Welcome to Australia! Below is information that you will need during the semester including details about your housing, what to do when you are sick, local transportation and more.
IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you keep TEAN’s contact details on you at all times in case of emergency. If your reason for calling/texting is not an emergency, please try to call/text during regular office hours (9:00 AM to-5:00 PM Monday-Friday).
As you start to get into the swing of things, we want to highlight some common concerns that may come up. We often see the same concerns raised each semester, so you’re not alone!
Feeling “disconnected” from the campus: This may happen for those living off-campus. As you go back and forth to campus for O Week you may feel isolated from the campus community. Don’t worry! As classes start, you’ll find that you aren’t actually on campus that much and end up really loving where you live. You definitely won’t regret living in off-campus!
Feelings of homesickness/anxiety: This is probably one of the most common concerns we hear during the first few weeks of the program. It is very normal to go through varying levels of homesickness. Some people may feel minor “pangs” of missing home and what is familiar, while others may feel fairly intense feelings of sadness and anxiety. The first week in your new home can be very overwhelming – you’re in a new city with new people, a new culture, new school, new everything – and it’s not uncommon to wonder if you have made the “right choice” to study abroad. These feelings will pass. When classes start and you get into a routine, you’ll start to feel more comfortable and confident in your new setting and the feelings of homesickness should start to lessen. That said, if they don’t please reach out and let us know. The universities have excellent counselors on campus who you can meet with and talk to. Also, please remember to take things day by day – you’re dealing with a lot of adjustments and often some exercise, eating well, getting lots of rest and talking to other students can help. You’ll probably find that lots of other people are feeling the same way but aren’t sharing how they feel. TEAN staff are also on campus often, at our coffee catch ups and other events, so do let us know if you want to talk. We can call and message to provide support also.
Concerns with roommates: It’s not uncommon to wonder if you have been matched up with the right people in your housing. You may have clicked with someone at the TEAN Orientation who you’re not rooming with or may even be in your own room feeling isolated. Some of you may never have lived with roommates (or flatmates as we call them) before, so it’s a learning curve! Be open and make sure to communicate; share how you feel about things in an honest way. Set some apartment rules that you all agree on and discuss how to best bring up issues. You’re here just for approximately 100 sleeps – try not to let minor issues become major worries during the semester.
Some things are more expensive: Yes, the cost of eating/drinking/going out is often very expensive compared to what you might be used to. The best thing to do is plan a budget for the semester and stick to it. Buy food and cook at home, search online to get good travel deals for the trips you want to take, remember to always have a supply of food/snacks in your apartment for when you’re hungry during those late night study cram sessions as shops close early, AND take advantage of the FREE TEAN events we offer! The coffee breaks are a must – they include a drink, a free bite to eat and a chance to chat with us!
Getting used to the teaching style: First of all, don’t freak out when you get your first assessment grades back – they will seem very low to what you are used to. In Australia you earn points (starting at 0 and going up to 100), while in the U.S. you start at 100 and points are deducted. It is very hard to get very high grades (High Distinctions and Distinctions) in Australia. Assessment grades are often worth a larger percentage of your overall grade than what you are used to as well. There are no “weekly tests” in Australia. You may find that your mid-term exam carries a 50% weight. Because there usually aren’t regular tests or assignments, you may feel like you don’t have much to do then find yourself cramming for a test or rushing to prepare a paper. Set a study and school work schedule for the semester and stick to it, even when it may feel like you have a light workload. If you are struggling at any point, please go and see the academic staff. They are all there to help with an open door policy, but you need to take initiative and go to them.
Internet annoyances: The internet speed and data limits in Australia are not what you are used to in the U.S. We have fairly slow internet here and data limits so you aren’t able to stream and download shows all the time. The internet speed certainly takes a little time to get used to but hang in there – it’s just a more chilled out internet, all will be okay!
Be aware that using your U.S. debit card internationally could incur significant fees. Some banks have arrangements with “partner banks” in Australia for fee-free ATM withdrawals, so check the details of your account. If you have not already organized a travel card or debit card to use on your semester abroad, you may want to consider opening an Australian Bank account.
On the University of Newcastle Campus there are two major bank branches: Newcastle Permanent and the Commonwealth Bank. If you are planning on opening an Australian bank account (advisable to avoid processing and ATM fees), I would choose the Commonwealth. Primarily this is because you can open an everyday account with no transaction or monthly fees for the first 12 months, which you can set-up online up to 3 months before you arrive in Australia. Commonwealth is also a nationwide bank with a greater network for support should you face any issues accessing money.
If you plan to travel to another country when in Australia, you may benefit from another account with no International ATM fees. Citibank Australia offers a debit card with no fees for International use.
For any emergency situation, contact the police, ambulance or fire by dialing 000
All TEAN participants receive an overseas health insurance policy included in the cost of the program. This Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) will allow you free or discounted access to the University Health Service and to public hospitals.
If you just need to see a doctor, it will be in your best interest to see the on-campus service. If you go to another doctor, you will need to pay upfront and make an insurance claim (keep your receipts from all medical services).
An on campus doctor is available on Level 1 in the Student Services Centre.
Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm both during semester and breaks
Phone: (02) 4921 6000
Newcastle Calvary Mater Hospital
Edith St & Platt St, Waratah
The closest public hospital to Callaghan Campus. Open 24/7 for Emergencies.
Phone: (02) 4921 1211
John Hunter Hospital
Lookout Rd, New Lambton Heights
The largest Hospital in the region and within 10 minutes of Callaghan. Open 24/7 for Emergencies.
Phone: (02) 4921 3000
Your OSHC is covered in your fees and will be outlined during your University of Newcastle orientation period. Please visit this website to clarify any concerns regarding claims, or consult UoN officials at orientation.
University of Newcastle
Provider: Allianz
Kaylene Smith is the OSHC Customer Service Representative. Visit them on-campus at the UON Global and City Hub.
File a Claim with Allianz
Most students who have successfully gained employment in Newcastle from previous TEAN programs have done so in the hospitality industry, working in either Bars or Cafe’s. The short time frame that you are in the area can sometimes be a deterrent for potential employers. Retail and on-campus jobs for the University are also potential options to make some money.
In your search for a job, I suggest you inquire in-person and leave a resume. This opens up many more potential employers, as they may not be openly advertising job vacancies. If you are doing this, be prepared to show the potential employer that you are equipped to handle the position.
Alternatively, you can search these popular online hiring databases:
If you want employment in a venue with a license to serve alcohol, you will more than likely be required to get your RSA certificate – Responsible Service of Alcohol. To get this certificate, you will have to complete a course either in-person or online to demonstrate your ability to responsibly supply alcohol to patrons. The University will offer courses at a discounted rate throughout the semester, however it may be too far through the semester to be useful. The usual cost of this certificate can range from $100-$150.
To ensure you are completing the proper accreditation, check that the provider is listed on the NSW Government website.
Living on Campus, the closest Shopping Centre/Grocery store will be at Stockland Jesmond – about 5 minutes on bus #226. Here you’ll find a Drug store (Pharmacy), Grocery Store and a few different clothes stores etc.
If you fancy having a large variety of shops to choose from for clothes, electronics, sportswear etc, Charlestown Square will be an ideal destination. 20 Minutes on Bus #28 from Belford St at Dixon St, or 25 minutes on Bus #100 from Callaghan.
Newcastle also has an abundance of specialty stores and “Op-Shops” aka thrift shops.
Newcastle will play host to many farmers market throughout your stay here, usually on weekends. For example, the Olive Tree Market at Civic Park on the first Saturday of every month, Street Feast (venue changes) last Saturday of the month which is a food truck event and Rummage with is for pre-loved clothes, usually every three months.
Dive into the campus culture and connect with other students by joining a club or student organization. Each of our partner universities in Australia offers a ton of different options and opportunities to suit a range of interests. Below, you’ll find examples of some of the most popular associations at different institutions plus links to find even more clubs for each school.
UON supports over 100 student-run groups, including sporting, academic, social, cultural and faith-based associations. See a full list of clubs here.
Games for Overseas & Local Students & Staff (GOALSS)
Take part in friendly competition in a casual environment with weekly basketball and soccer games and more.
Newcastle University Student Environment Club (NUSEC)
Contribute to the community and environment while you’re abroad, participating in beach cleanups and other environmental/sustainability initiatives to preserve and protect Newcastle’s natural beauty.
iLead Plus Leadership Program
Apply to the iLead Plus leadership program to add to your resume, as well as your networking, leadership and professional skills.
NUMates
NUMates connects international students with domestic students and organizes social activities. There is also a student group on campus called UNESN, which brings together exchange, study abroad and international students.
Newcastle has a reliable public transport system consisting of buses, trains, light rail tram and a ferry, while the University also runs a free shuttle from Callaghan to the City Campus. The best way to get transport information and plan your trip is with the Transport NSW website and the Opal Travel App, which you can download for free on both Apple and Android phones.
Remember that if you ever get lost or confused, it’s perfectly fine to ask the bus driver or a local how to get somewhere – Novacastrians are friendly people!
To use the public transport you’ll want to get yourself an Opal Card. You can buy an Opal card in local Newsagents or online. Once you get an Opal card, you can register and top up your balance on the Opal website or App. Opal cards are used on buses, trains, ferries and light rail all across NSW. Don’t worry if you forget or have lost your card, single tickets are available on buses and trains, however an Opal card is a quicker and cheaper option.
There is a minimum Top Up of $10 at both retail stores and online. Be aware that online Top Ups may take upwards of 1 hour to process, whilst registered newsagents or stores (marked with the opal logo outside) provide instant Top Up services.
You must tap your card on the card reader when you get both ON and OFF public transport. If you forget to tap off, you will be automatically charged $10 instead of your actual travel fee. Please remember that you will have to pay full adult fare, not concession, for your Opal and single ticket purchases. Fines apply, and nobody likes fines.
The light rail tram system will take students from the Newcastle Interchange to the City Campus. You can also hop on the light rail from the city campus and you’re just 5 minutes from the final stop across from Newcastle Beach.
The train is an easy option to commute between the Callaghan Campus and Newcastle, as well as the rest of the Hunter region. Most of you will spend a few weekends in Sydney over your time here, and the train is the most convenient option to get to and from the Sydney region. This trip will take 2.5hrs – 3hrs and will cost around $6 each way; except on Sunday when all trips to anywhere in NSW on public transport is just $2.50! Perfect for a day trip!
The best option to get around to different parts of Newcastle, particularly if you don’t have a bike or a friend with a car, is the buses. Potentially confusing at first, as long as you have your Trip Planner and Opal card, you can explore wherever you want! In around Newcastle harbour there is also a free bus zone, so get to know it and save some money.
If you need of a lift, perhaps after a late night out, I highly suggest using Uber instead of a Taxi. Taxis are very expensive, even in the Newcastle area, but be particularly wary if you are travelling in Sydney. If you do get stuck and need a Taxi, you can ask the venue you are at to call one for you, or call 132227 (13CABS). Other rideshare apps are available in the bigger cities, but Uber is the most popular.
The first thing you need to know about the University of Newcastle is that there are two separate campuses in Newcastle – the Callaghan Campus and the Newcastle City campus. Student accommodation is on the Callaghan Campus, home to most of the courses offered at UoN. The City campus holds the majority of classes for the Business & Legal Schools. Make sure you check what campus a class is at before enrolling.
From: University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus
A free Shuttle Bus runs between the Callaghan and City Campuses every 30 minutes between 7:15am – 10:15pm, just remember to bring your student ID to use as a ticket.
A free shuttle bus operates on the Callaghan campus Monday to Friday from 8am to 12 midnight. The Callaghan campus is quite large, so use the shuttle to cut down your walk on a hot day!
More information about the shuttle, including the bus locator app, can be found online.
To contact the police, fire depart or for an ambulance in case of emergencies: 000
Andrea Ciotti
Resident Assistant – Newcastle
0499 277 393 or andrea.ciotti@teanabroad.org
Laura Carroll
Resident Director – NSW
0422 445 224 or laura.carroll@teanabroad.org
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