Living on the Gold Coast
Everything you could ever hope for in a new home can be found right here on the Gold Coast.
Farms and forests encircle a city that is interconnected by more canals and waterways than Venice. With 300 days of sunshine and an annual average temperature of 29 degrees Celsius the Gold Coast’s idyllic landscape provides the perfect environment for outdoor pursuits like walking, cycling and water sports, which all play a big part in the city’s lifestyle.
In 2023 booking.com named the Gold Coast one of the 10 Most Welcoming Cities on Earth, and with tens of thousands of international students from all across the globe choosing to make this city their second home you can be assured of enjoying a richly diverse lifestyle within a supportive local culture.
A third of our residents were born overseas, creating a truly multicultural city, but it’s the Gold Coast’s laid-back lifestyle that has earned us the reputation of being one of the most welcoming and liveable cities.
With our world-class education and training facilities, the Gold Coast is simply a wonderful place to live and study. If you’d like to explore the city’s many lifestyle options including, arts, entertainment and events, visit Experience Gold Coast.
Transport
Flying to Queensland
Gold Coast International Airport is located at the southern end of the city at Coolangatta. It is approximately 40 minutes by car to Surfers Paradise.
There are many transport options to get you to and from the airport which include Uber, taxis, hire cars, or SkyBus.
Brisbane Airport is a major international airport that connects Queensland with many other parts of the world.
From Brisbane Airport, you can travel to the Gold Coast by car in approximately one hour. Alternatively, you can travel on a train direct from Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast which takes approximately 90 minutes.
Many private companies offer shuttle bus connections from Brisbane Airport to and from your accommodation location on the Gold Coast.
Getting Around the City
Stretching along a narrow strip of spectacular beachfront, the Gold Coast is a very easy city to navigate. The majority of vehicle traffic runs north-south along the Gold Coast Highway (near the coast) and the M1 Motorway (west of the highway) with major arterial routes heading east and west off those two thoroughfares.
The city’s public transport operates the same way, with the tram (G:Link) sharing the highway route and the train line following the motorway corridor with buses servicing locations on both sides of each line (train and tram). A go card is your ticket to travel on all Gold Coast public transport and the card can be bought online, as well as at train stations and some retailers. As a tertiary student, you will likely be eligible for a 50% discount, but you must apply for the concession via Translink.
Student Essentials
Gold Coast Student Hub
One of the best thigs about being a student on the Gold Coast is the amazing level of support provided through the city’s institutions and particularly, the Gold Coast Student Hub. Located in the heart of Southport at 43 Nerang St, the Hub is a study space that offers many free services, including professional counselling, accommodation assistance, social events, job support and workshops.
Accommodation
Accommodation options on the Gold Coast include private rental properties (where students often share houses or apartments and the associated costs); residential colleges (on or near campuses); purpose-built student accommodation (including studios and multi bedroom share apartments on or near campuses); and homestays (where you have your own room while living with a local family).
There are many factors to take into consideration when choosing your accommodation, including cost, convenience, leases and bonds (private rentals), and nearby facilities (shops, medical centres, etc…). If you are having trouble finding accommodation the Gold Coast Student Hub has advisors who can help you. For a comprehensive guide on accommodation options, including links to agencies and helpful organisations, visit our Accommodation Page.
Bank Accounts
The easiest way to manage your money in Australia is to open a local bank account. Aside from the convenience of access to your money, you’ll be able to pay your rent and bills and transfer funds between accounts without having to worry about international transfer fees. You’ll also need an Australian bank account if you decide to get a part-time job while you study, or if you’re on a scholarship, as these payments cannot be made to overseas accounts.
There are many banks to choose from in Australia, including the four major banks – Westpac, ANZ, Commonwealth and NAB (National Australia Bank). To open an account you’ll need to take proof of identification to a local branch of the bank.
Mobile Phone
There are many telco providers in Australia, the major ones are Telstra, Optus and Vodaphone. Whether you’re considering buying a new phone, or getting a SIM card for your existing phone, the major providers all have retail outlets across the Gold Coast that can help you. Whatever you decide to choose, you’ll have the option of getting a prepaid or monthly plan, so consider your budget carefully to avoid unwanted expenses.
Employment
As an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (every two weeks) and full-time during holiday breaks. Gold Coast Student Jobs is a great resource for students and graduates seeking work (full-time and casual), as well as volunteer and internship opportunities on the Gold Coast. It’s a free service and all jobs listed are exclusively for students and graduates.
Before working in Australia, you will need to get a Tax File Number (TFN). Your TFN will ensure that you are taxed at the correct rate for the amount of work you are doing. Visit the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website for information about applying for a TFN.
.
Emergency
The number to call for all emergency services in Australia (Police, Fire Brigade or Ambulance) is Triple Zero (000).
.