Living in Adelaide

Personal safety

Adelaide is a safe city to live, work, visit and study however like all cities an element of crime exists. You can easily improve your safety in the community by applying the following safety tips:

Plan your trips and tell someone when you expect to return home
For late night train travel, sit in the first carriage to be near the driver
If you have a car:

Always lock the doors
Check inside the car before getting in
Change the place you park on a regular basis

At night, avoid parks and poorly lit streets and lanes
Keep handbags, purses or wallets on or close to your body
Minimise the amount of cash or valuables that you carry
When using an ATM for banking:

Avoid ATMs in dark or isolated locations
Do not let anyone see you enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN)
Never count your cash in front of other people

Ensure that valuable possessions (such as laptop computers, jewellery, electrical goods, car etc) are kept safe
You may want to purchase insurance to cover your possessions against damage or theft
You have the legal right to restrict any person's access into your home. If a stranger unexpectedly arrives, it's probably best to assess the situation and find out who they are before opening your doors.

Telephones

For information regarding home telephone connection, refer to the Utilities section of the Housing page (see About Us).

Public telephones

You will find public telephones throughout the city. It costs 50c to make a local call and you can talk as long as you like. You can also make interstate (STD) and international (ISD) calls from public phones, and the costs vary depending on the time of day and the country that you are calling. To make a call on a public phone you will need either coins or a telephone card.

To make an ISD call from a public phone, the code that you dial is 0011, followed by your country code (e.g. USA 1, Kenya 254, and China 86) then the area code and local phone number. You usually omit the zero at the beginning of your area code. If you are not sure of a country code, or you want to check a local number, you can use a telephone directory. The ‘White Pages’ is a directory of telephone numbers of government services, businesses and private households. The ‘Yellow Pages’ is a directory of businesses and service providers. Copies are free at any Post Office.

If you cannot find the number you are looking for, dial 1223 or 12 455 from a private or public phone to get ‘Directory Assistance’ for local and national telephone numbers and 1225 for international numbers. These directories are also available online at www.whitepages.com.au and www.yellowpages.com.au.

Phone (calling) cards

There are two main types of pre-paid telephone cards in Australia, both of which can be used in public telephones:

Phone cards you insert into a public telephone, and
Phone cards that contain a number you dial to access a timed line which is set aside for a unique ‘pin’ number written on your card.

You can purchase the first type in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50 or $100 from any Post Office, newsagency or convenience store, etc. You can only use this card in a public phone that has a phone card ‘slot’.

You can purchase the second type in various denominations from any Post Office, newsagency, convenience store, and supermarket. These cards claim to be better value than Telstra cards (depending on time of call and destination). You do not insert these cards into the public phone. Each card comes with easy-to-follow instructions. You can use these cards from your home phone or any public phone.

With some of the cards you may get a good deal for making calls to your home country. It is worthwhile comparing prices carefully because they can change without notice and some cards charge a higher connection fee than others.

Another factor is that some companies have relatively few lines available and are quite popular, which means their lines are often busy when their phone cards are used, for example at peak times on weekends. Therefore it might be best to by a card with only $5 credit at first to see how the connection works for you. It might be worth buying a card from a slightly more expensive company if it means there are more lines available and you can make a phone call when it is convenient for you.

You can recharge some of the cards over the phone with your credit card (see the Money Matters section). This way you do not have to try to remember new pin numbers as you purchase new cards. The following websites are useful for comparing various cards and rates – www.phonecardselector.com.au and www.ephonecards.com.au.

Mobile (cell) phones

Most students choose to purchase a mobile phone soon after arriving. Phones purchased in Australia will not work until you are connected to a carrier or service provider’s ‘mobile network’. This is where most if your money will go – paying for network ‘air time’. Costs can appear quite high relative to some other countries but there are huge variations in price and service features. The key is to ‘shop-around’.

Most carriers provide mobile ‘plans’ to suit your needs and include a relatively low purchase or lease price for the phone itself. New services appear almost daily so it is difficult to provide anything more than a broad overview. These ‘plans’ generally require you to enter a contract (usually for a minimum of 12 months) so think seriously before committing yourself. Another option is to purchase a phone outright and use a pre-paid account. This option frees you from any binding contracts but call costs are usually higher in comparison. It all comes back to choosing the right option for your needs. There are a number of mobile providers in Australia. Listed below are links to some of the larger ones which can give you an idea of cost and features:

Before you buy a mobile phone, or sign up for a mobile plan, it is strongly recommended you read the information produced by the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs

Internet connection

All students have unlimited access to the University’s internet facilities 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. If you are thinking about also arranging for a connection at your permanent accommodation it is a relatively easy process provided you have your own laptop computer with a modem. You will also need to pay for a telephone connection at your accommodation (refer to the Telephone section of this guide).

The hardest decision to make is deciding on your internet provider. Compare a number of companies, considering how much you are likely to use the internet and how many downloads you are likely to make. Broadband services are popular but cost much more than slower, dial-up connections. When you have found a suitable plan, you normally ring the internet provider, and they will be able to talk you through the set up process.

If a package seems too good to be true it usually is – you will have to pay for a premium service. Be wary of contracts - in the first instance you may find it beneficial to purchase a ‘block’ of access time or try a broadband service for a month before making a long-term commitment to a provider.

Lists of internet service providers and broadband providers in the Adelaide are available online. Some internet providers will ask you to pay your monthly account by credit card, so check this when you are searching for potential providers.

Some of the more popular providers are:

Telephone companies such as Telstra and Optus also provide connection however are generally more expensive and require you to sign up to a contract. You can access cheaper rates if you ‘bundle’ your internet service with your telephone services in the one company.

Medical Concerns

Medical Insurance / Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Students are required to obtain medical insurance (commonly referred to as OSHC) for the duration of their studies in order to obtain a visa. The University recommends students take out a policy which covers the duration of their visa. This may be slightly more expensive but will ensure medical cover should you remain in the country for a few weeks following completion of your studies. Medical costs in Australia can be very expensive if you are required to use services without valid insurance. Therefore spending a few extra dollars to cover the duration of your visa is a very sound investment. Note: AusAID-sponsored students are NOT required to arrange their OSHC – this is done by the University as a condition of the scholarship.

The university has a preferred provider agreement with OSHC Worldcare. Students should take the time to thoroughly research their insurance policy. Particular attention should be given to the sections covering Pre-existing medical conditions and scope of cover (what is and isn’t covered).

Dental care

It is very important to know that dental care is NOT covered by your OSHC policy. Dental services can be quite expensive so you should consider your dental health before arrival. It may be a good idea to have any procedures conducted in your home country beforehand.

Bringing prescription medicines to Australia

Your OSHC policy provides partial payment of the cost of prescription medicines however you will be required to make a payment. Read the conditions carefully in the Worldcare website. You may find it worthwhile to bring additional supplies of a prescription with you; however you need to be careful. There are strict rules and regulations which determine which substances/medicines are allowed to be brought into Australia. If thinking of bringing your own supply you must check with both the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service and the Australian Customs Service.

If you are taking medications, you should contact the Australian consulate or embassy in your home country well before departure to confirm that the medicines and the quantities to be carried are permitted. It might also help in your dealings with Australian and overseas authorities if you have a prescription and a doctor's letter explaining your medical condition and the medications, prescription and otherwise, that you are taking for it.

Caution - Taking prescription medicine subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) overseas that are not for your personal use or for the use of someone travelling with you, is illegal. A $5000 fine and/or a two-year jail sentence is the penalty for dealing with PBS medicine in a way other than which it was meant. For more information, phone Medicare Australia's ‘Travelling with PBS medicine’ inquiry line: 1800 500 147.

Customs and Cultural Adjustment

International students and their families may experience a wide range of feelings and moods when studying or living in Australia. Emotions experienced can range from excitement to homesickness and frustration. This mixture of emotions is very normal. However, it is important that you seek assistance if you find the process of cultural adjustment is adversely affecting you. We are always available to discuss any concerns.

Stages of cultural adjustment

The impact of moving from a familiar to an unfamiliar culture is known as ‘culture shock’. The stages outlined below tend to recur at different times and in different sequence but are quite commonly experienced by anyone experiencing significant cultural change:

On arrival in Australia you may feel excited, curious and stimulated. You may also feel slightly anxious, particularly if it is your first time in another country.
After the orientation period you may start to feel slightly depressed, homesick and stressed. This is often owing to language barriers, workload and lack of familiar support from family and close friends.
You may also feel frustrated and/or confused about your own cultural identity and Australian cultural identity.
As time passes you will feel more comfortable, confident and relaxed as you become familiar with Australian culture and develop support networks.
Finally, you will feel full of potential and confident in your identity while living and studying in Australia. You will start to understand and enjoy Australian culture while valuing your own culture. It is common to experience Stage 1 again when you return to your home country (though by this time you will be familiar with the process).

Australian social customs

Learning more about Australian culture can help you feel more settled. It can be useful to observe the habits and customs of the local people.

Equality

Australia is a democracy and Australians believe in equality. Generally people receive the same level of respect regardless of their employment/job. Because of this attitude towards equality it is illegal to discriminate against others on the grounds of race, gender, social status, politics or religion. A casual “thank you” to a shop assistant, bus driver or other service provider is appreciated.

Informality

People often use first (given) names even with respected elders. However, when meeting someone for the first time it is a good idea to use a title followed by a family name (e.g. Ms Lee, Dr Brown, or Professor Mori) until you are invited by that person to use their first name. It is not standard to use titles such as Ms or Mr with a person’s first name (e.g. do not use “Ms Sarah” if her full name is Sarah Mori).

Conversation

When speaking to people for the first time, some topics that can be raised include family, work/study, hobbies and entertainment. In your first conversation it is generally not a good idea to ask about age, salary/wages, religion, politics or relationships. Australians appreciate a person’s ability to laugh at him/herself. Comments that might seem disrespectful or inappropriate are usually intended to be humorous ‘icebreakers’. These are signs that the person feels comfortable with you, rather than intending to hurt you.

Australians generally stand about an arm’s length from each other when in conversation. Any closer and people feel uncomfortable. It is considered polite to maintain eye contact when directly speaking/listening to someone.

Punctuality

Australians are very ‘time conscious’ and punctuality is considered important. In Australia it is considered rude if you do not keep an appointment (or are late for an appointment) and fail to inform the person you had arranged to meet. You should check appointment times and places and allow sufficient time for travel. Arriving a few minutes earlier much better than later. However, punctuality is more relaxed when it comes to social occasions including parties.

Independence

Very few Australians have servants. Most people are independent and cook and clean for themselves. This characteristic is also found in the university. Students are expected to take control of their studies and actively engage with staff or faculty if they have questions or concerns.

Miscellaneous customs

Dress code - People tend to dress casually. Formal attire may be required occasionally but will be indicated in advance. It may be useful to note that it is acceptable for women in Australia to wear short pants and brief tops without being considered distasteful.
Smoking - Smoking is prohibited on public transport, in restaurants/cafes and public buildings. You can be fined for smoking in prohibited areas. Many people consider smoking around others to be rude and inconsiderate. If you are at someone’s home, it is polite to excuse yourself and smoke outside. Note also that tobacco is heavily taxed and therefore very expensive in Australia – think about quitting before you arrive and save money!
Queues - People form queues to buy goods in shops, to wait for bank tellers, to get on public transport. It is considered impolite to push ahead of someone who is in a queue before you.
Rubbish / Litter - Place rubbish in rubbish bins. If there are no rubbish bins you should carry the rubbish until it can be put in a bin. You can be fined for throwing rubbish on the ground.
Alcohol – Alcohol can be legally served to any person over the age of 18. It is also a common part of Australian students’ parties. Do not feel any pressure or reluctance to refuse if you do not want to. Drinking and driving in Australia is a crime.
Gifts – Gifts are not usually given to lecturers or others in official positions. Offering gifts in these situations can be interpreted as an effort to gain favourable consideration. If an Australian is invited to a meal, she or he may take a small gift (such as flowers or a bottle of wine) to the host. As a student you are not expected to do this. If Australians tell you to “bring a plate” to a meal, they mean bring a plate with some food to share amongst the guests.
Tipping – Tipping is not necessary in Australia.
Clearing your throat noisily, spitting, and not using a tissue or handkerchief are all frowned-upon.

What to bring

Clothing

Students are advised to refer to the Adelaide climate chart for guidance. While Adelaide has a relatively mild climate, temperatures can at times be cold or hot, particularly at night and during the day respectively. During winter months sweaters and a warm jacket will be required. Shorts, shirts and t-shirts are required during summer. A hat and sunglasses for use in summer are also recommended.

Study supplies

Students taking the following classes are required to have a financial calculator.

90-724K – Financial Analysis
90-747K – Cost Benefit Analysis

The required model is a Sharp EL-735 (currently retailing in Australia for $104.95).

You may find it cheaper to purchase in your home country before travelling to Australia. Many students choose to bring their own laptop computers although this is not a requirement – all students are issued electronic access cards to the campus, providing access to university computers 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

The University does not recommend purchasing textbooks prior to arrival. Faculty can change the edition of the textbook they use at short notice requiring a new book to be purchased upon arrival. Furthermore sometimes different faculty members teach different sections of the same course and may not always use the same text. Books can be purchased in Adelaide during orientation.

Electrical

Australia has a 240V power supply. If you are intending to bring electrical goods you may require an adaptor.

Medical supplies

Students should consider bringing medical prescriptions, spare reading glasses/contact lenses from their home country as these can be quite expensive in Australia. Refer to the section on Medical Insurance / OSHC for further information.

Customs and Duty Free Concession

The following duty-free concessions are available to travellers if they do not exceed the specified amounts.

Group 1 - General

A$900 worth of goods (A$450 for people under 18 and both air and sea crew members ) including gifts (given to you or intended for others), souvenirs, cameras, electronic equipment, leather goods, perfume concentrates, jewellery, watches and sporting equipment. Alcohol and tobacco products cannot be included in this concession. These goods can be:

Obtained overseas
Purchased in Australia duty or tax free before departure
Goods for which a tax refund has been approved through the Tourist Refund Scheme
Purchased from an inwards duty free shop on arrival.

Group 2 - Alcohol

2.25 litres of alcoholic beverages for each passenger aged 18 years or over.

Group 3 - Tobacco

250 cigarettes or 250 grams of cigars or tobacco products for each passenger aged 18 years or over. One opened packet containing 25 cigarettes or less is also allowed.

Note: However, if you exceed any of the concession limits set out above, Customs will charge you duty and tax on the entire importation or purchase within that group of items.

You can pool your duty free concessions if you are a family travelling together.

Family means husband and wife and, if any, a child who is, or children who are, under the age of 18 years.

Most personal items such as new clothing, footwear, and articles for personal hygiene and grooming (but not fur or perfume concentrates) may also be brought into Australia in accompanied baggage free from duty and/or tax.

If you have anything in excess of your duty free concession, declare the goods and provide proof of purchase to Customs for calculation of any duty and tax to be paid.

Failure to declare goods in excess of your concession could result in the application of penalties. If in doubt, contact a Customs officer or call 1300 363 263 (Australia only) for information. If overseas, call +61 2 6275 6666 or email information@customs.gov.au.

Payment of customs duty/taxes

Payment of Customs duty and/or other taxes may be made in cash or by travellers cheque in Australian dollars or by personal cheque drawn on an Australian Bank or by Credit card (American Express, Mastercard, Visa or Bankcard) - only available at international airports or by electronic funds transfer (EFTPOS) from an Australian bank account only available at international airports.

Student visa regulations

Which Australian government department is responsible for my student visa?

The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will manage your student visa when you arrive in Australia. In your home country, all matters relating to your student visa are managed by the Immigration section of the Australian Diplomatic Mission (the Australian High Commission, Consulate or Embassy).

For a listing of overseas offices where you can submit your visa application, visit the DIAC website link. AusAID - sponsored students note that the AusAID Post/Managing Contractor in your home country will organize your visa for you, however you will be responsible for arranging visas and payment of fees for any family member(s) accompanying you.

How do I apply for a student visa?

A step-by-step guide of how to apply for a student visa and application requirements can be found at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website. All international students at the Heinz School, Australia will require a Student Visa Subclass 573 (excluding AusAID sponsored students who require Subclass 576). You must find out the assessment level and visa requirements (including health and financial) for your country of origin. These factors will determine the visa application process you need to follow.

Your student visa obligations are determined by the conditions on your student visa in your passport. While holding a student visa, you must always comply with these conditions:

8101	You cannot work in Australia. You can however, apply for permission to work after your course commencement (a more detailed explanation of this process appears later).
8105	You are allowed to work for 20 hours per week while your course is in session. When your course is not is session (e.g. during a semester break), you are permitted to work unrestricted hours.
8202	You must satisfy course requirements. You must remain enrolled and have an academic result certified by the University as satisfactory.
8206	You cannot change your education provider within the first 12 months of your course unless you have exceptional circumstances. The application fee to change your education provider costs AU$140 and must be submitted to DIMA directly.
8501	You must maintain adequate arrangements for health insurance (OSHC) during your stay in Australia.
8516	You must continue to satisfy the requirements for grant of your student visa.
8517	You must maintain adequate arrangements for the education of school age dependants (6-18 years) that accompany you to Australia. You must meet any education or tuition costs that your dependants incur.
8533	You must notify your education provider of your address in Australia within 7 days of arrival or of any address change.
8534/ 8535	No further stay. If your visa is stamped with this condition, you cannot apply for a new visa in Australia and must return home before your visa expires.

Extending your student visa

The Heinz School’s Manager, International Students and Financial Aid provides information for students seeking visa extension. You must make an appointment with DIAC and have all relevant documents finalized before visiting the department’s offices. Check the DIAC website for the latest Student Visa Checklist. The checklist will provide detailed information regarding necessary documentation to be provided.

Students should make these arrangements at least 2 weeks before their visa is due to expire. Allowing a visa to expire will result in the student becoming an illegal entrant into Australia.

Contacting DIAC

Visa related enquiries – 13 18 81 or visit the website.

Work and study

The Masters programs delivered at the Heinz School are demanding in terms of both required standards and time commitment. Accordingly, students may find it necessary to focus solely on their studies and forego any employment during study periods. Others may find it feasible to work limited hours during term or more substantially during semester breaks. Regardless, ideally you should commit to your studies initially and postpone any part-time work until after you have successfully passed your first semester. If you are considering working part-time, you will require formal permission from DIAC.

Obtaining permission to work

Your initial student visa does not allow you to work. If you are planning to work while studying, you will have to apply to DIAC for Permission to Work (PTW) once your classes have commenced. Submitting an application costs AU$60. Students should initially visit the DIAC website for further information.

You will need to liaise with the Manager, International Students and Financial Aid to receive evidence that your formal studies have commenced. Please allow staff at least one working day to do this. AusAID-sponsored scholars must note that requirements vary slightly and need to liaise with the Manager, International Students and Financial Aid for further information.

Following receipt of required evidence, students who have access to a credit card (excluding AusAID-sponsored scholars) can apply online. Click on the Permission to Work link to lodge the application. Students who do not have access to a credit card will need to submit Form 157P to the DIMA offices in the city. This form can be downloaded from the DIMA website.

Your spouse or partner must have PTW in their visa before they commence employment. Their work rights are tied to your student status, and the hours that they can work may be restricted. If you or your partner breach the work conditions that apply to your visa, the consequences can be serious, and may include visa cancellation.

Taxes

Goods and services tax (GST)

Most goods and services are subject to a 10% consumption tax. Prices listed in shops for goods will be inclusive of tax.

Paying income tax in Australia

International students are treated the same as Australian residents when it comes to paying tax. Once you have been in Australia for more than six months you are considered a “resident for tax purposes” (note: this does not mean residency in terms of the Department of Immigration – only for taxation purposes). If you open a bank account in Australia that earns interest (see Banking above), or if you plan to work in Australia, you will need to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN). A TFN is a unique number issued to a person by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Every adult in Australia is required to have a TFN. In order to obtain an TFN you must complete a TFN application form. Application forms are available on campus from the Manager, International Students and Financial Aid, from post offices or from the ATO (Waymouth Street, Adelaide).

You will need to give information (with proof) such as:

Your name and date of birth
Current Australian address (a bill, bank statement or accommodation lease agreement will show this)
Date of arrival in Australia
Proof of identity (documents to be examined by the Tax Officer)

“Proof of identity” documents include:

Your passport
Original birth certificate
Overseas or Australian drivers license or
Your Carnegie Mellon University student ID card

Submitting an Income Tax Return

Currently in Australia if you earn more than AU$6,000 in a fiscal (financial) year (1 July – 30 June), any additional income beyond AU$6,000 will be subject to income tax. This means a percentage of your salary will be withheld. Anyone in this situation will need to complete and submit an Income Tax Return to the ATO. Note that stipends paid under the AusAID scholarship schemes are tax-free and not subject to this requirement. If you have any concerns you should visit the ATO website. Go to the “doing your tax” link then “tax returns” for all the necessary information.

Superannuation

Reclaiming superannuation contributions

Under Australian law employers must pay a percentage of an employee’s base wage into a superannuation fund. This applies to all types of employees including part-time and casual workers. The current rate is set at 9%.

People permanently leaving Australia can claim their superannuation contributions (Note: the amount being reclaimed will be subject to tax, usually 30%). People can only claim once they have left Australia and their visa has been cancelled or has expired.

The Australian Taxation Office website allows people to apply online. This site is linked to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) who will confirm that the visa has been cancelled / expired and then the application will be forwarded to the superannuation fund. The fund is then required to post a cheque to the applicant within 28 days.

Consulates, High Commissions and Embassies

For an up-to-date listing, refer to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s website.

Emergency contact information

For Fire, Police or Ambulance in a life-threatening emergency, dial 000 from your home or a public phone (free call). If using a mobile phone, dial 112.

For Police attendance (non life-threatening) dial 13 14 44.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Worldcare members can seek 24-hour assistance form Worldcare Direct on 1 800 814 781.

For medical emergencies call:

Flinders Medical Centre – 8204 5511 (Bedford Park, southern suburbs)
Poisons Information Centre – 13 11 26
Queen Elizabeth Hospital – 8222 6000 (Woodville, western suburbs)
Royal Adelaide Hospital – 8222 4000 (Adelaide city)
Women’s and Children’s Hospital – 8161 7000 (North Adelaide, inner north)

For other emergencies, call:

Electric emergencies and power failures – 13 13 66
Gas emergencies/leaks – 1 800 808 526
Water and sewer emergencies – 8381 0300
State Emergency Service (SES) – 13 25 00