Everything Students Should Know About the Australian Culture

What comes to mind when you think of Australia? Clear beaches, well-built people dancing with a beer in their hands or furry native animals? Perhaps a Kangaroo? The captivating land of Australia is located between the Pacific and Indian Oceans in the Southern Hemisphere. Often regarded as the ‘Land Down Under’ due to its location, the continent boosts quite a unique and vibrant culture. It is a delightfully vibrant amalgamation of Aboriginal, the Western styles of living, Torres Strait and other Australian people, evolved over centuries. Whether you are a tourist, student or worker, it is crucial to understand the Aussie Culture. As an international student, embracing the lifestyle in Australia begins with embracing its people. With our experience, we have gathered 10 things you should know about the Australian culture before starting your academic journey.

Laid-back Living

The population of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have inhabited Australia for the past 60,000 years. They have a strong connection to the land rooting a symbolic commitment to their community. Different groups live together and manage their area. Their stories are recorded and passed on through art, written and oral stories, songs and dances. In fact, it is what builds half of their cultural art.

With a laid-back nature, Australian relationships are based on circles around friendship, respect and solidarity. Their no-worry attitude and friendly gestures are welcoming to not only students but to anybody who sets foot on their lands. Formalities are always toned down; conversations are easy. Even with professors and other elders, calling them by their names is not an insult. Moreover, they even encourage it. Be it a casual dinner or a social event, they dress casually. They might just walk in wearing flip-flops if they were in the mood. If they take anything seriously, it’s their leisure time. Beers are their best friends. Their great breweries and wineries are scattered around their lands. But all the shops close by 6 PM. Exceptionally, restaurants stay up late but their last hour is 10 PM.

Love for the Outdoors

If you have seen Australia, you cannot resist falling in love with the views. There is no doubt that people love the outdoors too. The cities offer art, music and enthusiasm while the countrysides are filled with breathtaking landscapes. The government, too, support their artistic pursuits with special grants for events like Sydney’s Art and About, Vivid Sydney, Brisbane Street Arts Festival and more.

Aussie beaches are bliss. But they are not limited to weekend swims, sunbakes and surfing. The golden sands in Bondi Beach exhibit events like the annual Sculpture by the Sea, showcasing artistic installations against the backdrop of the ocean. One of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Whitehaven Beach is, literally, a tropical postcard coming to life. Surfers Paradise Beach offers excellent surfing conditions and an even better party joint. Secondly, you can see skyscrapers towering over its shoreline! Their 11,761 recorded beaches are spread over an ever-changing 50,000+ kilometres of coastline, each exceptional. About 85% of Australia lives in close proximity to the coastlines. As a result, their people live consciously aware of the harsh sun and its risk.

Not into beaches? Hiking and camping are popular among Australians too. Sunsets are equally beautiful from the top of their mountains. They also have around 1,019 museums displaying nature, culture, history, anthropology, art and designs, and science and technology. Festivals are vastly and loudly celebrated. Weekends are never dull. In Australia, you can never miss a view. And when you do, there is always a barbeque night somewhere in the neighbourhood. Well, barbies, in their slang.

Expressions

Aussies love their slang. Apart from their accent, there are a few local terminologies and abbreviations students must learn. From ‘G’day” when wishing for a good day to “arvo” when mentioning afternoons, their slang is fun! These everyday expressions will help you adapt and make mates (friends). Oh, and prepare yourself to get a nickname. They love giving nicknames too. You might feel like an Aussie yourself with your altered name. New place, new you?

The Coffee Culture

Coffee is an official part of the Aussie life. So much so that every corner has a distinct fragrance of coffee filling the air. With a strong Italian influence, Australian cafes serve top-notch fresh brews. CNN Travels ranks Melbourne as the 2nd best city for coffee in the world. Brewing is no joke here. Aussies care about the smell of their coffee as much as their looks and tastes. People walking with a coffee cup in their hand is a common sight. Students must try the famous Flat White or Long Black. Although, we are not sure if you’d ever go back to plain old coffee after that.

Sporting Passion

Another thing they are passionate about is Sports. Australia’s performance in the World Cup is a piece of their interest. Besides cricket, Australian Rules Football (AFL) and the Australian Open (AO) bring together the masses. Rugby, Soccer and Field Hockey too are quite popular. Deeply entrenched in their communities, they leave no stone unturned when rooting for their regional teams. Games nights are always a delight. The atmosphere is soaked in enthusiasm filled with cheers. Students can also witness the Grand Prix Motor Race annually in Albert Park, Melbourne. Or maybe some water sports on the weekends.

Equal Living

Diversity is celebrated in Australia. Indian students can not only enjoy Holi Celebrations in Australia but also dwell in the culture of their friends. Students from Vietnam, Brazil, Scotland, Columbia and other countries fly to study in Australia every year. With ambitions filling their bags, they bring in their cultures and traditions with them. Students can engage with one another and learn about the others’ food, festivals, heritage and history.

Australia celebrates them all with its diverse food festivals, art shows and celebrations, and extends them the same rights as their permanent residents. From the publically funded healthcare centres and education system – it is all a part of the experience. As a matter of fact, Australian festivals are an amusement too.

Love for Food

Supported by multiculturalism, Australia offers diverse food cuisines. From traditional Aussi food to modern culinary delights, there is something for everybody’s taste and pockets. Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Turkish, Mexican – you name it! Indian students can explore Moti Mahal Restaurant in Malvern, Surjit’s Indian Restaurant in Annandale, Gaylord Indian Restaurant in Melbourne, and Abhi’s Indian Restaurant and Malabar South Indian Restaurant in Sydney. Furthermore, Flavors of India in New South Wales has a rising popularity for its authentic dishes too.

During the initial days, you might get cultural shock. And it is quite a normal phase of adjustment on a distinct land. But as the days pass, you will love being in Australia. Students get discounted rates in buses, restaurants and other public service places. A little tip – get as involved as you can. When stuck, you can always ask for help.

Like the idea of studying and living in Australia? Let us guide you through. Connect with Studywise International for a FREE CONSULTATION today!