Sydney is a multicultural city with a population of over four million people, from 180 different nations and representing 140 different languages. The city is also home to thousands of international students and features one of the world’s most beautiful harbours.
Sydney is the finance and commercial powerhouse of the country, and offers an exceptional quality of life with varied international cuisines, arts, entertainment and sport. There is something for everyone in Sydney, so make sure you get out there and
discover it!
The Australian climate ranges from tropical to temperate and Sydney has a temperate climate. The wettest months are March to May; the coldest month is July and the hottest months are January and February. The average rainfall is 1,200 millimetres per year. Average humidity is 62 per cent.
Summer (Dec-Feb) Max 28.5 Celsius Min 18.2 Celsius
Autumn (Mar-May) Max 22 Celsius Min 14.5 Celsius
Winter (Jun- Aug) Max 16.8 Celsius Min 8.6 Celsius
Spring (Sep- Nov) Max 21.7 Celsius Min 13.3 Celsius
Sydney has a mild climate that encourages Sydneysiders to enjoy many outdoor activities.
For current weather conditions please visit the official Government website.
The Macquarie University campus is accessible by bus and train services from the city centre and surrounding suburbs. The new Macquarie University train station is scheduled to open in early 2009. For more information about the project please click here. Sydney 's public transportation system provides bus, train and ferry services. For general enquires, timetable and route information call 131 500 or visit the website.
Student Concession
Private international students in New South Wales are not eligible for travel concessions for public transport. The only eligible international students are those sponsored by the Australian Government and students involved in formal university exchange programs.
Concessions are available for international airfares for international students. The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally accepted proof of status. For more information please visit the website.
Familiar food can be a great comfort when you are living far from home and Sydney is a great place for finding all sorts of international restaurants, cafes and markets that stock exactly what you buy at home.
Information for Muslim students
Eatability - Best Sydney restaurant guide
Sydney markets
In keeping with Australian thinking, Macquarie University recognises and respects your religious choices. Australians embrace people from all walks of life, cultures and religions. For example, if your religion prohibits you from eating certain foods or drinking alcohol, you will be able to maintain these customs.
A good source of information is Macquarie University's chaplaincy services. The Chaplaincy service provides information and services on various religions and denominations including: Anglican, Greek Orthodox, Baptist, Jewish, Brethren, Muslim, Buddhist, Presbyterian, Catholic and Uniting. The Chaplaincy is located in building C9B near the U@MQ building. Please click here to visit the website. In addition, Macquarie University offers separate Muslim prayer rooms and ablution facilities for both men and women in the Ground Level, Building E3A. For more information please click here.
You may wish to extend your religious community while in Sydney , and there are a variety of religious communities and church services available in Sydney. One way to find a community or place of worship near your home is to look in the telephone directory.
Anglican
Baptist
Brethren
Buddhist
Catholic
Greek Orthodox
Jewish
Muslim
Presbyterian
Uniting
For more information about Religion at Macquarie visit the website.
Sydney offers a rich and vibrant arts and entertainment scene with new concerts, opera, jazz, theatre and cinema regularly available. Sporting activities are also popular and swimming, tennis, golf, many codes of football, cricket, squash and other activities cater for both participants and spectators.
City of Sydney website.
In Sydney , there are many weekend markets where you can purchase cheap and second hand goods. Make savings by purchasing food in bulk and sharing the costs among your group of friends or flatmates.
Weekend markets in Sydney website.
Things to do in Sydney