Sydney

Sydney is a city, world famous for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and the 2003 Rugby World Cup, and the perfect choice for studying. It is a beautiful, safe city, well known for its friendly people, clean air and cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Tourist Attractions

Bondi Beach
UIC is about 25 minutes by bus from Bondi Beach, one of the most famous clean beaches in the world. People swim at the beach in Australia year round, though it gets a bit cold during the winter. The sand is white and clean, and the water is clear. St James College organises excursions to Bondi Beach and other local attractions.

Circular Quay, Sydney Harbour and the Opera House
UIC is a 10 minute bus / train ride or 30-40 minute walk to Circular Quay, Sydney Harbour and the world famous Sydney Opera House. 

Click here to go to the Sydney Opera House website

Parks and Gardens
Large, well-maintained parks and gardens are scattered throughout the city. Many people relax in parks on their lunch-break or use parks for recreation (such as picnics, cycling, walking or roller-blading) on the weekend. Some of the most beautiful parks in Sydney include Hyde Park (see photo below), The Botanical Gardens and Centennial Park. Hyde Park is in the middle of the CBD and is only 20 minute walk from SJC.

Click here for more information about Sydney's Parks and Gardens

Taronga Park Zoo
Taronga Park Zoo is situated a 15 minute ferry ride from Circular Quay, and is a very popular tourist attraction. There are many native animals such as koalas and kangaroos, as well as exotic species such as lions, tigers, dolphins and whales.

Click here to go to the Taronga Park Zoo website

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Sydney as a student depends a lot on the lifestyle you lead. The Australian Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) recommends that international students budget for $12,000 AU per year. This is estimated to cover costs such as accommodation, food, education resources, basic entertainment and public transport.

Some basic estimates of costs per week may be:

- homestay (includes most meals, bills and accommodation) : $200 - $250 p/w
- transport: $20 p/w
- additional food: $40 p/w
- school books / stationary/ photocopying: $10 p/w
- entertainment: $40 p/w

Weather

The climate is mild year-round.

In summer (December / January / February) the weather is warm and sunny, averaging 27 degrees Celsius during the day and 20 degrees at night. People wear t-shirts, shorts, jeans and skirts.

Sydney winters are mild, (June / July / August) averaging 17 degrees during the day. You will need to bring a couple of jumpers and warm pants, but you probably won’t need gloves!

Food

Sydney offers many types of cuisine for all budgets. Snack bars, cafes and restaurants all serve high quality fresh food. SJC is around the corner from Chinatown where there are many restaurants and supermarkets with a wide range of food.

Transport

Sydney has a comprehensive and safe public transport system which includes a network of trains, buses, ferries, monorail and light rail. Students can get discount tickets and weekly transport passes. There are also many taxis available.