Living in Brisbane and starting uni

I’m Oliver from Vietnam and I’m studying a Bachelor of Data Science.

I love living in Brisbane. The weather is fantastic, and the people are so friendly. It’s a very welcoming city with great diversity of people from different cultures and backgrounds. When I first arrived I felt accepted and a part of the community despite being a newcomer. The diversity and inclusivity is embraced in so many aspects of the city from the food and music scenes to the numerous festivals and events that celebrate different cultures and traditions. Overall, I was impressed by Brisbane's commitment to creating a vibrant and inclusive community, and it made me feel excited to be a part of it.

The transition moving to a new country was a bit challenging at start, especially when it came to the language and culture barrier. English is not my first language, so I struggled to communicate effectively at times, which made me feel isolated and frustrated. However, I found that attending student events, joining clubs, and volunteering helped me to improve my language skills and meet new people who shared similar interests and were in the same situation as me.  The support and guidance provided by QUT was great and I felt that I was well-prepared to start university.

I live in a share house with friends which makes it more enjoyable, as we hang out together, cook meals and explore the city. We also share the rent and bills which makes it more affordable than renting on your own. Sometimes it can be challenging sharing a small space with others, but you learn to compromise and it’s a great learning experience.

Now, I really feel at home in Brisbane, locals are very warm and friendly which has helped me to feel at ease and settle in. People are very approachable and inclusive of other cultures. This has allowed me to connect with people from all over the world who shares similar interest and backgrounds.

University experience

Attending Welcome week was very helpful and a great way to kick off my university experience. I found the campus tour and information sessions to be very informative and useful in getting to know the university and its resources. The $2 lunches were also a highlight, not only were they very affordable but very tasty. The key takeaway information from attending the QUT Welcome week was knowing the important key dates, the student services available, and the opportunities for research, internships, volunteering, and clubs and societies. This information helped me to plan my schedule, feel more supported, and identify areas where I could get involved and build my skills and network.

I attended the International Student Services sessions, including 'New to Brisbane', 'Finding Accommodation', and 'International Meet and Greet'. These sessions were extremely helpful in providing me with information and resources specific to international students, such as visa regulations, health insurance, and cultural adjustment. They also allowed me to connect with other international students and share experiences and advice. I found the 'Finding Accommodation' session to be particularly useful, as it provided me with tips and advice on finding affordable and suitable accommodation in Brisbane.

I have a particular memory that stands out from my welcome week. During one of the campus tours, I met someone who would go on to become my best friend. We were both studying different courses in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) field, and we struck up a conversation about our shared interests. Over the course of the week, we attended various orientation events together and got to know each other better. Since then, we have remained close friends and have even collaborated on some coursework and projects. Looking back, I am grateful for the chance encounter during orientation week that led to such a valuable friendship, and it just goes to show the importance of being open and friendly when starting at a new university.

I would suggest for new students to attend welcome week with an open mind, to get involved, and ask questions. Attend as many events and information sessions as possible and seek out information and support when needed. Approach orientation with a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, engage, and make the most of the experience.

My advice to other students wanting to come to QUT, Brisbane, and study is to prepare before you go, and be active in exploring what QUT and Brisbane have to offer. This means doing your research beforehand to know what you want to achieve and what resources are available, such as scholarships, accommodation, and support services. It also means being open-minded and willing to explore the city, whether it's trying new foods, attending cultural events, or joining clubs and societies. By being proactive and engaged, you can make the most of your time at QUT and in Brisbane, and create a memorable and fulfilling academic experience.