Settling into Macquarie

Like any student arriving at a new university, you will experience a period of adjustment. However, being an international student you will not only be adjusting to new teaching and learning styles, but also to a new country, culture, and maybe even a new language.

If you are an experienced traveller you may find these changes relatively easy. However, if this is your first time in a new country you may initially experience mixed emotions - excited, fatigued, happy, confused, revived, frustrated, inspired, sad - and often in succession in the first few weeks.

The following lifestyle tips are designed to help you adjust:

• Talk with family or friends about how you are feeling, particularly those who have travelled abroad. The staff at ISS welcome any discussions of this nature and are professionally trained to assist.
• Enjoy some of your favourite things from home - photos, home wares, foods, magazines, music, etc.
• Read about Australian culture - the newspaper will help you get a feel for what is going on.
• Attend Macquarie's Orientation Week and meet many other students also new to the University and Australia.
• Participate in programs offered by International Student Services.
• Join a University Club or Society.
• Ask for more information if you need it - Australians are friendly people and love to help each other.

Please consider the student support services (SSS) that are offered to all Macquarie students - www.sss.mq.edu.au

Preparing For Study in Australia

University students in Australia are expected to be independent, self-motivated, and able to organise their own study times. This means that you may not have as much direction from the teaching staff as in your past studies. Be prepared for 200 or more students in lecture theatres, fewer hours in lectures, and more hours of independent, self-directed study.

You will also be expected to participate in tutorials, which are smaller than lectures, and where you will need to join in discussions and give oral presentations. Another surprise to many international students is the large amount of reading and writing that is required. It is a good idea to brush up on these skills before university starts.

There is also a lot of constructive debate, both written and spoken, as students are encouraged to discuss their opinions about theories and ideas. It is important to come to Macquarie University with a questioning mind, and to realise that there is not always only one 'right' answer.

Students and lecturers almost always talk to each other using first names, rather than more formal forms of address. It is accepted practice to contact your lecturer by using their university email or visiting their university office during consultation times, but it is not appropriate to visit them or call them at home!