A guide to Sydney for international students

Don't miss the Lord Mayor's Welcome for International Students on Wednesday 6 March. Book your free ticket.

Every year thousands of students from around the world make their way to Sydney to study.

Our harbour city is a great place to make new friends and amazing memories. But getting settled can be tricky.

From transport to accommodation and exploring our city, this information will help you make yourself at home.

Finding somewhere to live

Sydney is a great city, but it’s not always easy to find a place to live. If you’re thinking of sharing with others, follow our quick guide to make sure your new home is safe and comfortable.

Our share accommodation tips are available for download in multiple languages. If you encounter illegal accommodation, you can get further advice on our website and lodge an anonymous report.

We have resources to help you find somewhere to live. Photo: Getty Images

Find the best things to do

If you're looking for things to do in Sydney, check out What's On. It’s your trusted guide to what's happening in Sydney.

There are lots of free and ticketed events, exhibitions and experiences on offer.

Sydney culture walks

Explore more than 400 historical sites and public artworks.

There are 21 self-guided walking tours in our free Sydney Cultural Walks App.

Learn stories about Sydney’s streets and suburbs and our city's history.

Maps guide you from start to finish and the app gives you distances between sites. Navigate your new city and learn fun facts even the locals might not know!

Darling Square Library in Haymarket is one of our 9 branches that you might like to visit. Photo: Adam Hollingworth / City of Sydney

Visit a library

The City of Sydney local area is home to 9 library branches. Membership is free and gives you access to free wifi, computers, room hire and our collections.

See 10 things you can do with a library card. Explore the catalogue now.

Join a celebration of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities at the free NAIDOC in the City event. It's held every July during NAIDOC Week.

Learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

The original Aboriginal inhabitants of the City of Sydney local area are the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation.

The Gadigal are one of 29 clans of the Sydney metropolitan area referred to collectively as the Eora nation. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have an unbroken and ongoing connection to our area.

Visit the Barani website to learn about the histories and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Peoples or visit a cultural centre.

Find events, exhibitions and tours celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history on the What's On website.

Spend time outdoors

The weather in Sydney is a big drawcard and a great excuse to spend time in the great outdoors. We're proud of the open space in our local area. Find a park near you.

While beaches aren’t in the centre of the city, they’re just a bus or train trip away.

Gunyama Park in Zetland is our newest aquatic centre. Photo: Chris Southwood / City of Sydney

Swimming in a city pool

Sydneysiders love the water and the City of Sydney has 6 world-class aquatic centres, right in the heart of the city. Students get discounted membership fees.

Not a strong swimmer? You can improve your swimming skills and water confidence with adult swimming lessons.

Heading to the beach

Make sure it is one patrolled by Surf Life Saving NSW. Look for the red and yellow flags and only swim between them. This is always the safest place to swim and is watched over by lifeguards and lifesavers. It's dangerous to swim at unpatrolled beaches, even if the water looks calm.

Find out more on the BeachSafe website. The site includes current information and conditions for every beach in Australia. For more beach safety tips, visit Surf Life Saving NSW.

Always swim at a beach patrolled by lifeguards and between the red and yellow flags. Photo: Getty Images

Getting around on a bus, train or ferry

Sydney’s public transport network includes trains, light rail, buses and ferries. It’s easy to jump on board with contactless payments available on all forms of transport.

If your bank card shows the contactless symbol you can use it to pay for your travel. American Express (AMEX), Mastercard and Visa credit or debit cards are accepted.

You can also use an Opal card, a smartcard for public transport. Use it to pay for travel on public transport in Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, the Hunter and Illawarra regions.

Make sure you tap your debit or credit card or Opal card when you get on and off public transport in Sydney. Photo: Mark Metcalfe / City of Sydney

Buy one over the counter from Opal retailers, including convenience stores and newsagents. Add value before you travel and tap on and off to pay your fare.

Transport for NSW manages public transport.

Cycling

We’ve made cycling in our area easy with connected cycleways across our city.

Find out more by downloading a Sydney cycling map. To stay safe, you should be aware of local road rules.

Bike riders have the same rights and responsibilities as others on the road. But there are also some rules that are just for cyclists.

Take a cycling course or get information about cycling events in Sydney.

Stay safe

Police officers visit Redfern Community Centre

Sydney is a popular and safe city for international students.

If you need help, NSW police are available. They investigate crimes and keep the peace. They’re separate from the government, the army and the defence forces in Australia.

If you have any concerns about your safety, your university or college can help you.

In an emergency call 000 (triple zero) to contact police, fire and rescue or ambulance. The call is free of charge from any phone or mobile.

If you need to report a crime that is not an emergency, call 131 444 for the Police Assistance Line.

Redfern Legal Centre provides free, confidential legal advice for international students.

Working and volunteering

Getting a job, an internship or work experience in Sydney is a great way to meet new people, make money or complement your field of study.

Study NSW has helpful information about employment and work opportunities.

Your student visa may restrict the number of hours you can work while you're studying in Australia. Find out more about working and student visa requirements at the Department of Home Affairs.

It’s important to know your rights at work. If you need assistance, the Fair Work Ombudsman is a federal government agency that provides free advice and enforces Australian workplace laws.

Download the Insider Guide to Sydney - an independent guide that helps international students learn more about finding accommodation and work, seeking legal help, meeting new friends and understanding Aussie slang.