Welcome International Students to the City of Adelaide
Welcome to the City of Adelaide.
A new environment and culture can be both exciting and challenging. To help you find your way, we have provided some tips on free resources and insights to making Adelaide your home. We wish you a wonderful and successful time in Adelaide.
Get connected
Making friends and being part of community is important for your wellbeing. Here are some ideas on who to connect with:
- Connect with the student support team at your place of study to find out what supports, events, clubs and resources are available.
- StudyAdelaide support all international students with social event and activities, workshops, a website packed full of information and more. Be sure to keep in touch with them!
- Insider Guides write articles on topics relevant to international students. It is a valuable tool to keep informed.
- Saturday Club is a free, relaxed space to meet people, you can join in the crafts, music or cooking or chat. Every Saturday at Scots Church, 237 North Terrace, open to all (and no) faiths.
- Better Together is a free, fortnightly event for international students to meet each other and locals over a shared meal, games and learn about culture. Hosted by Baptist Care SA and Uniting Communities. Phone Sarah 0455 660 565.
- Communication Language and Culture Network (CLCN) is run by passionate volunteers who understand what it is like to be an international student in Australia. They offer soft skills training and internal placements to help students thrive in the Australian workforce.
- Free activities funded by City of Adelaide grants:
- City Football Program by OneCulture, Wednesdays, 4:30pm – 6:00pm, at Adelaide High School
- CitySpace by Headspace Adelaide run free social events in the city that include information on looking after your wellbeing. Events are promoted via Facebook.
- Regenerate by Trees for Life offer bushcare experiences and guided walks in the nature of the Adelaide Park Lands.
- City Football Program by OneCulture, Wednesdays, 4:30pm – 6:00pm, at Adelaide High School
- Volunteer with the City of Adelaide.
Support services
International students do not need to face challenges alone. The following support and services are available to help navigate personal, work, housing, health, and academic issues.
- StudyAdelaide - Study in Adelaide
- The University of Adelaide - Student Life
- Flinders University - Student support and services
- University of South Australia: UniSA - Student Support Services
- TAFE SA - Getting Help
- Government of South Australia - Renting and Letting Advice
Know your rights
Renting rights
Whether you are renting or managing a rental property, tenancy laws are in place to protect you. The Government of South Australia provide information on Housing Rental Rights.
Working rights
StudyAdelaide provides useful information covering everything you need to know about work rights in Australia as an international student.
Education complaints
For students having an issue with an education provider, the following resources may assist understanding what steps to take.
- Commonwealth Ombudsman: for private education provider complaints - Information for international students
- South Australian Skills Commision: for public education provider complaints - International students
Avoiding scams
Be on the alert for:
- Calls or messages asking for large amounts of money.
- Threats of repercussions for your visa or family if you don’t comply with demands.
- Claims of tuition discounts.
If you receive a suspected scam call, hang up, block the number and talk to your educational provider, family, or your country’s Consulate in Australia.
Use the following resources for more information:
- StudyAdelaide - Protecting Yourself from International Student Scams
- University of Adelaide - Scam Awareness
Look after your wellbeing
Putting yourself 'out there' to make new friends, and learn about Australian culture takes courage, but will be worth the effort in the experiences and relationships you make.
Balancing your lifestyle with regular breaks from study will help yo ucope better with stress and live a longer, happier, healthier life.
The City of Adelaide encourages you to use the ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’ as a guide to discover ways to look after your wellbeing.
The City of Adelaide's 'Wellbeing in the City' e-newsletter provides ongoing updates on services and programs available to our community.
Improve your English skills
If you want to improve your conversational or academic English, there are range of groups and courses available.
- Ask what your educational institute offers.
- Visit StudyAdelaide's English Language Schools in Adelaide
- Explore community run English Language & Conversation Classes in Adelaide
- Visit English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS). The only government owned language centre in South Australia.
- Access Road to IELTS online with a free Libraries SA membership.
Food and emergency support
If you are having trouble covering all your bills and buying food there are supports available.
- Adelaide City Care’s Food Relief Outreach Program is for international students and migrants in need. Food is available fortnightly (Friday) from 2pm to 4pm on Sturt Street. Contact them to let them know you are coming.
- The Food Hub, 216 Wright St has low-cost groceries and free bread, fruit and vegetables with any purchase. Show your student card for shopping access.
- Oz Harvest and Foodbank SA are food relief charities. Use their website to search for outlets near you, eligibility can vary at locations.
- Australian Red Cross offers emergency relief support for temporary visa holders to help meet their basic needs.
- StudyAdelaide also offer information on financial assistance.
Insider Guide article How to Save Money on Food and Groceries in Australia
Emergency contacts
See our emergency contacts page for contacts in a range of emergency situations.
Adelaide events and festivals
Adelaide has a calendar full of incredible events all year round. Visit Experience Adelaide to explore Adelaide's biggest events and festivals.