Building Relationships in Australia and feeling more at home
Navigating life in a new country can be overwhelming, and it is easy to stick to the familiar – your university, fellow international students, and the bustling city. However, embracing the enriching journey of connecting with Australians can be transformative for your well-being and contribute to personal growth. Building relationships is not just a social endeavour; it is a crucial aspect of mental health.
Understanding culture, ways of how things work in Australia
Step out of your comfort zone!
Embrace invitations from locals, stepping out of your comfort zone to foster meaningful connections and broaden cultural experiences.
Embrace differences & learning!
Maintain an open-minded approach towards cultural, opinion, and ideological differences.
Lets Give Your Aussie Slang a Burl, Mate!
Arvo | Afternoon | Good onya | Good work |
Barbie | Barbeque (BBQ) | Hard yakka | Hard work |
Bog/Dunny | Toilet | How you going | How are you doing? |
Brekky | Breakfast | Maccas | McDonalds |
Brollie/Brolly | Umbrella | Mates | Friends |
Choccy Biccy | Chocolate biscuit | Mozzie | Mosquito |
Copper | Police | Postie | Postman |
Critkey | Suprised | Roo | Kangoroo |
Cuppa | Cup of coffee/tea | Sheila | Woman |
Deadset | Yes | Sunnies | Sunglasses |
Facey | Thongs | Flip Flops | |
Footy | Football | U-ey | U-Turn |
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Insurers
Alliance Care
Telephone: 136 742 / 1800 651 1349
Sonder: Digital and human powered support to provide 24/7 access to personal care. Access free, quality support from mental health professionals and make steps to improve your wellbeing.
Bupa
24/7 Student Advice Line withing Australia: 1300 884 235
Medibank
24/7 Medibank Student Health and Support Line: 1800 887 283
Other Health Support Systems
Nurse on Call Victoria: 1300 60 60 624
Doctors on Demand 24/7 Telephone Consultation: 1800 854 344
HotDoc: Find a doctor, dentist, or healthcare specialist and make online appointments. Make sure to call the clinic and confirm whether they accept your OSHC card and if you are fully covered with no out of pocket charges
Affordable Online Psychologists: visit Integrative Psychology
VicWISE Top Tips
Beyond Blue - great resource for managing mental health: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/wellbeing
Tips for healthy living and building relationships: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/Strong-relationships-strong-health
TED TALKS - 3 great TED talks on the importance of friendships: https://medium.com/@serendipapp/3-ted-talks-you-need-to-watch-about-friendship-88e1063d2906
Meetup App: https://www.meetup.com/en
VicWISE Facebook Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/VicWISEInc/
VicWISE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicwiseinc/?hl=en
