If you are in Year 10 and above, it is strongly recommended that you come to one of these days. It’s a great chance to set foot on a university campus, feel the vibe of university life, and get up close and personal with staff and students. On top of that, there are usually heaps of things to do during your visit including live shows, free BBQs, tours and interactive workshops.

While information and open days are pretty straightforward, there are a couple of tips that you should keep in mind to make the most of them.

Check the dates of university open days

This is a minor thing but it could save you a lot time. Check if there any universities that are holding their information/open days on the same day. If this is the case, organise your day so that you can make it to them.

Do your research

This is an important tip if you want to maximise your time during your visit. Take a look at the university course guide or their website. Is there anything that you want to know but isn’t mentioned anywhere? Do you have a question you’re desperately seeking an answer to? Jot it down but there’s no need to write a long list of questions. However, having some in mind does help when it comes to talking to staff and/or students.

If you have no exact idea what you want to do, the best thing to do would be to still browse the courses offered. If you’re absolutely stuck, don’t worry because there are careers advisors on hand to help you on the day.

Ask questions

Most of the time, the students and staff are pretty nice and approachable so don’t be shy or scared about asking stupid questions. They are there to help you make a good decision about your future career. More often than not, the best advice or piece of information that you get is from word of mouth.

Not sure what to ask? This is where that little research might help but here are some suggestions. Ask staff why they would recommend their particular university and for courses like Business (a staple course at most universities), what makes the university stand out from others that offer the same thing, and what the job prospects are.

If you meet students, ask them questions about university life, how is it different from high school, and why did they choose their course. The good thing about talking to students is they have been in your shoes and unlike university lecturers and tutors, they can offer you more personalised and relevant information.

Explore the university campus

You might be spending your next few years at a particular university so you might as well check out the campus. Some universities offer campus tours but if they don’t, nothing is stopping you from taking a stroll through it. Just don’t get lost and keep a map on you.

Participate in activities

Universities always run information sessions related to different aspects of the university including transition to university, scholarships, applying for uni, and exchange programs. There are also talks which are faculty-based and you should definitely attend those. Sessions are not long and last about an hour.

Depending on the faculty, there are often interactive workshops that you can attend. They could range from short classes that give you a chance to experience life as a university student to hands on activities and live demonstrations.

Have fun

Bring your supersoaker if this is your definition of fun!

The best thing about university information days is the festival atmosphere. Take advantage of the entertainment universities have on offer including live music and free barbeques. It’s even better if you come along with friends.

At the end of the day, university open/information days are whatever you make of it so enjoy it.

I can still remember the shock of discovering that Facebook wasn’t blocked from the computers at uni. Then I remembered: this isn’t high school any more. No more teachers hovering, making sure you’re doing your work. Responsible uni students would understand the computers are there for assignments, not for Facebook. I don’t know any one who believes the previous statement, but everyone is willing to pretend it’s the truth, so I’ll let it stand. Another shock at my first ever uni lecture was the big announcement that this lecture, and every other lecture in the topic, would be recorded and put online. ‘Therefore,’ my lecturer emphasised, ‘If you happen to miss a lecture, you can go online and catch-up.’ The overflowing lecture theatre on my first day hasn’t been overflowing since. Universities have cottoned on that students are embracing technology, and, even if the majority of the time it is for social networking sites, Universities need to get on board and utilise the technology of the 21^st century.

In theory, recorded lectures are great. If students have a clash in their timetable, they can catch up the missed lectures at their convenience, and if a student is sick or has no choice but to miss a lecture, they are able to replay the whole thing instead of relying on someone else’s notes. If there is an essay question that relates to a specific lecture, just a few clicks of the mouse will ensure the student can pick up some information they missed the first time around. It seems that recorded lectures are the way to go, offering students more flexibility in their timetabling.

You can still catch up on missed lectures if you are "sick"

Then there is the syndrome which comes with recorded lectures: the I-won’t-go-to-uni-and-listen-to-it-later syndrome. There is one perfect summer day left, before autumn will morph into a never ending winter. It is the absolute last opportunity to spend the day at the beach for another six months or so, and, despite the Law, English Literature and Philosophy lectures scheduled for the day, it is obviously a much better decision to spend the last beach day at the beach. The recorded lecture will be waiting online to listen to that night. The day is amazing. Once at home, there is no use in ruining a perfect day by listening to lost lectures. Tonight becomes tomorrow, tomorrow becomes next week and next week becomes swot vac. One missed lecture probably won’t cost you the course. But a semester of missed lectures isn’t necessarily the way to go, unless you’re prepared to take the topic again next year.

Another downside is that for everything technology is (let’s face it, who could even imagine studying without the Internet these days?), it isn’t the most reliable system. Failed recordings, human error, lost tapes, slow to be uploaded onto the Internet, not having the right system requirements to playback information. Everything that could go wrong, will go wrong, usually all of them in all topics, at some point during the semester. This isn’t helped by the fact that uni lecturers are, for the most part, of an older generation. A generation who was not born and bred on technological advancements. Fixing slight working errors is therefore not second nature to several of the lecturers, and time delays while waiting for tech support to come and fix the problem often cuts the lecture time down significantly, leaving the students who attended to go online to download the lecture notes anyway.

You have been warned! This does happen as many lecturers are not very tech savvy

Despite the hiccups that come with almost any form of technology, recorded lectures are the way to go. More universities should seriously consider using the technology in order to help students with the flexibility of timetabling, enabling them to take courses which may clash. At the end of the day, it is the student’s choice in how they choose to make the most of their university education. If making an appearance on campus for the lectures works best, or listening to the lectures later or not at all, it is purely the student’s decision. No one is going to enforce lecture attendance, or tie the student to a chair and make them listen to the lecture audio. Sure, Facebook is a more appealing option than playing back lectures. But at the end of the degree, with a diploma firmly in hand, do you really want to look back on three or four years of study and find that while you can recite the highs and lows of Facebook friends in all that time, you’re not entirely sure what you went to university for? I didn’t think so. Yes, we’re in the 21^st century- but we can use the tools we have to aid us in our studies, not deter us.

If this sounds like you, the first thing to realise is that you’re not alone. Stacks of students shuffle round each year trying to find their niche, with some changing courses, taking a break or leaving uni altogether.

University is not the be all and end all. However, if you are struggling, the one thing you cannot do is ignore the problem, because there are consequences. The first is that you may have to attend a meeting with the university’s Academic Board, which will work with you to decide your future. This may mean taking fewer classes, seeing a careers adviser or leaving uni altogether.

The second is that uni costs money, and the more classes you fail, the more money you waste. It may not seem that important now, but by the time you reach that 40k threshold you may have two kids and a mortgage. Thirdly, and most importantly, ‘failing’ strikes a severe blow to your self esteem. Coupled with the judgements of friends and family, things can feel pretty dismal.

Loving your course?

What’s going on?

The first thing to do is to figure out is why you are struggling. Have you had a change of heart after leaving school? Are things at home difficult? Are you struggling to make ends meet? Ask yourself these questions honestly, because the answers determine what to do next.

If the course is at the root of the problem, book yourself in to see a careers advisor straight away. It may seem silly, but they know the uni inside out, and can help you transfer into another course or uni that better reflects your interests and learning style. Some people just don’t fit into the lecture/tute pattern that universities subscribe to, and may thrive in a more practical setting.

University coincides with a huge period of personal development – it is not realistic to expect everyone to love their year 12 choices forevermore.

Maybe it's time to make a change ...

If you are experiencing personal, financial or organisational problems, a counsellor would be your first port of call. Unis are often very accommodating if you’re struggling for personal reasons, and there’s no reason to add extra stress onto an already stressful life.

Some people work too much to be able to cope with uni, while others are in strife because they can’t get enough work. Some people need to work on their time management skills, while others may need extra tuition. Reorganising your life can be tough. A third opinion provides perspective and a fresh set of options.

No matter what your situation, see a counsellor. Unis often have subsidised services on campus, and youth centres may provide their services for free. Seeing a careers advisor or psychologist is nothing to be ashamed of. Seeking help is one of the bravest things we can do, so feel proud, not ashamed. Use these sessions to work out why you are failing, what you want out of life, and how you are going to get there.

Road to recovery

Roads to recovery:

Be proactive. If you are failing classes, pay your lecturers a visit and explain your situation. Lecturers are often quite nice, and may offer you extra tutoring. Getting to know your teachers may also provide you with some back up if you get called up to the Academic Committee. If you have assessments looming, find out if you qualify for special consideration – run with it while you sort out your life.

Talk to your family. Parents often go into panic mode when their kids come home saying “I got an F and I hate uni”. Both you and your parents are human, so neither of you will probably approach the situation in the most successful way. This can lead to rows and tears and more misery. Sit your parents down over a cup of tea and start a brainstorming session. It will be a lot easier for you to make the difficult decisions about your life with your family’s support and help.

Explore other options. If this uni or course isn’t for you, look at others. TAFES offer a more practical learning environment, and often offer completely different courses to what you’re used to. If you feel like a break, think about taking a gap year. You could save up some money and then backpack. Australia has some pretty cool relationships with countries such as Germany, France and the UK, which allow you to work overseas.

You could even consider doing some volunteer work in Africa or South America. Such experiences give you some space from old expectations, and you often come back with a clearer idea of who you are and what you want to do next.

No matter what, there are solutions. The worst thing you can do is nothing at all, so take control of your life and find your own path to success.

“Right, so… What kind of job will you get at the end of THAT degree? It is a degree isn’t it?”

This, unfortunately, is an unpleasant conversation you may have to experience if you choose to study a course which doesn’t have a simple yellow-brick path to a career. Yellow-brick paths are paved for those studying medicine, heath, business, accounting, law or education. I’m sure you can think of many others.  Unfortunately for many looking for a creative career there’s nothing but a dirt track.

So why, I hear you asking, why would you put yourself through the humiliation? Why choose to study something you’re passionate about rather then something that will pay the bills at the end of the day?

These are things you have to consider when you’re umming and ahh-ing over which course to do. University is a commitment, you will be dedicating three to four years of your life to writing essays, studying and doing those awful exams. University is not just about becoming an even smarter cookie, but it’s also about experiencing and learning new things. You want to be able to enjoy what you’re learning and of course at the end of the degree you want to be able to walk away with experience in more than just mastering the art of beer pong. You want to be able get employment at somewhere other than just at the golden arches – McDonalds.

The first thing to do is ask yourself what exactly it is that YOU want to do. That’s right I’m talking to you and only you dear reader. Don’t listen to your Mum and Dad breathing suggestions over you while you fill in university applications, they will only try and attempt to live their dreams through you. They will also try and persuade you to study a university degree that will you get a high paying job; the type of high paying job which ensures that you and your family can bathe in wads of cash. But be firm; swat them away with a fly swat or a tea towel.

It doesn’t matter how much money there is in IT/Engineering/Commerce/Medicine etc if you don’t like it then a lifetime working at it will have you yanking out tuffs of your hair. University is about breaking free from the nest, time to start flapping those wings of yours and make your own decision about you want to do.

The problem with choosing to study your passion is that often the career options are limited, and what is out there is claws-out, a full-on cat fight competition. But do not be discouraged; do not take one look at the job jungle and scurry into accounting as being aware of your options is the best way to go into university. If you have your eyes wide open from the beginning you will be able to make the best of the opportunities. Trust me, at university there is plenty to get involved in.

Talking to a career adviser is also a pretty good idea too; they can help you untangle the messy stuff in your head so you can have a clear, refreshed mind when applying for university courses.

Even before beginning university there are opportunities you can have to get an insider’s taste of a creative career. Creative careers are often found in tight-knit communities and from the outside it may seem similar to a secret society with a secret password bolting the creative employment from the world. However this is not the case, doors are usually wide open or opened after a single knock. No passwords or cult-like robes here.

Unfortunately, to get friendly or to use that awful word “network” with creative employers you will have to be willing to do a fair bit of free work. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as work experience, internships and volunteer work can give you a great glimpse into what employment and opportunities are out there. Often free-work is followed up by paid opportunities as employers already know your work ethic and strong commitment. Paid opportunities are usually not advertised but are given to those they know and trust already.

Yeah, I know what you’re thinking. Studying your passion may seem a lot harder than studying an average degree, as there’s more commitment (and unpaid work) involved but it won’t seem like work as it’s what you love doing.

Remember that it’s your decision on what you do. It doesn’t matter if all your best-friends are doing nursing, good on them, but if want to do a degree in print-making, do it.

Don’t just listen to your instincts, download them and play them on a loop on your iPod. And if you do choose to take the dirt path be confident that when someone does ask that dreadful question you answer with confidence,

“Yeah it is a degree and I love it. I know a job isn’t exactly certain at the end of it. Still I would not want to be studying anything else.”

Here’s a checklist:

• Flight Tickets.
• Visa
• Health Check
• Health Insurance
• English Skills Assessment
• Character Check
• Academic Records
• Income Statements
• Accommodation
• Packing

Flight Tickets

Perhaps you’ve been overseas before, but I doubt you’ve had to live on our own. There are a couple of things you’ll need to get done before you fly. First off, book flight. The sooner you book one, the cheaper it’ll be. Ticket prices also peak sharply around late January and July when students flock back to Australia. You’ll probably save a small sum with an earlier departure date especially if your folks are flying with you. Look up your University’s Orientation Days and be sure to land at least a couple of days prior to yours. It is advisable to get settled in before you orientation. Once Uni life kicks in, you might become overwhelmed. You should definitely attend your orientation. You’ll get shown around on little tours and get to meet new friends. All administrative matters, student cards, OSHC, enrolment and timetables will also be settled on O-day too.

Visa

Unless you’re coming to Australia under really strange circumstances, you’ll be getting a student visa. You’ll be able to apply for everything online. You will need your COE to apply for the visa. Start off here and select the “higher education”. While the process is done entirely online, you will need to prepare several things in advance. Keep in mind, some of these items will take time to complete and you’ll be unable to submit your visa application. Make sure you get on these early, early, early!

Visa Checklist:

• Confirmation of Enrolment
• Health Check
• Health Insurance
• English Skills Assessment
• Academic Records
• Character Check
• Income Statements
• Application Fee

The first requirement as mentioned is your COE. Without it, you will not be able to begin applying. You’ll also need to get a medical checkup at a panel doctor that is recognised by the Australian Department of Immigration. You’ll be screened for general health problems and contagious diseases like TB and HIV. You will have more pressing concerns then getting a visa if you fail your medical. You’ll have to take a chest x-ray and give blood and urine samples. These tests will take time to process and until then, your visa application will be left hanging. The first ting you should do after receiving your COE is to get a health check appointment. Your doctor will lodge your medical results directly with the Immigration website saving you the hassle with paperwork.

It is a requirement of your visa that you maintain health insurance while residing in Australia. The Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is your best choice and will cost you about $382 AUD per annum. OSHC is an insurance that will cover you for most medical and hospital care while in Australia. This includes limited ambulance and pharmaceutical services. Note that you can get OSHC from several different providers and your university might suggest one for you. Worldcare is one example. Click here for more information on OSHC. A useful piece of advice, if you plan to head back to your home country for more than a month during holidays, you can suspend your OSHC coverage for that period. OSHC will not cover you outside of Australia anyway. This time will be then added to the end of your cover, effectively extending the length of your cover.

Since you have your COE, you’ve probably met the English language requirements set out by your university. You’ll need some evidence of this for your visa application. Generally, this refers to your IELTS results however, there are some pre-university courses that offer recognised English subjects that you may use. You’ll also have to submit a copy of your academic history. Make sure you still have the original copy of all your transcripts and school leaving certificates for this purpose.

You will need to show proof that while in Australia, you will be able to pay for  your travel, tuition and living expenses. Ensure you have met the financial requirements. Most students are fully funded students, under a FAM scholarship (Father And Mother). Evidence will range from income statements to scholarship documentation.

Last but not least, there is an application fee for your student visa. It isn’t cheap, but it’s probably dwarfed by your tuition fees anyway. You’ll need a credit card on hand to complete the application with the payment. Once thats submitted you can breathe a sigh of relief and rest your computer-weary eyes.

Accommodation

Welcome to the biggest headache you’re going to tangle with as a student, housing.  While it varies from place to place, this is a general guide. Here are the basic types of housing you can find:

The safest option for your first place will be either a residential college or student accommodation because they are easy to apply for and secure offshore. If you happen to have a money tree in your backyard, consider opting for being babied with a residential college experience. Don’t expect a Hogwarts, or an American Pie style dorms. Colleges offer a study-life balance and a fantastic opportunity to mix with the local Aussies. If you hate cooking, or can’t be bothered, college even offers meals, tho some may be off questionable quality. If college life is a little too expensive, look into student accommodation offered by the likes of Student Housing Australia (SHA), College Square and Unilodge among others. While such accommodations are much less active in organising social events, you’ll be surprised how many course-mates and friends you find living in your building.

Homestay is a less common but nonetheless a great option to consider. You’ll get to live with a born and bred Aussie family, and experience local culture like nowhere else. Homestay is generally cheaper then other forms of accommodation and meals are provided. In exchange, you’re expected to pull your weight around the house and help with chores and such. If your friends and family consider you to be friendly, helpful, tidy, tolerant and (more importantly) tolerable perhaps you should sign up for a host family. The only downside is fixed mealtimes and perhaps even curfews. Homestays may also be located someways from your campus so be prepared to spend some time and money travelling. Girls will also have a much easier time finding a host family, tough luck guys!

For the daredevils (or financially challenged) out there, you can definitely try sharing a room or renting a living room. It’s out there, it’s dirt cheap and it will keep your life exciting. Many other students or young working Aussies are looking to exchange their privacy and perhaps their couch to help cover rent. You’ll need to look on websites like gumtree. Since this arrangement is casual, you’ll have to be careful of prospective sub-lessors pulling out at the last minute. Make sure you have a backup plan and inform someone of where you are going to stay. If you have the chance, meet up and have a coffee with your potential sofa-landlord to get a feel of them. Keep an eye out for couples who have put baby making on hold, eager to rent out spare rooms.

Finally, private accommodation. In inner Melbourne or Sydney, this is real estate war. While there seems to be an abundant supply of rental properties on the market, don’t be fooled. Demand tends to exceed supply unless you’re looking for a one bedroom apartment on the 37^th floor for $400 a week. Here’s the main problems with private rentals:

•  You can’t apply to lease a property unless you have inspected it (requirement by law). You can however get someone to inspect it for you in proxy. Expect twenty to thirty people to show up to inspections.

•  Private rentals only get listed about a month before availability. This makes it difficult to plan for housing anymore than a month in advance. Student accommodation will let you book a place way in advance. Therefore you’ll need to be in Melbourne almost about a month before you want to start renting. Where will you be living at the time being?

•  Leases are for one year. You may well find yourself paying blind rent if you head back home during the long summer break. Worse still, should you choose to move, you may find yourself paying double rent when the leases overlap.

•  You may have to furnish your apartment which is just really difficult to do offshore.

I’d recommend private accommodation for your second year, but not your first rental unless you know someone in Australia who is willing to help you out. You can check you private listings here.

Packing

Now that we’ve gotten the hairy bits out of the way we can focus on the fun stuff, shopping! Depending on your flight (you’ve booked it already right?) you’ll have about 25 kilos of check in baggage. Plan your packing accordingly as baggage surcharges can be very costly. Also keep in mind that the maximum weight per piece of luggage is 32 kilos so the baggage handlers don’t pop a spine. You’ll need to pack according to which part of Australia you’ll be studying as the weather varies across Australia. Your pre-departure briefing will have more specific advice on this. Don’t worry too much about bringing food from home as you can probably buy it here for a little bit more. Don’t forget that you’re here to study, not put on a fashion show everyday at Uni, so don’t overpack clothes (unless of course, you’re studying fashion). You might also cave into peer pressure and decide to buy clothes here. Coincidentally, my girlfriends claim the shopping here is better. Try to bring clothes that you can layer when it get colder and don’t forget to pack something waterproof for those rainy days. For the love of feet, please bring some reasonable walking shoes, I’m talking to the girls here. Something useful to bring is a multi-socket extension cord. You’ll only need one adapter for all your chargers, electronics and such.

Check your checklist!

Make sure you’re really ready to fly a few days before your flight. That way you’ll spend your last hours saying your farewells and not last minute packing. When you’ve checked off that last box, you’ve just cleared your first hurdle to student life. Hope you’re ready for the rest of it.

‘Maybe the dingo ate your baby!’

One cannot be more laid back than an Australian. Many nationalities have their stereotypes. Germans are said to be very serious, organised, and efficient. Americans have an arrogant, fanatically patriotic attitude and a love for all things deep fried. All French people walk around in berets and striped sweaters and carry sticks of bread. Australians are the only people in the world to have laziness as a cultural icon. The phrase ‘she’ll be right’ basically sums up what it means to be an Aussie today.

This article is written for the international students, or those looking to embrace their inner Croc Dundee. If you feel like you’d like to fit in a little bit more on campus, then have a look at these simple tips that will have your friends saying ‘crikey!’ in no time.

Begin all sentences with ‘mate’.

Or, as many as physically possible. The word ‘mate’ is generally associated with a friend, comrade, or associate. Today however, its usage is generally accepted amongst total strangers. Examples include, ‘mate, I’ve got no idea,’ ‘mate, I completely made up that assignment,’ and ‘mate, you can’t wear thongs to my sister’s wedding.’

Have a beer at every opportunity.

Beer is the nectar of life in Australia, and a great social lubricant. It seems like an almost compulsory component of catching up with mates in Australia. Claiming you don’t like beer will often lead to queer looks and awkward situations when you reach the bar with friends. When it comes to ordering rounds, everyone must participate regardless of financial status. Nobody wants to become that friend who mysteriously disappears when it’s their turn to buy drinks.

Monday is for talking about football (or cricket).

Find yourself in an awkward moment in your Monday morning lecture, as you sit next to someone you’re sort-of-but-not-quite-yet friends with? Problem solved! Ask them how many footy tips they got last week! You might find you share a mutual hate of Carlton, or a lack of skill in tipping. Most Aussies have a keen interest in some kind of sport, so you’re pretty safe if you start a conversation with ‘so did you catch the game on the weekend?’ Please note, you’ll come across unknowledgeable if you begin with ‘how about that local sporting team?’

Become accustomed to the ‘o’ suffix.

Hang around Australians long enough, and you’ll soon notice a trend in the development of nicknames. Sticking to the ‘lazy’ tradition, names either get an ‘o’ slapped on the end or get chopped in half. Damien becomes Damo, John becomes Johnno, Ben becomes Benno…you get the idea. Creativity makes way for efficiency when it comes to Australian nicknames, so don’t go expecting to have some elaborate nickname which hints at your cultural identity. If your name ends with an ‘m’ or ‘n’ sound you have no hope.

Just no.

Get a tattoo.

Maybe it’s because of our convict foundations, but Aussies can’t get enough of tattoos. Seems like anything we have a remote connection to, we don’t mind getting permanently inked to our bodies. The problem is that many Aussies suffer from identity crisis; they get tattoo styles of foreign cultures they have absolutely no connection to. One might get Chinese lettering on their arm without much knowledge of what it actually means. One might get a Brazilian flag on their chest because their brother’s uncle’s cousin’s sister’s former roommate spent a weekend there. If you do decide to get a tattoo in Aussie tradition, please, please, please, do not get a southern cross. It’s just tacky and it makes people think that you don’t remember where you’re from.

DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES:

• Wear a hat with corks
• Say ‘shrimp on the barbie’
• Say ‘crikey’, unless impersonating Steve Irwin (in good taste)
• Wear a singlet and stubbies if not attending a sporting event
• Admit you listen to Kylie Minogue
• Try and sing the second part of ‘Advance Australia Fair’. No one knows it.

Hopefully now you have a little bit of an idea of what it takes to become part of our great nation. We may be a bit lazy, crude, and poorly dressed, but we are a friendly people. Next time you’re in class and feeling a bit out of place, just look at the person next to you, nod your head, and say ‘g’day!’

And they say the internet makes you less social… Couchsurfing is what happens when internet gurus caught the travel bug: travellers from all walks of life make contact with an equally diverse pool of  hosts, offering good company and a couple of beers in exchange for a bed (couch, sleeping mat) for a night, a week or a couple of months. Humans are a social bunch, but we’ve been bogged down by suspicion and fear – extending a helping hand to a penniless traveller is one way of forming friendships and connections between people from all walks of life.

The art of couch-surfing ...

How do you get started?

To get started, you need to create a free account on the Couchsurfing website. Make sure you write an interesting profile, as this will help you find a couch, and put up plenty of photos of yourself, your pets, your favourite tree, for example, as this lets people get to know you. In the section that asks you to tell the world a bit about yourself, for Heaven’s sake, do not start with “umm I don’t really know what to say, but….” It is annoying – there is no place for humility when someone is trying to work out if you are trustworthy or not.

Once you have filled out your profile, you can start hosting or surfing at will.

www.couchsurfing.org

Is it safe?

In my experience, yes. I have surfed in 20 houses to date, with both male and female hosts, in many countries, and am yet to have a bad experience. There will be the odd creep, but most people are lovely and want nothing more than to lend a hand to a broke traveller and grab a pizza and a beer. To be honest, I could never go back to constantly staying in hostels – travelling alone is lonely, and Couchsurfing makes all the difference.

I have stayed with men alone, and have had no problems, though as a girl you do get hit on a bit. Pull out the old phantom boyfriend, or “I just came out of a tricky relationship” and he will quickly get the message that you aren’t interested. If you are interested, the go for it, but always use protection. You never know where a stranger has been, and you certainly don’t want to hear the patter of tiny feet any time soon.

If you are a woman travelling alone, it can be a very wise move to choose only female hosts, or older hosts with established families. That said, I have stayed with many men, and have had many wonderful, platonic experiences.

There are many horror stories, and these should serve as a warning to keep on your toes. However, generally we are overly suspicious of our fellow human beings. If we extend a little trust, most likely we will receive buckets of good will and good times in return.

Is it safe?

Security:

There are a number of security measures built into the whole Couchsurfing process.

Firstly, you can become a verified member. For this you have to make a small donation (however much you want, I paid 10 cents). The organisation then checks that you actually exist by cross-referencing your address with your name. You are then sent a security code via snail-mail, and you then get a little green tick on your profile. Be warned, it can take a very long time to receive your snail mail, as it comes from the USA and is prone to being lost. Luckily, this process is neither mandatory, nor necessary, though it does make you appear more trustworthy.

Secondly, you can be vouched for. This is a process whereby a very good friend or family member, one who knows you inside out, tells the world that you are a good person. If you get a negative reference, your friend’s reputation will be likewise affected. Hence, you do not vouch for someone who is likely to behave badly. Furthermore, you can only vouch for someone once you have been vouched for three times, creating an intricate web of trusted friendships and connections.

Thirdly, the references written about you give an up to date analysis of your personality. If you behave badly, it will appear in your references, and people will judge you accordingly.

Tips for choosing hosts:

It is always important to read through someone’s profile, including the references down the bottom. Firstly, this lets you see what type of person your host is. If you cannot cope with cigarette smoke, steer clear of smokers. Secondly, by reading the references you can see what other people think of this person. Thirdly, some hosts put a sentence like, “put “I love apples” in your request”, so they know you have read some obscure part of their profile.

Also, it is important to be circumspect; there is no point staying with someone who loves going clubbing if you cannot stay awake past 9pm. Similarly, if a male host prefers to host only females, then it might be wise to steer clear of him. One guy in Cork, Ireland,  accepts only female guests because he offers a bed for the night in exchange for “hippy shake-shake”, as he puts it (he did get a lot of very positive references). This guy is thankfully very honest, but others might secretly have similar ideas.

Take the time to find the right host

Tips for writing a request:

When I first started couchsurfing, I had no idea what to write. However now I have a general formula, which is augmented a little for every new request. Generally, it is important to be very original when requesting to stay with an experienced, popular host. Copy/pasted requests are easy to spot and will be ignored. Say something that indicates you have read their profile. You can slack off a bit if you are sending a request to a new host (indicated by a lack of references), but be creative if you are requesting to stay with a seasoned host.

Here is an example:

Hello Joe! (Put the greeting in the national language; always include the host’s name; the ‘!’ makes you sound enthusiastic)

I was wondering if I could surf with you for three nights, on [insert dates]. (This immediately lets the host know if he is available or not)

I am 21, from Melbourne, Australia, and am currently travelling around Europe. (Include the aims for your trip, for example – I am travelling around Europe before heading to Norway to see the Northern Lights)

I am organised, [insert other qualities] – (this is a promise that you will be a respectful host)

I have collected a lot of music on my travels, and would love to share it with you. (This is an offering, like the toy you get in a box of Cornflakes).

Hope to see you soon! (A positive ending; including ‘see’ implies you really want to be hosted by this person).

Jenny

Make sure your request is light-hearted, entertaining, and a good advertisement of your personality. If you see something in the host’s profile that is interesting, refer back to it; for example, “I see you climbed Kilimanjaro! That has always been a dream of mine.”

Once you have been accepted by someone, ask what time it would be convenient for them to meet you. Also make sure you get their address and phone number – so you can still find the house if the you miss the meeting. Always give your host your mobile number, as well as an estimate of your arrival time, and where you are coming from.

Couchsurfing etiquette: Here are a few ways to make sure your stay is as successful as possible:

Keep your things tidy: No one wants a stranger coming into their home and taking over. Keep bathroom things organised, and pack away belongings when they are not needed. If you are staying on a couch, pack up your sleeping things after you wake up, so that the couch can be used during the day and evening.

Hang out with your host: Cook a meal together, go for walks around the city, or go for drinks. What you do together depends often on interest, lifestyle and age differences, and so different approaches must be taken – use your common sense. Likewise, if you want to go out and party every night, only surf with people who enjoy late nights and hangovers. A couchsurf is always more successful if both parties feel comfortable; at first, it may take a while, but after a few surfs, you will easily be able to relate with all the random people you meet.

This is not a hotel: There is nothing worse than accepting someone into your home, under the auspices of companionship and conversation, and have them stay out till all hours of the night, stumbling in drunk at 5 am. If you want to stay out late, ask your host if it is ok to do so; if not, then suck it up and come home earlier.

Do some cleaning: If your host provides you with a meal, the surfer should repay the host by doing the dishes, for example. Your host probably won’t ask you to do anything, so taking the initiative will stand you in good stead.

Respect the rules: some hosts will give you free reign over the kitchen, others will not. Some will give you a key, others will require you to leave when they do. If you are invited into the kitchen, never open anything new, and never finish anything. If given a key, it is generally not a good idea to lounge around all day while the host is out, because you are then responsible for the house and the things inside it. It takes a lot of trust to give a stranger a key, so do not take advantage of such goodwill.

Referencing:

After a couchsurf, whether you are the host or the surfer, you have the option of leaving a reference for the other person. This reference is displayed on both profile pages for all to see, so they play a very important role in making or breaking your reputation. Generally, even if the experience was not totally positive, you would leave a positive reference. If you don’t, your host/guest might leave you a negative one in return, which can only be harmful. For example, you would never leave a neutral or negative reference for a messy house. However, a negative reference would be appropriate if your host attempted to hit on you in a creepy way. If you do leave a negative reference, be sure to state your reasons in detail – the rest of the couchsurfing community might need to know that they should not go near this person!

Here is a sample reference: “Joe was a really great host. He showed me around his city and took me to his favourite bar. We had some great conversations over massive burgers. I really enjoyed my stay with Joe – feel free to visit me if you ever come to my home town!”

Politics:

Couchsurfing, like any organisation, is knee-deep in controversy. There are many flaws in the complaints and administrative systems, and a few question marks hover over where the donation money really ends up. Likewise, the organisation seems to stick its head in the sand whenever the words “sexual violence” and “legal action” pop up. I am not going to discuss this, because so far I have not needed to interact with the organisation itself, and so I am no authority on its political issues. There are, however, plenty of forums that discuss the organisation’s shortcomings, so feel free to look them up.

The answer to this often comes in the form of internships and work experience. Universities have started to recognise this need for practical skills as well as theory, and several courses now have built-in work experience or internships. But in those courses which don’t, students are left to organise their own placement, or risk graduating with little or no practical experience in their chosen field. Which begs the question: how can a student go about finding the perfect internship?

First of all, it is essential to remember that internships are often unpaid. So don’t hang out for a position which is paid if you see what looks like a great unpaid opportunity present itself. It can be a financial blow to take on unpaid work experience, but the opportunities which could arise from the position are probably worth a few weeks or months living on a tighter budget.

Don’t apply for any internship that you come across. Take the time to really research an area you’re genuinely interested in working in, and search for an internship within that field. Most universities have an online database of advertised internship positions and it may be possible to set up an email alert, where you’ll get an email if an internship relevant to you gets listed. There is no point undertaking the often menial work of an internship if it isn’t going to benefit you in the long run.

Do remember that the work is not necessarily going to be the most exciting thing. It may well be making coffee and photocopying

Do remember that the work is not necessarily going to be the most exciting thing. It may well be making coffee and photocopying, but at least it is the chance to be inside the field you want to work in and, even if you’re photocopying and trying to remember how many sugars Mr Whitman wanted in his coffee, you’ll still see, observe and learn about what that industry entails. If you’re happy to do these tasks and don’t complain, you may even get offered a job once the internship is complete.

Make sure you apply! Don’t sit there waiting for something to fall into your lap, and, if you stumble across a suitable position, apply for it. This may seem like obvious advice, but the number of times students won’t bother applying because they don’t think they have the exact skill set required or that they simply won’t get it is staggering. The worst thing that can is happen is you won’t get the internship. It’s much better to have applied and missed out than not to have applied at all.

If you can’t find any suitable positions advertised through the university, there is nothing stopping you from approaching businesses and trying to set up your own. If you’re really serious about gaining some relevant experience while you’re still at Uni this is the way to go. Businesses and organisations within popular industries are likely to have tight quotas and regulations regarding how many work experience or internships they offer each year, and these positions are often filled well in advance. If you receive an email saying the spots have been filled for this year, why not email back asking for a position for next year? Once again, the worst thing that can happen is the company will say no. But you may just find the opportunity you’ve been searching for.

There is nothing stopping you from approaching businesses and trying to set up your own internship.

Don’t disregard help through the student career centre at your university. They are more than willing to help students arrange internships and work experience, and some will even help you through the application process. Think about what you have to offer the internship position and make sure your application reflects these traits. These people don’t know you. They can only judge you on how you look on paper, so it is really important to spend some time getting the application right. After all, sending off any old thing merely shows that you’re not particularly interested in the position.

Internships are becoming more and more important for university graduates. While top grades are still significant, if those grades can’t be translated to practical work it can be a problem. Experience counts for everything, so don’t spend your days off from university catching up on soap operas or drinking through your parent’s alcohol cupboard. Really consider using this time to get an internship, to put what you’re learning at university into practice. There are many opportunities out there, you simply need to be willing to look for them.

Don’t spend your days off from uni drinking through your parent’s alcohol cupboard

So just because we love to shop online, buy every new gadget released by Apple and party like it’s 2012 (not 1999), doesn’t mean we can’t save! It only takes a bit of savvy financial knowledge and some uni student survival skills to send your savings sky high, well at least somewhere above $0.

Here’s some tips that will help any hipster save:

1. Spend less than you earn

How many times has your mum told you to live within your means? And you’ve thought “whatever! I want the new iPhone.” But sometimes the oldies know what they’re talking about. If you’ve got a part time job at a local bar, don’t spend big at UniBar every single night or throw your money away on a huge shopping spree in the city. Make a budget for the week. First put aside money for the necessities (food and travel expenses), throw some money into a high interest savings account and allow one big night out a week.

2. Take advantage of Uni activities

No we’re not the major players of the world… yet. So making use of the free uni activities is really our obligation. Movie screenings is a easy way to hang out with your friends and attending sports matches, of course ultimate frisbee, is great for building up your uni spirit.

3. Check out Youth Allowance

Ah, Youth Allowance, one of the great benefits of being a uni student. If you’re between 16-24 years old and studying (or doing an apprenticeship) full time you’ll most likely be eligible. Once you’ve finished filling out all the forms and proving that you truly deserve Youth Allowance, the benefits will hit you hard. You’ll usually receive around $1000 a semester and $240 a fortnight (depending on your situation). Make sure you report your earnings because Centrelink will make you pay it all back if you earn too much.

4. Get some fantastic plastic

And we’re not talking about credit cards. The concession card is a good little piece of plastic that will come in handy throughout your 3-5 years at uni. Flash your student card around town and you’ll get 10% off MAC laptops, a fee free bank account and discounts on products, events and travel. Plus make sure you keep those loyalty cards for the uni cafes so you can earn your free latte after so many purchases. Check out Perkler to find out about more loyalty cards.

5. Buy your text books second hand

Those heavy things called text books are truly worth their weight, costing around $100 a pop. Check out your campus second hand book store or have a look at the notice boards in your faculty. If you’d rather search from home, browse eBay and online book stores to find a bargain.

6. Public transport or car pool

Owning a car will literally cost you thousands. Think about all the costs: rego, green slip, car insurance, car check ups…the list goes on. Find a friend you can car pool with or take public transport. When you jump on a bus or train you’ll get to use your concession card and you’ll save on petrol, while giving mother nature and your bank account a much needed helping hand.

Following these few tips won’t make you a Mark Zuckerberg mega billionaire straight away, but at least you’ll have some money set aside (Uni Games anyone?) and you’ll be able to declare “I’m a Gen Y and I can save!”

Byline:

Rebeccah Elley

Mozo’s student money expert Rebeccah is a recent UNSW graduate who enjoys nothing more than passing on her tips and tricks for financially surviving uni. Visit the Mozo Student Room for more savvy financial advice!

We have all had those days, when we have received an assignment back from a teacher and stared in pure horror at the grade we have been given. Sometimes it just doesn’t feel right and when we look back, we wonder whether our grade was altogether fair. Without a student union, there is not a whole lot of action you can really take. You probably wouldn’t  know where to start about approaching the university for help. This is where unions come in. Their advocates will help you get to the bottom of your dilemma, providing time and support to make sure you are treated fairly.

Ever had that evil maths teacher that always picked on you? They exist in university too

Need advice about housing, getting a job or any other issues that might be taking up more time than you really have to spare? Student unions can help you out there too. They can offer advice and relevant information to get you on the right track. Many student unions also have websites available for students to post information about accommodation, jobs and things for sale, which can save a lot of time and money. No doubt you will have a massive pile of useless text books by the end of your first year, which would have had a tidy price tag on them when you bought them. Find out whether your student union can help you sell them. Student unions try to promote a unified university life, where students work with other students.

It’s not all advocacy and advice with student unions though. There is another great reason to join them – fun! Ever wondered how to organise a pub crawl or start your own social or sporting group? Well most unions offer these possibilities too. If you don’t want to start your own club or event, then get in contact with your union and find out what is already available. University clubs are, after all, one of the best ways to meet new people and make a bunch of like-minded friends. Plus, many unions offer cheap tickets to a whole range of university events, such as pub crawls and social nights.

It is also worth enquiring about student discounts. Many student unions have discount cards available for students and they can save you a heap of money. Unilife, the university of South Australia’s student union has a card for students that comes free with their membership that works much like an entertainment card. If you spend a lot of money on going out and shopping then a card like this is really worth it, especially if it is free! Who could possibly say no to half price coffee and beer on campus during those all-nighters?

It's hard to determine which is the lesser of two evils..

So what are you waiting for? Fun, advocacy and advice, who could possibly want more? Put aside your preconceived ideas about unions for a minute and consider the benefits a student union could give you: a great way to meet new people at uni (which is always a daunting task), stacks of discounts for all your favourite things, a load of awesome events and sports to get involved in, advocacy for those times when you are sure you have not been treated fairly and priceless advice about how to find work and accommodation while studying. You are probably thinking this treasure chest of splendour, must come with a hefty price tag, but you’d be surprised, most student unions charge very little, less than those pair of shoes you’ve had your eye on, anyway. So think about it for a second, before you delete that email. Maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad idea to join your student union after all. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.