WELCOME TO AUSTRALIA AND THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY

Often your first night in a new and strange place can be a little overwhelming, scary and difficult no matter how excited you may be about studying in Canberra. In order to assist you to make a successful transition to living and studying in Canberra we suggest that you:

Ring or Email Home:  Let your family and friends know that you have arrived. Provide them with any contact telephone numbers and a postal and/or residential address. There is a computer located at International Student Services and several in the Student Association.

Unpack:  Start the process of making yourself at home.  Unpack your clothes, put up pictures and posters. 

Get some food:  If you arrive after 5pm very little food will be available on the university grounds. However, just off campus on the Corner of University Ave and Marcus Clarke Street, opposite the City West Bus interchange, is an IGA supermarket. There are several restaurants around this area as well.

Explore: Familiarise yourself with your Hall, College or new or temporary home.  Take a walk through and or around the building.  Note where the laundry facilities are, where the food hall is and identify what other facilities and services are available to you on the floor or in the building.

Find out: Make a note of your questions and ask someone.  They may be fellow students, housemates or Hall or College staff.

Read the notice boards: Discover what is happening socially or academically on or off campus. Getting involved will help you to feel at home and start the process of building networks and making friends.

Read your welcome pack:  Find out what sorts of activities and events the university are offering you during the Orientation period and what your obligations and responsibilities are while you are studying in Australia. 

Lastly remember that there is always going to be a period of adjustment when you arrive in a new country.  There are students at the ANU who have been through similar experiences and staff who are available to assist you.  All you need to do is ASK.  International Student Services has a Student Services team who can help you.