Important things international students need to know about living in Perth

Living in a different country is an exciting experience, but it’s important to have an understanding of the basic safety information, culture, and transport information. Perth is a major metropolis and Australia’s fastest growing capital city, with around 35,000 international students, so you can be sure you’ll fit right in.

Weather

Perth has a Mediterranean-style climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. It is the sunniest capital city in Australia with clear blue skies 70% of the year. The average temperature throughout the year is 25 degrees Celsius.

There’s a lot of sunshine in Perth and the summer temperatures can rise above 40 degrees Celsius, so it’s important to take precautions not to get sunburnt or dehydrated whenever you are planning to spend time outdoors.

Safety

Police, Fire or Ambulance – dial 000 for police, ambulance and fire department in an emergency. If the matter is not urgent but you still require assistance, please call 131 444.

Campus Security – tertiary institutions have 24-hour security guards on patrol, emergency telephones and swipe-card access into buildings. The security guards will escort you to your on-campus residence or car if you are studying late in the library.

Australian laws

It’s important to remember that as an international student living in Australia, you will be subject to all state and federal laws. The legal age for buying/consuming cigarettes and alcohol is 18 years of age. You must also hold a current driver’s licence to drive a car, scooter or motorbike.

Remember, if you break the law (depending on the offence) your student visa could be cancelled and you may be deported.

Fun things to do

Perth’s open layout and nice climate make it well-suited to an outdoor lifestyle. There are long paths for walking and cycling, and many sports facilities. There is also plenty of parkland. This is why Perth residents enjoy a year-round outdoor lifestyle and make the most of the state’s natural beauty, white sandy beaches, the Swan River, and the area’s unique national parks and gardens.

Transport

Student life in Perth has a suburban feel because all the universities are some distance from the city centre. Students generally choose to live within walking or cycling distance of classes. Travelling via public transport is also an option, with regular bus services on weekdays.

All buses within Perth, Fremantle and Joondalup city zones are free for everyone. As an international student, you will receive a 40 per cent discount on all public transport throughout Western Australia. To view public transport timetables and maps visit Transperth.

Dining out

Perth has several hotspots for shopping, dining and going out. Northbridge, just north of the CBD is the main district for pubs, clubs, and live music.

Shopping

The Waterford Plaza Shopping Centre is located on Kent Street, across from Curtin University’s Bentley campus. The shopping centre has a few phone shops, general food shops, a few clothes shops and heaps of eateries – using your student card you will receive discounts from many of the eateries

The Bentley Plaza Shopping Centre is located on Albany Highway, Bentley, and consists of food shops, hairdresser, bakery and takeaway food

Westfield Carousel Shopping Centre is located on Albany Highway, Cannington. This is a major shopping centre that has cinemas, clothes shops, department stores, phone/internet stores, shoes shops and eateries.

Doctor and Medical Centre

The Cannington Medical Centre is located across from the Professionals Office on Hamilton Street, Cannington. You will require your identification (passport) and $70 between the hours of 7am and 8pm and $90 between 8pm and 10pm. You do not need to book and there is a pharmacy located at the Medical Centre

For an afterhours home doctor, please call 132 660.

Overseas Health Insurance

It’s important to have health insurance, just in case. Check the Medibank, NIB and HBF websites for medical insurance, as these providers cater for international students.