disturbed by others.

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Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

5. Take regular breaks and get plenty of rest!

Studying for long hours without giving your brain a rest isn’t actually beneficial. You’re better off working in shorter, sharper bursts to be more efficient. Set yourself a time to complete each task and take breaks in between. Go for a walk around the block or take your meal times in these breaks to keep your energy and concentration levels up. Make sure you’re also getting the right amount of sleep. It’s easy to find yourself up at all hours during exam and assessment periods but if you’re not sleeping, your efficiency levels go down. By following the above steps though, you should have plenty of time to rest!

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Photo by Krista Mangulsone on Unsplash

Sydney’s Best Views

The article is written by Paige Murphy
Cover photo by Bernard Spragg

Situated on the east coast of Australia, Sydney is blessed to have so many stunning views throughout the city. Whether you’re here visiting or if you’re a local just looking to be a tourist in your own city, we have compiled the best spots in Sydney with the best views for you.

Climbers heading up the Sydney harbour bridge

Photo by Jimmy Harris

The Harbour Bridge
Maybe not for those scared of heights, but we definitely recommend doing the Bridge Climb. It’s a great way to see the whole city and you can tell everyone you have climbed Sydney’s most famous landmark. The climb takes about 3.5 hours but if you’re strapped for time or not ready to go to the top you can choose the Express or Sampler options which are shorter. Prices vary depending on the climb you choose – it is definitely an experience you cannot miss! For more information, visit this link.

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Sydney Tower
Visit Sydney’s tallest building and enjoy immaculate 360-degree city views. Higher than the Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Tower’s SKYWALK tour takes you out on to the observation deck to see all the way around the city. If you’re not up for making the walk outside (or you love to dine with a view), make sure you stop by the revolving Sydney Tower Buffet restaurant where you’ll be able to enjoy all the views as you eat. The Sydney Tower also holds different events, including a silent disco for Vivid which starts soon if you’re looking for a unique and fun experience. We recommend booking tickets online in advance before you go to avoid the queues for this popular attraction.
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Circular Quay
Right down by the harbour, Circular Quay has a number of spots to see some spectacular views. Obviously, the Sydney Opera House is a must! Visit the famous landmark up close and personal or if you’re looking to get the whole building in your photo we recommend heading over to the other side of Circular Quay for the perfect pic. Here you can also find the Museum of Contemporary Art which has a rooftop café where you can dine whilst take in the views. There are also plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants on the walk in between the two buildings, including Opera Bar which has prime position to view Sydney’s amazing harbour.
Mrs Macquarie's Chair - Kay Adams Photo by Kay Adams

Royal Botanical Gardens & Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair
See views of the whole harbour from the Royal Botanical Gardens and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. A great spot for walks and picnics – and AMAZING photos – the gardens are open all year round and are free to visit. See some beautiful flowers in the garden, before you head down by the water towards Mrs Macquarie’s Chair – a sandstone rock carved into the shape of a chair. With the Harbour Bridge and Opera House in full sight, this is definitely the money shot.

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Bondi Icebergs
Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in Sydney – and for good reasons! Stop by the Bondi Icebergs club to get full views of the beach and vibrant, blue water. One of Sydney’s most captured spots after the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, at Icebergs you can swim in the pool, dine upstairs in their restaurant or just stop by to snap this stunning view whilst in Bondi.

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Taronga Zoo
Meet some furry friends and learn about some of Australia’s native species, all while taking in the views of the harbour from the north side of Sydney. Taronga Zoo is a must whilst you’re here – and they offer student discounts for tickets (just make sure you bring your Student ID along). To have an extra special experience and take in more of the view, try out their high ropes course or stay the night and do the Roar and Snore where you can wake up with the animals overlooking the harbour.

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The Manly Ferry
Now you have to take a ride on the Manly ferry (and visit Manly Beach of course!). Get on at Circular Quay and make sure you get a seat outside, so you can wave goodbye to the harbour as you make your way to Sydney’s northern beaches. You’ll get to see some beautiful spots on the journey over. On your return, try to come back for sunset – there is nothing more beautiful than seeing it set over the city skyline.
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Watson’s Bay
A magnificent spot in Sydney’s east, the views at Watson’s Bay are a must-see. Easy to get to via public transport, Watson’s Bay is located on the South Head peninsula next to Vaucluse and not too far from Bondi. Here you can take your pick of activities – with the beach, walking trails, waterfront restaurants and bars, tours to learn about the Aboriginal culture of the land and the Dunbar lighthouse, there is something for everyone.

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Luna Park
Head over the bridge to Milson’s Point for some fun at Luna Park. Ride roller coasters and Ferris wheels whilst taking in the beautiful views. It’s free to enter the park, you’ll just need to pay for the rides (which are SO much fun). Fun to visit at night, you can see this city skyline light up. With Vivid coming up, the park will light up at night, along with other parts of the harbour – a sight you don’t want to miss!

10 Fun Things to do in Sydney for Free

The article is written by Paige Murphy

Looking for something fun to do in Sydney? There is so much to see and do here! If you’re on a tight budget or feeling a bit broke (what student isn’t?!), then don’t stress – there are plenty of activities that won’t require a single cent from you. Here are our top ten fun activities to do for free in Sydney.

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1. Catch some waves at Bondi Beach
It’s Australia’s most famous beach – this stop off is a must. The beach stretches from the North Bondi grassy knoll (a great spot for picnics) all the way around to Icebergs (aka the best spot to snap for your Instagram). Have a dip in the water but make sure you stay between the red and yellow flags – or you might end up on Bondi Rescue!

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2. Do a coastal walk
One of the perks to living in Sydney is being right by the ocean. This means we have so many beautiful coastal walks you can do with stunning views. Our favourites are the Bondi to Coogee and the Spit to Manly. The Bondi to Coogee not only offers amazing views but if you don’t feel like walking the whole way or feel like a dip you can stop off at any of the beaches in between like Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly and Gordon’s Bay. The Spit to Manly is a much longer walk but well worth it, taking you along the coastline and through the national park. Just make sure you take some water and comfortable walking shoes with you!

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3. Have a picnic in the Royal Botanical Gardens
Okay, so the picnic part might cost you extra (unfortunately, cheese isn’t free) but the location itself is free for you to visit. Make sure you check out the Rose Garden before picking a spot for your picnic down by the water. You’ll have the best views of the harbour and all the pretty flowers to stare at.

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4. Walk across the Harbour Bridge (via the pedestrian route)
So walking over the actual bridge costs money but to walk across it via the pedestrian path is completely free. Get up close and personal with our most famous landmark and see some spectacular views of Sydney from it. Depending on which way you are walking, you can also stop by the Rocks on the city side or head to Luna Park for fun and games over in North Sydney.

@steve_j
5. Visit an art gallery
Sydney has some great art galleries that showcase a wide variety of local and international art – and the good news is, most exhibitions are free! Stop by the Art Gallery of NSW and see some of their free exhibitions that range from traditional Aboriginal art to Asian art. For bigger exhibitions like the Archibald prize, you will have to pay but they are well worth the visit. Head over to the Museum of Contemporary Art if you like cool installations, multimedia works and post-modern art. To see some really personal works by one Australia’s most well-known artists, Brett Whiteley, head to his gallery in Surry Hills. For more information, click here.

@jontyson
6. Stop by the markets
There are SO many great markets on the weekends in Sydney and they are all free… until you can’t resist buying something cool you have seen them! On Saturday’s you have Glebe and Paddington markets whilst Rozelle and Bondi run all weekend. You’ll be able to find everything from new and vintage clothing, accessories, furniture and homewares, food, art and other little trinkets or second-hand goods.

@georgewolf
7. Go whale watching
I guess you have to be lucky with this one but the best spot to see them is up on Sydney’s Northern Beaches between May and November. Head up to Palm Beach to see them where you can also do the beautiful walk up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse, and visit where Home and Away is filmed (if you’re lucky you might even see some of it!).
8. See a classical music concert
If you like classical music, then you’ll love the free concerts put on at the Conservatorium of Music. See some of Sydney’s best musical talent perform in lunchtime and evening concerts. The Conservatorium is right by the Royal Botanical Gardens – so you can have your picnic before or after your visit. To see what is on at The Con, click here.

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9. Check out some street art
Sydney’s Inner West is full cool, hip bars and cafes… and amazing street art! Take a walk through the streets of Newtown to see lanes filled with cool art. There are tours available if you would like to know more about the art, or you can have a look here and take yourself on a tour. No two artworks are the same!

@theformfitness
10. Take a yoga class
Did someone say free yoga? Yes, we did. Lululemon stores hold free yoga classes in-store. Suitable for all levels, if you’re looking to practice but don’t want to (or can’t afford to) pay $20+ for a class, then this is for you. Have a look at their store locator to find your nearest store and when classes are held. Be sure to get there early if you don’t have your own mat as the classes are really popular!

HOW TO MEET NEW PEOPLE WHILE STUDYING ABROAD

Leaving family and friends behind and pursuing your dream and future in a strange country can be a pretty tough task. However, the entire process of getting the hang of your surrounding is not that difficult, especially when you’re moving to Australia where the friendly locals never fail to make you feel at home.

By further following these tips you can get an idea how to approach new people and make some amazing friends.

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1. Look out for new friends in your class
There is no need to hesitate in making an approach or fearing rejection as usually at the university level, many students sitting around you are equally nervous. In fact, you will be surprised at the enthusiastic response you will receive once you make the friendly move.
Being a loner never helps whether you’re a quiet person or a chatterbox. It’s beneficial when you have many friends around to talk to about various subjects. You can start by discussing your assignments, projects or even class lectures with the Australians students around you.

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2. Join the campus clubs
The best part about studying in Australia is that you have enormous opportunities to socialize with students studying with you and making new friends. Joining a club at your campus could be of great help as it provides you with the chance to mingle with people with common interest.
Also, with having nothing to do at your hostel than to study, these campus clubs could be a tremendous extracurricular and fun activity that you could indulge in.

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3. Spend more time outdoors
It’s easier to avoid the alienated surroundings and people and hide away in your homestay. However, that does not help you to progress any further. Although studying indoors is important, spending some time out is also beneficial to drive away the loneliness.
Hang around the Playfair Café or the famous Bourke Street Bakery for its yummy sausage rolls. These places are both cheap and a perfect pool of your potential new friends!

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4. Explore the city
If you are going to spend the next few years in Sydney, you might as well explore the city too. Whenever you have long weekends, make sure you plan your trips to the Bondi Beach with your friends or better yet, see the iconic Sydney Opera House. Places like these are always crowded and filled with opportunities to socialize to the fullest.
So if you are planning to study in Sydney, then remember these tips to make new friends and get more comfortable and accustomed to the new city.

How to Experience the Royal National Park

This article is written by Olivia Inwood

A Royal National Park adventure is the perfect opportunity to explore the natural beauty surrounding Sydney! From open bushland, beaches and stunning clifftop views, the Royal National Park has a wide range of landscapes to explore. This guide will show you how to make the most of your time at this beautiful national park and experience the best sites.

Getting There
Make sure you leave super early in the morning and take plenty of water and food! For an extensive trip like this, you’ll need to do some planning! Although it’s easy to drive to the park, catching the ferry from Cronulla offers picturesque views of the area. The ‘Curranulla’ Australia’s oldest commuter ferry, will take you to Bundeena in just 20 minutes.

Bundeena to Jibbon Beach
Once you reach the Bundeena wharf, follow Loftus St and make your way to Jibbon Beach. If you travel along the Jibbon Loop track, you’ll get to see the Dharawal Aboriginal Carvings Site; a 1000-year-old artwork engraved into stone. As you’ll be walking along the coast, there are also many opportunities to spot whales in the ocean!

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The Balconies
After weaving your way through the Jibbon Loop track and seeing the native wildlife, you’ll reach the Coast Track. The Coast track will take you to The Balconies, a spectacular sandstone clifftop, providing an amazing view of the rugged coastline.

Wedding Cake Rock
Moving on, the Coast track will take you along the side of a ravine and up to Wedding Cake Rock; the most photographed site of the park. This magnificent rock formation forms an almost perfect cube shape and its pristine white colour is caused from thousands of years of exposure to the sun.

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Marley Beach
Nearby Wedding Cake Rock, you can walk to Marley Beach. This beach is a remnant of the ancient super-beaches that used to exist along the cliffs, with many sand dunes now surrounding it. From Marley Beach, you can re-trace your steps and return via the same trails or return to Bundeena via the Big Marley fire trail, if you need to take a shortcut.

Wattamolla Beach and the Curracurrong Falls
For the very adventurous, there are further tracks leading to Wattamolla Beach and the Figure 8 Pools. If you decide to go further, you should plan to stay overnight in the North Era Campground. Wattamolla Beach separates the salty Pacific Ocean from the freshwater lagoon and is a great place to relax and have a swim. The beach is also close to the stunning Curracurrong Falls, a unique waterfall that empties into the ocean.

Figure 8 Pools
The Figure 8 Pools is another major attraction of the park but beware the track there is steep and rocky. It’s best to see the Figure 8 Pools in the morning to get the best photos and for your safety, to only go when there is a low tide.

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Author of the picture @trilhasemergulho

Make sure you carefully plan your trip and check the conditions beforehand. Enjoy!

Best Picnic Spots in Sydney

This article is written by Olivia Inwood

Needing a picturesque location for your next social outing? Enjoy all the comforts of a packed outdoor feast with friends, at one of these superb picnic locations in Sydney!

Royal Botanic Gardens

Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney CBD

The Royal Botanic Gardens is a great location for a picnic, with many peaceful spots right in the heart of the city. Mrs Macquaries Point provides panoramic views of the Opera House to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The gardens themselves feature many exotic flowers and trees, so make sure you also have a walk around and immerse yourself in nature!

Fun Fact: Opened in 1816, The Royal Botanic Gardens is the oldest scientific institution in Australia and has over 8000 different plant species!

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Wendy’s Secret Garden

Lavender Bay

Wendy’s Secret Garden is a unique place with a fascinating story. The garden was created by Wendy Whiteley, the wife of the famous Australian artist Brett Whiteley. After the death of her husband, Wendy purchased wasteland from the NSW Rail Corporation and channelling her creativity and grief, transformed the area into a beautiful, secluded garden. With a gorgeous harbour view, this garden is the perfect secret picnic place.

Fun Fact: Wendy’s Secret Garden has a multi-layered landscape, with zigzag paths leading you through an array of sculptures, plants and overarching Moreton Bay Fig trees.

Barangaroo Reserve

Hickson Rd

Barangaroo Reserve is Sydney’s newest Harbour foreshore park with many great lookouts and activities. There are quiet spots for a picnic, as well as extensive cycling and walking trails. If you don’t feel like bringing your own picnic food, Barangaroo also has a food and drink precinct, with many options to choose from.

Fun Fact: Using innovative technology, Barangaroo Reserve was created by transforming a concrete container terminal into a naturalistic rocky landscape and planting over 75,000 native plants!

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Centennial Park

Centennial Parklands, Eastern Suburbs

Centennial Park is one of Australia’s most famous parks and is a heritage listed site. Spread across 189 hectares, there are many spacious picnic spots to choose from! Centennial Park also has bookable picnic sites, if you want to have access to BBQ amenities and uninterrupted views.

Fun Fact: On 1^st January 1901, Centennial Park was the site where the Federal Constitution was proclaimed, officially establishing the Commonwealth of Australia.

Cockatoo Island

Sydney Harbour

Cockatoo Island is the largest island in Sydney’s Harbour and is a nice place for a short getaway. There are many scenic picnic spots and opportunities to explore the island’s historical artefacts. If you want some entertainment, Cockatoo Island also hosts the Sydney Biennale and Haunted History Night Tours.

Fun Fact: Cockatoo Island is a UNESCO World Heritage listed island and was a convict penal establishment in the 19^th century.

App-solutely amazing! Seven must-download apps for life in Australia.

The article is written by Bronte Segota

Made the big move to Australia? Don’t forget to Aussie-fy your phone! There are plenty of apps out there that make settling in in Australia that much easier. We’ve rounded up eight essentials to help you have the best experiences down under!

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Deliveroo
Hungry? Don’t walk all the way to the kitchen! Deliveroo brings you food from all your favourite places in just a hop, skip and jump! Simply order from the Deliveroo app on your smartphone for delivery straight to your door. It’s a lot like UberEats, but the kangaroo logo has us smitten!

Available to download on Android or iPhone

BOM
Don’t rely on temperamental pre-downloaded weather apps to get you through the day. With many Melbourne cities experiencing four seasons in one day – The Bureau of Meteorology app is a saviour. Providing accurate, government-sourced weather forecasts with an easy to use interface, it is Australia’s most reliable weather app. Bonus points for including a real-time rain radar – so you can know exactly when you’ll be needing that umbrella.

Available to download on Android or iPhone

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Australian Slang
Don’t know your Barbie from your Bottle-O? Australia has more slang words than the entire Oxford Dictionary, and for newcomers, it can feel a whole other language to learn! This App has a comprehensive list of uniquely Aussie words and phrases, so the next time you hear someone say that they’re going on a Macca’s run, you’ll know exactly what they mean.

Available to download on Android and iPhone

Gumtree
The perfect place to buy, swap and sell goods online with people in your locality. It’s like eBay, but much more community focussed, meaning you won’t have to pay international shipping costs on items you can buy from vendors in your neighbourhood. Gumtree also has a ‘jobs’ section on their website, where you can search for, and post, jobs in your area.

Available to download on Android and iPhone.

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ABC
Stay up to date with Australian and International news with the ABC App. The ABC itself sets out encourage awareness of Australia and an international understanding of Australian attitudes on world affairs, which makes it the perfect news app for international citizens new to Australia. Unlike many other news apps, it also allows you to customise your news and stories so you can read about what interests you.

Available to download on Android and iPhone

Triplify
Triplify is dubbed ‘the travellers what’s on guide’ and is the perfect app to find events and experiences available around your locality. Listing everything from beach parties to local markets, make sure you don’t miss out on the most exciting events with Triplify – it provides the perfect opportunity to get out and explore your city in social situations.

Available to download on Android and iPhone.

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Party With A Local
This app, partners you up with real-life locals to provide a unique, local experience within the party and entertainment scene of the city. This App is especially good if you’re new to the city and keen to make friends and expand your social circle. Party with a local is a wholly different way to discover your city, with a knowledgeable guide, and potential new acquaintances along the way.

Available to download on Android and iPhone.

Fun Summer Day Trips Out of Sydney

The article is written by Olivia Inwood

Wanting to venture out of the city this summer? These day trips are a perfect chance to explore the wonders that are just out of Sydney and not spend a fortune on transport! Here are our top 5 summer day trips out of Sydney:

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Hunter Valley
(2.5 hours north of Sydney)

The Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine region and produces some of the best wine in the world. You can drive along the M1 highway and stop at the many wineries in the area for some cellar-door wine tasting. Many bus tours also depart from the Sydney CBD in the early morning, providing affordable wine tasting opportunities and tours of the region.

Fun Fact: The Hunter Valley has over 150 wineries, with some of the most famous including Brokenwood, Scarborough Wine Co Tasting Room and Tulloch Wines.

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Jervis Bay
(3 hours south of Sydney)

Jervis Bay is located on the NSW South Coast and is known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Besides spending a relaxing day by the beach, you can go scuba diving along the bay or join the dolphin watching cruise from Huskisson Wharf. And if you don’t see any dolphins, you get a free return cruise!

Fun Fact: Jervis Bay has over 20 kilometres of the whitest sand in the world.

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Kangaroo Valley
(2 hours south of Sydney)

Kangaroo Valley is part of the Southern Highlands and features picturesque mountain views. There are plenty of bushwalking opportunities and the Mortan National Park has a trail leading to the popular Fitzroy Falls. The only pub in Kangaroo Valley ‘The Friendly Inn’ was built in 1892 and is one of the oldest in the region, with a beer garden that provides breathtaking views of the rolling valleys and mountains.

Fun Fact: ‘Kangaroo Valley’ refers to the region and village, both named after the surrounding Kangaroo River.

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Grand Pacific Drive
(2-hour drive along the South Coast)

Travel along the 140km of the Grand Pacific Drive; one of Australia’s best-known driving routes. Starting from the Royal National Park, this road heads south along the coast through Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama. Don’t forget to see the Blowhole, a natural rock formation that spurts water 20 metres into the air.

Fun fact: The engineering highlight of the Grand Pacific Drive is the Sea Cliff Bridge. From the viewing platform located near the bridge, migrating whales can occasionally be seen!

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The Blue Mountains
(2.5 hours west of Sydney)

The Blue Mountains is an easy escape from the city, with the option of driving, catching the train or going on a group tour. Although there are many bushwalking tracks and sights to see, the highlights for a day trip are Katoomba and Leura. Katoomba features The Three Sisters rock formation, a legend of the Aboriginal Dreamtime, that can be viewed from Echo Point. The town of Leura is also a popular stopover point, with many boutique cafes and a well-known candy store.

Fun Fact: The Scenic Railway located at Katoomba, is the steepest passenger railway in the world, offering 360-degree views of the Blue Mountain ranges.

5 things You Need to Know About Switching from a Work and Holiday Visa to a Student Visa in Australia

One or two years not long enough for you in Australia? No worries! Here’s all you need to know if you want to study in the land down under.

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1. Is it better to apply onshore or offshore?

Long story short: Onshore if you can, although the application might be a bit more expensive.

At the moment, a standard single Student Visa application fee is $560 plus a credit card surcharge (that’s the fee that the Immigration charges, Study Anywhere won’t charge you anything extra). But, if this isn’t the first time you’ve applied, you will also be charged $700 on top of that by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

Typically, if you are switching from the second year of Work and Holidays, you will pay $560 + $700 + credit card surcharge.

But before you book that flight to Bali or New Zealand to apply from there, consider this: Most of our Work and Holiday clients still prefer to apply for a Student Visa onshore. Why?

Bridging Visa is your friend – When Student Visa is lodged onshore, the applicant typically receives a Bridging Visa A almost instantly. This allows them to not only stay in Australia but with the same conditions as their current Visa. Essentially, until you hear from the Immigration regarding your Student Visa application, you can work under the same conditions as you have on your Work and Holiday Visa. How neat is that!
Last minute lodgment is possible – if you are running out of time and your Work and Holiday is about to expire in a few days, we probably can still make it.
Waiting offshore could be frustrating – itʼs hard to know how long it will take for the Immigration to let you know about your Student Visa application. And while drinking smoothies in Seminyak might sound like the perfect way to kill some time, your holiday could be longer than you would like it to be while you wait to hear from Immigration. So mindful exercises in Ubud wonʼt be helping that much if your bank account is getting slimmer every day.
If something goes really wrong – should your onshore student visa get refused you have the option to appeal this decision with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). When you are applying offshore, you donʼt have this option.

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2. Not everyone can apply onshore

If youʼd like to apply onshore, you need to check your current Visa conditions. Just find your current Visa in your e-mail, and check if you have or don’t have ‘No further stayʼ listed among your Visa conditions.

If not – happy days – and you can apply onshore. If yes, book that flight to Thailand or back home and surprise your parents. Our registered migration agent can lodge your Student Visa application from anywhere.

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3. Your course must start no longer than 8 weeks after your Work and Holiday Visa is about to expire

If you have made a firm decision and would like to apply for your Student Visa onshore, you can get into the course selection. Finding and enrolling in a course is pretty easy with the Study Anywhere platform and you can always send us a message if you have any specific requirements.

There is just one thing to keep in mind: make sure your course will start no longer than 8 weeks after your current Visa is about to expire.

Before you start searching for courses that commence exactly 8 weeks after your current Work and Holiday Visa expires, consider this: In the case your onshore application for a Student Visa gets approved really quickly (which doesnʼt happen very often) and your course has not commenced yet, you are not allowed work at all because the work permit on a Student Visa only starts when your course has started.

Not a situation you would like to be in, right?

Applying for a course that starts within 4 weeks after your Work and Holiday Visa expires, is usually the best option.

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4. How expensive it really is to study in Australia?

Long story short: It can be really expensive but it doesn’t have to be.

Majority of our Work and Holiday clients who are applying for a Student Visa pick a course from a sector that is called Vocational Education and Training (VET) – Certificates, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas…

These courses are usually much more affordable than universities and much more flexible with the attendance. You can find your ideal course via Study Anywhere, see the reviews and apply to get the free Visa assistance by the migration lawyer.

All the courses listed on the page are part of CRICOS – which is a must for a Student Visa application.

The most popular courses for people switching from Work and Holiday Visa are Leadership and Management, Business, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Travel and Tourism, Event Management, and Early Childhood Education and Care (eligible for a Graduate visa).

Some of these courses only cost around $1,350 every three months and would allow you to study and to apply for a Student Visa for up to 4 years.

The minimum upfront payment for a course would be somewhere around $1,550 ($1,350 + $200 enrolment fee).

Then you just need to take in account that you will need an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to be able to apply for a Student Visa in Australia which costs around $500 for a 1-year policy.

Only some applicants from Sweden, Belgium and Norway donʼt need to get an OSHC to be able to apply for a Student Visa. Feel free to send us a message for a free quote so you can see the full breakdown of costs you need to expect when transitioning from the Work and Holiday to a Student Visa.

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5. Myth busted – ‘You can only work 20 hours per week on a Student Visaʼ

Long story short: There is a work limitation, but in some cases, you can work more.

This is where people often get it wrong. Australian Student Visa will let you work up to 40 hours fortnightly (e.g. you can work 20 hours one week and 20 hours the next week) when your course is on. What people often forget though, is that during the holidays you can work unlimited hours, which is when students usually try to save up some money. Most of the VET courses have up to 16 weeks of holidays per year to give students the opportunity to work and travel.

Please note: This article is an observation of questions that our Work and Holiday applicants usually have and answers our migration lawyer gives them. Feel free to send us a message or an e-mail (hello@studyanywhere.com.au) if youʼd like to get a migration law advice from a registered migration agent.

How to Spend New Years Eve in Sydney

The article is written by Loren Howarth

With 2017 almost over (the years just seem to go quicker and quicker!), it’s time to start thinking about how you want to bring in the New Year. But with so many celebrations happening across the city, it can be hard to put together a list of what to see and do. Don’t worry! We’ve done all the work for you, with some must-see events as well as the top spots to see the fireworks. Let’s welcome 2018 in style!

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Celebrate at Barangaroo Reserve

For just $40 a ticket per person, you and your friends can bring in the New Year in style. From 6pm, you will be able to access the park, lay down a picnic blanket and secure a great spot to watch the fireworks. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy the delicious food options available, from freshly shucked oysters to smoking burgers and ribs. The event is limited to 10,000 people – so book in quick to avoid missing out!

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Party into 2018 at Victoria Park

If you want to dance your way into the New Year, look no further than Victoria Park. The Park is hosting a giant garden party with a host of Australian and international performers, including Hot Dub Time Machine, Tiga, and an aerobics set from Retrosweat. With gourmet food available, music, and an epic view of the city’s skyline and fireworks, this is perfect if you’re looking for a fun night out! Tickets are also reasonable at just $79 per person.

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Scoring the Best Fireworks Spot

If this will be the only time you’ll be in Sydney for New Year’s Eve, then you definitely should try and get a good spot to watch the fireworks. But it isn’t as easy as it sounds because everyone else has the same idea. For the ultimate viewing spot, try and get down to the area in front of the Bridge and Opera House. There is a maximum capacity set for this area, and so once it starts looking full it will be closed off. So try and get there around 12pm, and although this seems like a long wait, it will be totally worth it.

Here are some other great spots which you can visit for free:

Birchgrove Park
Bradfield Park
Campbells Cove
Cremorne Point
Duff Reserve

Tip: Before arriving, bring along a picnic blanket as well as heaps of snacks and drinks to share with your friends! However, some locations prohibit BYO drinks, so always check in advance.

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Throw your own party!

If you don’t want to spend the night out in Sydney, then why not throw your own New Years Eve party? You can start up a BBQ, play some music, and have the TV on for the 9pm fireworks and then also the midnight ones. This way you can save money, avoid the busy city crowds, and bring in the new year the way you want to!

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