Settling into Canberra as a Student: A Guide to Thriving in the Capital

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Settling into Canberra as a Student: A Guide to Thriving in the Capital
1. Finding a Place to Live
2. Getting Around Canberra
3. Best Places to Study
4. Finding Community in Canberra
5. Best Places to Explore
6. Managing Your Finances as a Student
7. Taking Care of Your Wellbeing
Final Thoughts: Embracing Life in Canberra

Relocating to a different city for university studies presents a mix of thrilling and overwhelming experiences. New students in Canberra encounter distinctive challenges and opportunities regardless of their arrival from another Australian region or from foreign countries. This guide will assist you with finding accommodation and discovering the best coffee spots as you start your life in Australia’s capital while building a strong community network.

To settle into Canberra, you need to find accommodation first. On-campus housing availability varies by university but serves as an excellent choice for first-year students who want to quickly establish friendships. Students who choose to live off-campus can access several valuable resources:

On-campus accommodation: Discover available housing through ANU Accommodation or University of Canberra Residences.

Off-campus rentals: Domain and Flatmates.com.au assist users in locating shared houses and apartments.

Student housing options: UniLodge offers student-specific housing with convenient locations.
The suburbs of Acton (near ANU) and Bruce (close to UC), along with O'Connor and Turner, provide affordable housing options while staying close to the city center.

Canberra lacks a train network unlike other major Australian cities but compensates with an effective system of buses and light rail. Here’s how to get around:

Public Transport: Plan your journeys and secure a MyWay card through the Transport Canberra website to benefit from reduced fares.

Cycling: Canberra provides dedicated cycling paths for its bike-friendly community. Explore Pedal Power to discover cycling routes and helpful resources.

Car-sharing: Occasional car renters should consider Popcar and Uber Carshare as excellent service choices.

Academic achievement depends heavily on discovering an effective study space. Below are several excellent study locations throughout the city:

University Libraries: The Chifley Library at ANU and UC's Library present quiet study spaces.

National Library of Australia: The National Library of Australia provides excellent research facilities and tranquil study spaces.

Coffee Shops: For a good atmosphere and excellent coffee, choose between Tilley’s Devine Café in Lyneham and Coffee Lab in Civic.

New city experiences may initially feel isolating; however, Canberra offers energetic social and student activities. Here’s how to find your people:

University Clubs & Societies: Join student groups by participating in ANU's Student Association or UC's Student Union.

Sports & Fitness: The Canberra Parkrun along with local gyms and university sports teams provide excellent opportunities for meeting new people.

Young Adults Communities: The young adults group, GenLife Young Adults at Divergent Church Canberra, provides faith-based community members an opportunity to build friendships while exploring their faith in an open and welcoming environment.

University students in Canberra can find numerous cultural and outdoor activities that provide relaxation and fun outside of academic responsibilities.

Some must-visit spots include:

The Australian National Botanic Gardens offers visitors both relaxation and fresh air in a beautiful setting. Visit here.

The Mount Ainslie Lookout offers breathtaking views, making it perfect for hiking enthusiasts and sunrise watchers. Check this out.

The National Gallery of Australia provides free admission, allowing visitors to explore incredible art exhibits. Explore here.

The Old Bus Depot Markets stand out as a weekend destination where people can shop for handmade goods and enjoy delicious food. Learn more.

While Canberra has high living costs, students can effectively manage their money through strategic budgeting:

Student Discounts: Access discounts on travel and food through your ISIC student card.

Part-Time Jobs: The platforms Seek and Indeed publish job openings that appeal to students.

Affordable Food Options: Aldi and Belconnen Fresh Food Markets provide affordable grocery shopping options for budget-conscious customers.

Given the stressful nature of university life, students must prioritize their mental and physical health. Here are some resources to support you:

University Health Services: Students can access counselling and medical services at both ANU and UC.

Mental Health Support: Lifeline Canberra serves as an excellent support system when you need someone to talk to.

Outdoor Activities: Discover nature by taking a hike along Lake Burley Griffin or exploring Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

A student's journey to Canberra opens up an exciting chapter with numerous fresh experiences and possibilities. To make Canberra your home, immerse yourself in student life, explore the city, and build a support network—even though it might take time to adjust.

Start your day with coffee, participate in a club activity, explore Mount Ainslie through hiking, and open yourself to fresh experiences to understand why students love studying and living in Canberra!

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