What Is Student Life Abroad Like?
Studying abroad is about much more than attending classes. It also involves finding accommodation, making new friends, working part-time, joining university clubs and activities, and adapting to a new culture. These experiences play an important role in helping you grow both academically and personally.
At One Education, we’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about student life abroad, covering everything from accommodation and daily living to safety, part-time work, and student support services. Our expert guidance will help you prepare for your journey and start your student life in Australia or the United Kingdom with confidence.
Last updated: July 2026
Student Accommodation
When studying abroad, international students can choose from a variety of accommodation options depending on their budget, lifestyle, and study destination. Most universities also have dedicated accommodation teams that can provide advice and assist students in arranging housing before they arrive.
The most common accommodation options include:
- University Accommodation (On-Campus Housing) – A popular choice for new international students, as it is conveniently located near campus, offers a range of facilities, and provides an excellent opportunity to meet students from around the world.
- Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) – Privately operated student residences that offer facilities similar to university accommodation, often with a wider range of room types and locations.
- Shared House or Apartment – Ideal for students who prefer greater independence or want to reduce living costs by sharing accommodation with friends or other students. This option is especially popular after students have settled into university life.
- Homestay – Living with a local host family is a great option for students who want to improve their English, experience the local culture, and enjoy additional support during their first few months abroad.
Each type of accommodation has its own advantages and costs. For example, university accommodation is often more convenient and usually includes utility bills in the rental fee. In contrast, renting a house or apartment may be more affordable, but students are generally responsible for managing their own tenancy agreement and paying expenses such as electricity, water, gas, and internet bills.
If you apply through One Education, our experienced study abroad advisors can help you choose the accommodation option that best suits your needs. We also provide guidance on accommodation bookings, pre-departure preparation, and settling into life overseas, helping you start your international student journey with confidence from day one.
Daily Life and Social Life
Absolutely! For many international students, making friends from around the world becomes one of the most rewarding and memorable parts of studying abroad. Although it’s completely normal to feel nervous at first—especially if it’s your first time living overseas—universities in Australia and the United Kingdom are home to diverse and welcoming communities, giving you plenty of opportunities to meet people with similar interests and goals.
At the beginning of the academic year, most universities organise Orientation Week (Australia) or Freshers’ Week (UK), where new students can meet classmates, lecturers, and university staff while becoming familiar with campus life. Throughout the year, universities also offer a wide range of student clubs and societies, sports teams, volunteering programmes, social events, and cultural activities, making it easy to connect with other students and build lasting friendships.
The classroom is another great place to meet new people. Many courses include group projects, presentations, workshops, and class discussions, giving you the chance to collaborate with both local and international students, improve your communication skills, and build meaningful relationships.
In addition, One Education organises an annual Pre-Departure Briefing before each intake to help students prepare for studying overseas. During the session, you’ll receive practical advice on topics such as living abroad, preparing your documents, travelling, opening a bank account, finding accommodation, and settling into your new country. Most importantly, you’ll have the opportunity to meet other students who will be attending the same university, living in the same city, or studying in the same country. Many students make friends before they even leave home, making it easier to support one another after arriving overseas and reducing the anxiety of starting a new life abroad.
Moving to another country is a major life experience, but if you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone and participate in university activities, you’ll quickly discover that making new friends is easier than you might expect. The friendships you build while studying abroad can become lifelong connections and a valuable international network that benefits both your personal life and your future career.
Daily life as an international student in Australia or the United Kingdom can vary depending on your university, the city you live in, and your degree programme. However, most students spend their time attending classes, working on group projects, studying independently, and participating in university activities.
Teaching at universities in Australia and the UK is highly interactive and encourages students to actively engage in class discussions, think critically, present their ideas, and collaborate on projects with classmates from different cultural backgrounds. This learning environment helps students strengthen both their academic knowledge and their English communication skills.
Outside the classroom, many international students choose to work part-time in accordance with their student visa conditions. Others join student clubs and societies, sports teams, volunteering programmes, and university events to meet new people, develop new skills, and build friendships and professional networks that can benefit them both during and after university.
Living abroad also helps students develop valuable life skills such as time management, budgeting, cooking, using public transport, and becoming more independent. These everyday experiences build confidence, responsibility, and self-reliance that will continue to benefit you long after graduation.
Although it may take some time to adjust to a new language, culture, and style of learning, most universities offer comprehensive support for international students. Services typically include Orientation Week, student support centres, academic and English language support, counselling services, and social activities, helping students settle into their new environment and adapt more easily.
If you’re planning to study in Australia or the United Kingdom, One Education can provide expert guidance on choosing the right city and university, finding accommodation, planning your budget, and preparing for life overseas. We’ll help ensure you feel confident and well prepared before you begin your international study journey.
Absolutely! Studying abroad is about much more than attending lectures. Universities in Australia and the United Kingdom offer a wide variety of student clubs, societies, and extracurricular activities that allow students to develop new skills, gain valuable experiences, and build friendships with people from around the world. Getting involved in campus life is an important part of the university experience and can make your time overseas even more rewarding.
Popular clubs and activities include:
- Academic Societies – Such as Business, Engineering, Information Technology, Law, Psychology, and many other subject-specific clubs.
- Sports Clubs – Including football, basketball, tennis, badminton, swimming, fitness, and many other recreational and competitive sports.
- Music, Arts, and Performing Arts Clubs – Including bands, dance groups, photography clubs, theatre productions, and creative arts societies.
- Volunteering Programmes – Opportunities to contribute to local communities while developing leadership and teamwork skills.
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation Clubs – Ideal for students interested in business, start-ups, innovation, and networking with like-minded entrepreneurs.
- International Student Societies – Designed to help international students settle into university life, make friends, and experience cultural exchange.
- Career Development Events – Including career fairs, employer networking events, CV and résumé workshops, interview preparation sessions, and graduate recruitment activities.
Participating in these activities is not only a great way to create lasting memories, but also helps you develop valuable soft skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and organisational skills. These experiences can strengthen your CV or portfolio and make you a more competitive candidate when applying for internships or graduate jobs.
Many universities also encourage students to start their own clubs or societies if there isn’t already one that matches their interests. This provides an excellent opportunity to develop leadership and project management skills while building connections with students from diverse backgrounds.
University life is about much more than earning a degree. It’s an opportunity to discover new interests, develop your personal and professional skills, build lifelong friendships, and create experiences that will benefit both your career and your personal growth long after graduation.
Feeling homesick is completely normal and is something that many international students experience, especially during the first few weeks or months of living in a new country. Being away from family, communicating in English every day, and adapting to a different culture can all be challenging at first, and it’s perfectly natural to need time to adjust.
For most students, homesickness gradually fades as they settle into a new routine, make friends, and become more familiar with their surroundings. Joining student clubs, societies, university events, or international student communities is one of the best ways to meet new people, build friendships, and feel more connected to your new environment.
Universities in Australia and the United Kingdom also provide dedicated Student Support Services and Counselling Services to help students who may be struggling with stress, homesickness, or adjusting to university life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you should never hesitate to reach out—these services are confidential, professional, and available throughout your studies.
Staying connected with family and friends has also never been easier. Thanks to video calls, messaging apps, and social media, you can keep in touch with your loved ones every day, helping you feel supported even while living overseas.
If you choose to study abroad through One Education, our experienced advisors will continue to support you before your departure and throughout your time overseas. Whether you have questions, need advice, or simply want someone to guide you through the challenges of living abroad, we’re here to help. With the right support and an open mind, homesickness often becomes a temporary part of an unforgettable journey that helps you grow both personally and academically.
Student Safety and Support
In general, studying abroad is considered safe, especially if you choose a recognised university and prepare thoroughly before your departure. Both Australia and the United Kingdom have well-established support systems for international students, with universities providing a wide range of services to help ensure students’ safety and wellbeing throughout their studies.
Most universities offer dedicated support services, including:
- Student Support Services for academic, personal, and wellbeing advice.
- Campus and accommodation security to help maintain a safe learning environment.
- Health centres and mental health support services for students.
- Emergency assistance and 24-hour support hotlines at many universities.
- Orientation Week (or Freshers’ Week in the UK), where new students receive practical guidance on living safely, using public transport, and adjusting to life in their new country.
That said, personal safety also depends on making sensible day-to-day decisions. Students are encouraged to choose accommodation in safe neighbourhoods, avoid travelling alone late at night where possible, keep their personal belongings secure, and follow the local laws and regulations of their host country.
Before travelling, it’s also a good idea to familiarise yourself with your new city, learn how to use the public transport system, save important emergency contact numbers, and download useful apps such as maps, transport services, and emergency alert applications. These simple preparations can help make your transition to life abroad smoother and more confident.
If you apply through One Education, our experienced study abroad advisors will support you throughout your journey from pre-departure preparation and accommodation advice to health insurance guidance and practical tips for living overseas. Our goal is to help both you and your family feel confident, well prepared, and reassured as you begin your international study experience.
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Adjusting to life in a new country can take time. Whether you’re facing challenges with your studies, adapting to a new environment, or simply missing home, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to deal with everything on your own. Most universities in Australia and the United Kingdom have dedicated support services for international students, providing guidance and assistance throughout your studies.
The main support services available include:
- Student Support Services – Offer advice on academic matters, settling into university life, and personal wellbeing.
- International Student Office – Provides support for international students, including guidance on student visas, visa extensions, working while studying, and adjusting to life in your host country.
- Academic Advisors or Course Coordinators – Help with course planning, subject selection, academic progress, and study-related concerns.
- Student Wellbeing and Counselling Services – Provide confidential support for stress, anxiety, mental health concerns, and personal issues.
- Career Services – Assist with internships, CV and résumé writing, interview preparation, and graduate job applications.
- Accommodation Office – Helps students resolve issues related to university accommodation or private housing.
In addition to the support provided by your university, students who apply through One Education can continue to contact our experienced advisors throughout their studies. Whether you need help adjusting to life overseas, communicating with your university, or simply want practical advice about living abroad, our team is here to support you. We can help coordinate with your university when needed and provide guidance to ensure any issues are resolved as smoothly as possible.
Knowing that experienced professionals are available whenever you need assistance can provide valuable peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your studies, enjoy your overseas experience, and make the most of your time abroad.
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Choosing the Right City and Lifestyle
Choosing the right city is just as important as choosing the right university, as it can significantly influence your overall study abroad experience. Each city offers a different lifestyle, cost of living, transport system, part-time job opportunities, and social environment. The best city for you will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and study goals.
In Australia, major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne are home to many world-renowned universities and offer excellent public transport, vibrant multicultural communities, and a wide range of part-time job opportunities. However, they also have some of the highest living costs in the country. Cities such as Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Gold Coast, and Hobart generally offer a lower cost of living, a more relaxed lifestyle, and an excellent quality of life, making them attractive options for many international students.
In the United Kingdom, London is a global centre for business, finance, culture, and education, providing outstanding career opportunities and an exciting student experience. However, it is also the UK’s most expensive city to live in. Other popular student cities, including Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, Sheffield, Nottingham, Coventry, and Glasgow, are home to highly respected universities while generally offering a more affordable cost of living and large, welcoming student communities.
When choosing a city, it’s important to consider more than just living expenses. You should also compare factors such as climate, public transport, safety, internship and employment opportunities, local labour market demand, recreational activities, and your preferred lifestyle. These factors can have a significant impact on both your academic experience and your quality of life while studying abroad.
If you’re unsure which city is the best fit for you, the experienced study abroad advisors at One Education can help you compare cities across Australia and the United Kingdom, taking into account living costs, lifestyle, universities, and career opportunities. We’ll help you choose a destination that matches your academic goals, budget, and personal preferences.
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Part-Time Work While Studying
Yes! Many Thai students in Australia and the United Kingdom successfully balance part-time work with their studies while still enjoying university life. The key is good time management. With careful planning, it’s entirely possible to balance classes, assignments, work, social activities, and personal time.
Both Australia and the UK allow international students to work while studying, provided they comply with the conditions of their student visa. Man students choose to work during evenings, weekends, or university holidays in roles such as restaurants, cafés, retail stores, hotels, supermarkets, or even on-campus positions. Part-time work not only helps cover living expenses but also provides valuable professional experience while improving communication, customer service, and English language skills in a real-world environment.
That said, your studies should always remain your top priority. It’s important not to take on too many working hours if it affects your academic performance, health, or overall wellbeing. Choosing a flexible job, managing your schedule effectively, and following your visa work conditions will help you maintain a healthy balance between study, work, and personal life.
University life is about much more than academics and part-time work. Most universities offer a wide range of student clubs and societies, sports teams, volunteering opportunities, and social events, giving you plenty of chances to meet new friends, build professional networks, and develop valuable skills outside the classroom. Many students actively participate in these activities while studying and working, making the most of their international experience.
If you’re planning to study abroad and hope to work part-time as well, the experienced study abroad advisors at One Education can provide guidance on student work rights, budgeting, and choosing the right city and university to suit your lifestyle and career goals. We’ll help you create a balanced study abroad experience that is both enjoyable and rewarding.
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Student Stories and Experiences
Absolutely! Speaking with current students or alumni who have studied abroad is one of the best ways to gain a realistic understanding of university life overseas. They can share first-hand experiences about studying, adapting to a new country, finding accommodation, working part-time, living in different cities, and preparing before departure—insights that are often difficult to find on university websites or in brochures.
Throughout the year, One Education organises a variety of Australia and UK Study Abroad Events, where prospective students have the opportunity to meet alumni and current students studying in Australia and the United Kingdom. During these events, they share their personal experiences and answer questions about university life, accommodation, living costs, part-time work, and career planning after graduation.
Students who apply through One Education are also invited to attend our Australia and UK Pre-Departure Briefing before they leave for their studies. This event provides an excellent opportunity to meet other students who will be attending the same university, living in the same city, or studying in the same country. You’ll also have the chance to connect with alumni through our community activities, helping you build friendships, gain practical advice, and feel more confident before you travel.
If you’re still unsure which country, city, or university is the best fit for you, hearing directly from students who have already experienced studying abroad can make the decision much easier. Their real-life insights can help you better understand what to expect and give you greater confidence as you plan your own international education journey.
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