If you are an international student who is starting or continuing your student journey at CSU, we’ve put together some top tips to help you look after yourself and have the best time whilst studying in Australia.
1. Sun Safety:
- Wear sunscreen protection and apply before you go outside
- Apply sunscreen at least 25-30 minutes before swimming and ensure you re-apply sunscreen after swimming
- Wear a hat and UV protective sunglasses. If you’re going to be in the sun for a long period of time, consider wearing long sleeves and a collar
- Avoid spending long periods of time in the sun between 10am and 3pm, as it’s at its hottest between these times
- Follow these tips even on cloudy or overcast days as you can still can sunburnt.
2. Water Safety:
- Never dive into an unknown body of water (you could risk serious injury not knowing what’s beneath the surface)
- Only swim at patrolled beaches or pools (a beach or pool where there are lifeguards on duty – look for signs)
- Always swim between the red and yellow flags where lifeguards can see you at the beach
- Many Australian beaches have ‘rips’. These are strong underwater currents that can be hard to spot but which can draw you away from the shore quickly
- Don’t overestimate your swimming abilities. If it’s been a while or you’d like to learn how to swim, many local swim centres offer ‘learn to swim’ classes
- Wear a life jacket while boating.
3. Managing the Heat:
- Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day
- Stay in the shade as much as possible
- Wear cool and loose clothing
- Make sure you eat enough during the day
- Do not overexert yourself
- Stay inside in the hottest parts of the day which are usually in the middle of the day to the early afternoon.
4. Getting around:
In most CSU campus towns, buses, taxies and Ubers are the main way to get around. Make sure to google timetables and contact numbers or download apps to find out more information.
5. Emergencies:
Wherever you are in Australia, if there’s a life-threatening emergency, call 000 (zero, zero, zero). It’s a free call, even from your mobile. An operator will answer and will ask which of the following services you need:
- Police
- Fire
- Ambulance
If need some assistance you are able to request to be transferred to a translator who can help.
