My Adelaide life

Adelaide is as diverse in its people, as it is in what it offers. We asked two international students to share why they chose Adelaide to study and live, and their favourite city finds.

Why Adelaide?
I chose to study in Adelaide because of the Bachelor course I’m doing – it’s a globally recognised course. My father had also done the same course – he is a University of South Australia graduate! Coming to Adelaide - somewhere I'm unfamiliar with - was scary. But when I first arrived, people were very welcoming. It was the first time being alone in a foreign country, so that was really nice. One of the things I love about Adelaide is how the city is structured and planned. You can find everything easily.

What are you up to right now?
Currently, I’m President of UniSA's International Student Business Society: Malaysian Chapter. ISBS caters for the welfare and development of the field of business for students, particularly Malaysians in Adelaide. We organise social and business-related events for students to have a platform to network, gain more business insights and have fun! I’m also a Student Ambassador for StudyAdelaide and help out with their social media. Despite my commitments and responsibilities, I strive to study hard, obtaining a CGPA of 6.50 and UniSA's Chancellor's Letters of Commendation.

Favourite city discovery
Free bike rentals from Bike SA around the university! We can bike around the entire day, and then return it at the end of the day. Also, Adelaide is surrounded by the Park Lands. And I particularly love Victoria Park (Pakapakanthi / Park 16) because you can get a really good view of sunset in the evening, and that, for me, is a really good discovery.

Tips for new students
Put yourself out there, just go for it! Join clubs, be in executive positions, go to networking events, or any events. At the end of the day, you can tell yourself, "Yeah, I didn't just get an education. I improved myself in ways that I didn't imagine possible." I think that’s much more rewarding than getting a high GPA.

Why Adelaide?
I’ve been living in Adelaide for more than two years, completing a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Marketing at the University of Adelaide. I chose this university as it’s in the top one per cent of the world’s universities.

I enjoy Adelaide’s convenience. Everything is within a five-minute walk. The student life here is so vibrant with lots of affordable amenities and a variety of places to eat and go on the weekends. As a student, living in the city is also really affordable. You can walk to what you need, catch a free bus around town and there’s lots of cheap food options available, plus Chinatown for buying groceries.

I recommend Adelaide as a study destination, especially for international students. It’s provided me with a wide range of opportunities. If you put yourself out of there and open up, you’ll find Adelaide is not just a place, it's your home.

What are you up to right now?
I finished my degree at the University of Adelaide last year and I'm in a graduate program with a local packaging company. This is really my dream, because I can experience the local working environment but still get exposure to the global scene.

Favourite city discovery
The State Library. When you walk into the State Library, it’s new and modern. Then, a small corridor leads you into the old wing. Walking through it takes you into a whole new world (Mortlock Wing, State Library of South Australia).

Tips for new students
Register for a free tour by the City of Adelaide where a local tour guide will take you around the city. Also, befriend locals to learn more about the city and life here. Finally, seek help and support from your university and other organisations like Study Adelaide – it’s free!