Getting started in Perth: my advice for settling in

Hi, I'm Samphelma and I'm an international student from Bhutan! I'm studying an MBA Global at Murdoch University.

Moving to a new country to study can feel exciting, overwhelming, and a little nerve-wracking at the same time. I've been living in Perth for a little over 2 years, and since arriving, my journey has been full of learning, new connections, and personal growth. It's been long enough to feel settled, but I'm still constantly discovering new things about the city. 

When I first arrived, I was a little nervous as I hadn't stayed away from my home country for such a long time before. The first few months can feel overwhelming, but I've found that things slowly start to fall into place as you become familiar with the city and routines. 

I've learned that to truly enjoy Perth, you need to push yourself outside your comfort zone. The more you socialise, the more opportunities you create to network and make friends. Perth is very diverse, and people celebrate many different cultures and festivals here, and they're a great opportunity to meet other international students from all over the world! 

I met most of my friends through my classes and StudyPerth events. I made an effort to attend workshops and social events, which helped me connect with students from different universities. I also used LinkedIn to stay updated on networking events and activities around Perth. Even attending one event can make a big difference, especially in the beginning. 

Tip: Say yes to social invitiations, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. It really helps with settling in.

Pursuing an MBA had always been on my to-do list, so choosing my course was easy. I wanted a course that covered a wide range of topics that gave me exposure to different aspects of business, and the MBA Global offered that. 

I chose to study at Murdoch University because they already had lots of Bhutanese students which made the environment feel open, welcoming, and easier to adjust to. And the global focus of their course has helped me build a broader perspective beyond my home country. 

Tip: When choosing a course, look beyond rankings, check the course structure, flexibility, and student community.

Finding accommodation as a student can be challenging, especially if you're new to Australia. When I arrived, I stayed with a friend for a month before we found a place together. Sharing a house is often the most practical and affordable option for students. Some universities and education providers provide accommodation support services, so it's worth checking if yours does. Some student find accommodation through Gumtree or Facebook groups, but it's important to be cautious to avoid scams. 

Tip: Start your housing search early and always inspect places in person if possible.

I was lucky to have a friend help me set up my bank account, SmartRider card, and phone number. I later found out that StudyPerth provides free SIM cards to international students at their Airport Welcome Service, so if you're arriving soon, make sure to sign up for yours! 

Students are eligible for discounted fares through Perth's public transport system, Transperth. Make sure you set up your student SmartRider card early to take advantage of the lower fares. 

Tip: Don't hesitate to ask for help. Student services and support desks are there for a reason, and they want to help you!

Having spent much of my high school and college years in boarding school, I found that I adjusted fairly easily to being away from home. I do miss home, but staying connected with family online helps a lot. Keeping myself busy also makes a big difference, like going for walks, exploring local parks, and joining free student activities really helps. Following university pages for updates is also a good way to stay involved. 

Tip: Homesickness is normal. Staying active and connected really helps with managing it. Knowing that there are well-being support services provided for free also helps because there is a safe space for you to openly share how you are feeling.

Back home in Bhutan, when I was working full-time, I didn't have much time to explore. As a student, I've had more flexibility to explore Perth and enjoy activities beyond classes. There are still many places I want to visit, and I'm slowly checking them off my list. 

Tip: Follow Instagram pages like @perthisok, it's been my go-to for discovering places to visit, and I've saved so many spots from their posts. 

My advice for international students new to Perth is don't rush the process. Take time to research, explore, and ask questions. Socialise as much as you can, your experience will grow the more open you are to trying new things. Growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone.

One thing students often overlook is using the tools provided by their university. Beyond the apps you can easily browse or download, make sure you're actually using the platforms your university gives you access to. Keeping your documents organised and backed up is key, especially during busy periods. I've also found that tracking expenses and maintaining a simple budget in Excel makes student life much less stressful in the long run.

I also found StudyPerth to be extremely helpful throughout my journey, from career assistance and resume support to sharing events and opportunities. Make sure to follow them on social media, subscribe to their newsletter and visit the Student Hub in the city!

To all the new students, best of luck and cheers to new beginnings!