uqmsa survival guide 2014

8/13/2019 UQMSA Survival Guide 2014

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Contents

Hello My Second Home- All about Brisbane 4 - 6- The University of Queensland 7 - 10

- UQMSA 11

- MASCA Queensland 12

Getting Started- The Checklist 14 - 17

- Its Time to Pack! 18 - 19

Brisbane Here We Are- Transportation in Brisbane 20

- Settling Down 21 - 26

- Jalan-jalan! 27 - 28

Who should I contact in Brisbane? 29


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All about Brisbane

Hello My Second Home!

Beer known as Brissy or Bris Vegas especially among

Brisbanites, Brisbane is the most populous city in Queensland,

as well as the third most populous city in Australia. Its metro-

politan region extends along the Brisbane River, which is one

of its most iconic

landmarks.

Its consistent development is aributed to its wide range of

retails, Port of Brisbane, ecotourism, good working opportuni-

es and also comprehensive facilies.

Similar to the districts in Malaysia, there are many

geographical subdivisions in Brisbane, which are calledsuburbs. Among these are St Lucia (where University of

Queensland is located), Toowong, Indooroopilly, Sunnybank,

South Brisbane and West End.

To know more about Brisbanes suburbs, please refer to

hp://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/about-council/council-

informaon-and-rates/brisbane-suburbs/

The CultureWill I just come across Ang mohs (Caucasians) in Brissy??Although English is the universal language here, Brisbane is a mul-

cultural city just like Malaysia. About 30% of its populaon was born

overseas, parcularly from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, India

and China. In 2011, Malaysia was the foreign country with the 9th

most populaon in Brisbane, which was near 10,000.

Approximately 18% of the households in Brisbane speak a language

other than English, including Mandarin, Vietnamese, Cantonese,

Samoan and Spanish.

Among the variety of naons, Asian Australians are the largest ethnic

minority in Brisbane. Hong Kong and Taiwanese-born Australians pre-

dominate areas such as Sunnybank, Sunnybank Hills, Streon and

Robertson.

In fact, Sunnybank and its surrounding suburbs are known as TaiwanTown or Lile Taipei due to the large populaon of Taiwanese. On

the other hand, Asians from China, Malaysia and other Southeast

Asian countries are more commonly found in metropolitan areas.

Korean Australians also comprise a signicant proporon of

Brisbanites.

Founded:1824

State:Queensland (a.k.a. Sunshine

State)

Area:5950 km2

Populaon:2.2 millions (as in June

2012)

Time Zone:Australian Eastern Time

Zon (UTC+10:00)

Climate:Humid subtropical
http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/about-council/council-information-and-rates/brisbane-suburbs/http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/about-council/council-information-and-rates/brisbane-suburbs/http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/about-council/council-information-and-rates/brisbane-suburbs/http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/about-council/council-information-and-rates/brisbane-suburbs/http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/about-council/council-information-and-rates/brisbane-suburbs/http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/about-council/council-information-and-rates/brisbane-suburbs/http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/about-council/council-information-and-rates/brisbane-suburbs/http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/about-council/council-information-and-rates/brisbane-suburbs/http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/about-council/council-information-and-rates/brisbane-suburbs/http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/about-council/council-information-and-rates/brisbane-suburbs/http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/about-council/council-information-and-rates/brisbane-suburbs/http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/about-council/council-information-and-rates/brisbane-suburbs/http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/about-council/council-information-and-rates/brisbane-suburbs/http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/about-council/council-information-and-rates/brisbane-suburbs/


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The Landmarks

Queenslanders

Interesng enough, Queenslander is

ambiguous it may refer to a person fromQueensland or, in this case, the characterisc

architecture style of Queensland. It is primarily

used for residence, disnguishing Brisbanes

suburbs from other capital cies. A

Queenslander is constructed using mber,

usually with vercal stumps that make the

main living spaces o the ground. Such

architecture style serves to cool the

building by means of venlaon and alsoto protect the building from termites and

other pests.

Wheel of Brisbane

The Wheel of Brisbane is a transportable

Ferris wheel erected at the northern en-

trance to South Bank Parklands, which is

just across the river from the Brisbane City.

It is about 60 meters tall with 42 air-

condioned capsules which can accommo-date up to six adults and two children

each. A ride of approximately 12 minutes

oers you an awesome 360 view across

the city.

Do You Know?

The designer of the Wheel of

Brisbane is Ronald Bussink, a

leading designer for giant

Ferris wheels in in Australia,

Canada, Paris, UK, USA and

many other places for over

25 years. The Eye on Malay-

sia, which used to operate in

Kuala Lumpur in 2007 and

then in Malacca from 2008

to 2010, is also one of his

masterpieces!


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Brisbane River

With a length of 344km, Brisbane River is the longest river in the Southeast Queensland. Sit-

uated along the river are the many metropolitan suburbs of Brisbane, making it strategic to

travel from one suburb to another by ferry. There are by far 16 bridges crossing the Bris-

bane River, among which the more renowned ones are Story Bridge, Goodwill Bridge and

Victoria Bridge. 5 new bridges will be established in coming years for beer accessibility.

Story Bridge

The Story Bridge is a heritage-listed steel canlever

bridge,which is the longest in Australia. Connecng

Fortude Valley to Kangaroo Point, it allows passage

for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. It is named

aer John Douglas Story,a prominent public servant

in Brisbane.

Do You Know?

John Douglas Story entered the

Queensland Public Service in 1906.

He contributed to the establishment

of the University of Queensland and

was a government representative on

the University senate. UQ J. D. Sto-

ry Building (Building 61) was named

in his honour.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heritage-listedhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heritage-listedhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heritage-listedhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantilever_bridgehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantilever_bridgehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Douglas_Storyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Douglas_Storyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantilever_bridgehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantilever_bridgehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heritage-listed


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UQ is one of the members of the

Australias Group of Eight, as well

as Universitas 21, which is theleading global network of re-

search universies for the 21st

century. It is currently ranked in

the top 100 universies world-

wide owing to its contribuons to

the naon and the globe.

Meet The ChancellorsChancellor: Mr John Story

Deputy Chancellor: Adjunct Pro-fessor Mary Mahoney AO

President & Vice-Chancellor:

Professor Peter Hj

Do You Know?

UQ In 2013

World University Ranking

Top 1%

QS World University

Rankings

43

Australian Naonal Uni-

versity Ranking

3

Graduate Job Rate

81.6%

Awards Received

10785

With its 105th anniversary drawing nigh, the University of Queensland

(UQ) is the oldest and largest university in Queensland. It is also the

h oldest university in Australia, hence being regarded as a

Sandstone University.

ounded:

ecember 10, 1909

ommencement of Classes:

March 14, 1911

Moo:

ciena ac Labore

Lan for by means of knowledge

nd hard work)

Area:

,376 hectares

Main Campuses:

t Lucia

pswich

aon

erston

otal Students:

8,716

Undergraduate Students:

6,196

ostgraduate Students:

2,520

nternaonal Students:

1497 from more than 142

ountries

op 3 Internaonal Source

ountries:

hina

Malaysia

ingapore

op 3 Programs by Enrolment:

octor of Philosophy

achelor of Artsachelor of Engineering

nfo updated as in 2013


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Services & Facilies

Student Centers

Each campus of UQ has a student center which provides a

comprehensive range of services for all students. In St Lucia

campus, the student center is situated at Level One, J.D. Story

Building, which is just directly at the back of Chancellors Bus

Stop. Itis openfrom 8.30am to 5.00pm on weekdays.

UQ Union Complex

Albeit its ocial name Relaxaon Block, this Building 21 of

UQ St Lucia campus is beer known as UQ Union Complex.

This place is touted the hub of UQ student life, as it houses a

variety of facilies including eateries, bank, ATMs, studentservices, photocopy and prinng shop and so on.

The student services here operate from 8.30am to 4.30pm on

weekdays, catering to the students as well as the stas

personal, career, welfare and learning issues. A UQ student is

automacally a member of the Union with free membership.

An interesng fact about UQ Union is that it does not rely on

contribuons from students at all to run, but sll provides

support and funding to UQ clubs and sociees.

Libraries

UQ has 15 libraries with up to 2 million volumes. 7 of them are located in St Lucia campus. An undergraduate

student can borrow a maximum of 30 items with a standard loan period of 28 days (subjected to the type of

item borrowed). There are ample studying spaces in each library equipped with computers for free usage.

There are also Group Rooms available for online booking at certain libraries in St Lucia campus.


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Security

There is a 24-hour security on all campuses. Below are the emergency numbers:

Extension 53333for internal calls, or +61 7 3365 3333 if external

General enquiries +61 7 3365 1234

Free call 1800 800 123.

For more informaon please go to hp://www.pf.uq.edu.au/security.html .

Healthcare

Success can never be achieved sans healthy body. UQ al-

so priorizes its students well-being besides academic

excellence. There is a clinic which provides comprehen-

sive healthcare services in each campus. In St Lucia cam-

pus, there is also a dental clinic at UQ Union Complex.

For more informaon about UQ Healthcare please go to

hp://www.uq.edu.au/healthservice/.

UQ Landmarks

Great CourtSituated in the heart of the St Lucia campus is the Great Court, surrounded by cloister and buildings

constructed from sandstone, carved with historical scenes, the names of great thinkers and teachers, coats of

arms, grotesques and carvings of Australian ora and fauna.

The 2.5-hectare open space with a spacious meadow is always a favoured place for students and sta to sit or

even lie leisurely for a respite.

Do You Know?

The Great Court islisted on theQueensland HeritageRegister as well as onthe Register of theNational Trust ofQueensland.
http://www.pf.uq.edu.au/security.htmlhttp://www.pf.uq.edu.au/security.htmlhttp://www.uq.edu.au/healthservice/http://www.uq.edu.au/healthservice/http://www.uq.edu.au/healthservice/http://www.pf.uq.edu.au/security.html


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UQ Lakes

Apart from being one of the iconic features, this freshwater lake is also a home to a myriad of aquac lives,

birds and land animals. Some are nave and some are new species that originated beyond Australia. Added

to the beauty of the lake is a water fountain in the middle, making it a sight for sore eyes to behold.

Art Museum

UQ Art Museum was established in 1976, housing over

3,000 artworks collected by UQ itself since the 1940s. It

was formerly located in Forgan Smith Tower before being

relocated to James and Mary Emelia Mayne Centre

(Building 11) in St Lucia campus. It is the Queenslandssecond largest public art collecon. It is open to public

from 10am to 4pm on weekdays (closed on public holi-

days) with free entry.

R.D. Milns Anquity Museum

This museum was established in 1963, when a

Red-gure Ac amphora was bought from the

London aucon-house to facilitate the UQ program

of Classics and Ancient History. Housing several

thousands of classical Mediterranean anquies,

the museum serves to support UQ students and is

also open to the public with free admission from

9am to 5pm on weekdays. It is located at Michie

building (Building 9, Level 2).

Wanna have a virtual tour around UQ St Lucia campus beforehand?Go to hp://www.uq.edu.au/maps/index.html?menu=1.
http://www.uq.edu.au/maps/index.html?menu=1http://www.uq.edu.au/maps/index.html?menu=1


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University of Queensland Malaysian Students Associaon

The University of Queensland Malaysian Students' Associaon (UQMSA) is an ocial stu-

dent body for UQ Malaysian students, aliated to the Malaysian Students Council of Aus-

tralia Queensland Division (MASCA Queensland) as well as UQ Union. UQMSA is also a non

-

prot associaon run by Malaysian students. Our acvies are based in the St. Lucia cam-pus. However, students from other UQ campuses and universies as well as non -students

are welcomed to join us too. In fact, we do have a few non-Malaysian members as well!

UQMSA primarily aims to unite UQ students from diverse backgrounds by promong Ma-

laysian culture through fun-lled social and cultural acvies. We also wish to bring a

piece of home to all members through our acvies whereby everyone gets to gather,

have fun and share the joy together. From welcoming barbeques to outdoor excursions to

Mamak Night when you have the chance to taste Malaysian authenc delicacies (Nasi le-

mak, Satay, Kari, Rendang, *SLURP!*), fun is on its way and homesickness goes away!

So lets come together in a true Malaysian spirit and enjoy our wide array of acvies

alongside the awesome Malaysian food. Just come to our booth at UQ Great Court on UQ

Market Day (26th Feb) and sign up as our member! Heaps of fun await you! Hope to see

you there!

At the meanme, check out on our updates on Facebook and give us a LIKE! :D

hps://www.facebook.com/UQMSA

Do check out on our blogspot as well (hp://uniqmsa.blogspot.com/). If you have any que-

ries always feel free to drop us a message on our Facebook page or email us

([email protected]).
https://www.facebook.com/UQMSAhttps://www.facebook.com/UQMSAhttp://uniqmsa.blogspot.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://uniqmsa.blogspot.com/https://www.facebook.com/UQMSA


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Malaysian Students Organizaons

MASCA Queensland

MASCA stands for Malaysian Students

Council of Australia. It is a non-proted

student organizaon supported by the

Malaysian Students Department of

Australia (MSDA), which cares for theMalaysian students welfare in Australia.

MASCA Queensland is one of the many

MASCA state chapters all over Australia,

which are established in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia,

Tasmania, Western Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and

Northern Territory.

MASCA Queensland is akin to the backbone supporng and unifying 5aliated Malaysian students organizaons in this Sunshine State,

which comprise of UQMSA (University of Queensland Malaysian Stu-

dents Associaon), UMNO Queensland, BUMA (Bond University Ma-

laysian Associaon), QUT MySA (Queensland University of Technolo-

gy Malaysian Students Associaon) and PPMQ (Persatuan Pelajar

Muslim Queensland). Check out more about MASCA Queensland

on

hp://masca.org.au/index.php/state/qld and their recent updates onhps://www.facebook.com/MASCA.Queensland.
http://masca.org.au/index.php/state/qldhttps://www.facebook.com/MASCA.Queenslandhttps://www.facebook.com/MASCA.Queenslandhttp://masca.org.au/index.php/state/qld


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Things to be completed before youre ready to y!

Obtain Cercate of Enrolment (CoE) from the University

Apply for a student visa

Apply for Overseas Student Health Coverage (OSHC)

Arrange for a medical checkup

Check passport expiry date (at least 6 months)

Book ight cket, print ight inerary

Bring along some cash/travelers cheque with you

Sort out temporary/permanent accommodaon

Arrange for transport from airport

Have an Australian address available for lling up the incomingpassenger card

Bring along Australian adapters

Details and guidelines in the following pages.


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Getting Ready to FLY!

But waitWhat Should I Do or Prepare?No worries! Here we go, step by step guide. =)

1. Conrmaon of Enrollment (eCOE)Do check with UQ or your agent for an electronic copy of your COE, which is needed for applicaon of a

student visa and for further reference.

2. Applying for Student VisaStudent visa can be applied through the Australian Government Immigraon and Protecon Border

Department (hp://www.immi.gov.au/). If you are applying through an agent your helpful agent will

help you with the applicaon. What you need to do is to submit all the required documents to your

agent before the due date as requested.

3. Arranging for a Medical CheckupAll visa applicants must meet Australias health requirements. If you need to undergo a medical

examinaon, the visa oce will contact you. Do not do any checkup unl you are asked to do so.

Note that there are only certain clinics in Malaysia with approved panel doctors where you can

perform medical checkup for visa applicaon.

Check out on these clinics on hp://www.immi.gov.au/Help/Locaons/Pages/Malaysia.aspx.

4. Flight BookingDo bear in mind that the Orientaon Week starts on 24th February (Monday), and that you will have to

take some me to sele down before welcoming a prey hecc (yet FUN!) uni life. So it is advisable to

arrive in Brisbane a few days or a week prior to the commencement of Orientaon.

If you need more guides on planning when to y o, please visit www.uq.edu.au/internaonal-guide/

when-to

-arrive.

There are a few opons of airlines to come to Brisbane. But do take note of the desnaon MAS will

reach Brisbane Internaonal Airport, whereas Airasia and Jetstar will reach Gold Coast Airport.

Dierent desnaons will have dierent ways of transportaon to reach your accommodaon, and

below are some guidance.

5. Booking Airport Pickup TransportUQ provides FREE pickup transport from Brisbane Internaonal Airport to your accommodaon for

new internaonal students. Please check for the terms and condions prior to booking on

hp://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/accommodaon/airport

-recepon.

If your ight will be landing at Gold Coast Airport, you may resort to LINK Transfers, a shule bus

service that covers more than 60 suburbs. For more informaon or to make a booking, please go to

hp://www.linktransfers.com.au/.
http://www.immi.gov.au/Pages/Welcome.aspxhttp://www.immi.gov.au/Pages/Welcome.aspxhttp://www.immi.gov.au/Help/Locations/Pages/Malaysia.aspxhttp://www.immi.gov.au/Help/Locations/Pages/Malaysia.aspxhttp://c/Users/Leroy/Desktop/www.uq.edu.au/international-guide/when-to-arrivehttp://c/Users/Leroy/Desktop/www.uq.edu.au/international-guide/when-to-arrivehttp://c/Users/Leroy/Desktop/www.uq.edu.au/international-guide/when-to-arrivehttp://c/Users/Leroy/Desktop/www.uq.edu.au/international-guide/when-to-arrivehttp://c/Users/Leroy/Desktop/www.uq.edu.au/international-guide/when-to-arrivehttp://c/Users/Leroy/Desktop/www.uq.edu.au/international-guide/when-to-arrivehttp://c/Users/Leroy/Desktop/www.uq.edu.au/international-guide/when-to-arrivehttp://c/Users/Leroy/Desktop/www.uq.edu.au/international-guide/when-to-arrivehttp://c/Users/Leroy/Desktop/www.uq.edu.au/international-guide/when-to-arrivehttp://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/accommodation/airport-receptionhttp://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/accommodation/airport-receptionhttp://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/accommodation/airport-receptionhttp://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/accommodation/airport-receptionhttp://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/accommodation/airport-receptionhttp://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/accommodation/airport-receptionhttp://www.linktransfers.com.au/http://www.linktransfers.com.au/http://www.linktransfers.com.au/http://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/accommodation/airport-receptionhttp://c/Users/Leroy/Desktop/www.uq.edu.au/international-guide/when-to-arrivehttp://c/Users/Leroy/Desktop/www.uq.edu.au/international-guide/when-to-arrivehttp://www.immi.gov.au/Help/Locations/Pages/Malaysia.aspxhttp://www.immi.gov.au/Pages/Welcome.aspx


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6. Searching for Accommodaon

UQ does provide services for both on-campus and o-campus accommodaon (hp://www.uq.edu.au/

student-services/accommodaon). This link also provides informaon on the legal stus such as the

responsibilies as a tenant and a landlord that you should take note of. If you wish to stay on-campus, there

are 10 residenal colleges in St Lucia campus for you to choose from (hp://www.uq.edu.au/student-

services/st-lucia-residenal-colleges). Dierent colleges have dierent datelines for applicaons, so please

visit their respecve web pages for more details.

Staying on-campus is denitely more convenient to access to UQ facilies, but it also means a much higher

rate compared to o-campus accommodaon. If you are studying at St Lucia campus, renng a house in

St Lucia itself would be of great convenience. Otherwise, staying in other surrounding suburbs like Toowong,

Auchenower and Indooroopilly are fairly convenient too with the comprehensive network of public buses.

To look for houses to rent, please go to hp://www.realestate.com.au/rent.It is always recommendable to

inspect the house before renng, so you will get to know the actual condions and the exact locaon of the

house, as well as whether it is fully, parally or non-furnished. Some agents wont mind not having inspecons

but the responsibility of that decision will be on you.
http://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/accommodationhttp://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/accommodationhttp://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/accommodationhttp://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/accommodationhttp://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/accommodationhttp://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/st-lucia-residential-collegeshttp://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/st-lucia-residential-collegeshttp://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/st-lucia-residential-collegeshttp://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/st-lucia-residential-collegeshttp://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/st-lucia-residential-collegeshttp://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/st-lucia-residential-collegeshttp://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/st-lucia-residential-collegeshttp://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/st-lucia-residential-collegeshttp://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/st-lucia-residential-collegeshttp://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/st-lucia-residential-collegeshttp://www.realestate.com.au/renthttp://www.realestate.com.au/renthttp://www.realestate.com.au/renthttp://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/st-lucia-residential-collegeshttp://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/st-lucia-residential-collegeshttp://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/accommodationhttp://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/accommodation


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7. Compleng You Enrolment

You will have to add your courses to complete your course registraon on mySI-net

(hps://www.sinet.uq.edu.au/).

You can nd the courses of your program and their codes on hp://www.uq.edu.au/study/.Here are a few

simple steps to follow:

1) On mySI-

net homepage, click Add Course for Semester 1, 2014.2) Enter the course code and press Enter.

3) Scroll to the boom, click Add Course.

4) Double check your chosen course before clicking Enrol me in this course.

5) Repeat for other courses.

Remember that you need to get this done by 14 March 2014. Also update your personal details under

the category Personal on the Menu on the le.

8. Classes Sign-on on mySI-net

For certain classes of certain courses, you will be automacally assigned to a class of a xed me. For the rest,

you need to register (sign-on) for classes according to your preferred me. The sign-on is usually open three

to four weeks before semester begins. However before the sign-on is available, you have to arrange your

metable beforehand.

1) Check the me of classes of your courses on mySI-net. Click Courses on Menu Click Courses

Timetable and Informaon Key in course code, press Enter Tick the box of your course Click Next

Step. You will then nd a table with all the informaon regarding your classes.

2) Go to UQRota to arrange your classes (hps://www.uqrota.net/). Click Add Course on your right,and you can start arranging your metable which best suits you.

3) Keep an eye on the sign-on date on mySI-net. You will see a hypertext Signon on the homepage of

mySI-net when it is almost available. Click it and check for the date and me of the courses that you

need to sign on.

4) Upon signing on, click Signon and Signon Available. Then ck the box in the row of your preferred

class, and click Save.

Friendly ReminderYou are advised to sign on right when it is open, since your preferred classes may be full withinminutes! And do bear in mind that the sign-on time is Brisbanes time. So if the sign-on time is 9:30am,unless you are already in Brisbane, please make sure you wake up early on that day to sign on at7:30am!
https://www.sinet.uq.edu.au/ps/uqsinetsignin.htmlhttps://www.sinet.uq.edu.au/ps/uqsinetsignin.htmlhttp://www.uq.edu.au/study/http://www.uq.edu.au/study/https://www.uqrota.net/%E2%80%8Ehttps://www.uqrota.net/%E2%80%8Ehttp://www.uq.edu.au/study/https://www.sinet.uq.edu.au/ps/uqsinetsignin.html


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Malaysian Identity Card

Valid Passport

Flight Ticket

Australian adapter(s) & Malaysian extension plug(s)

Documents: eCOE & relevant acceptance letter, transcripts, driving license,others

Clothes

You may find it scorching hot at noon but freezing cold at night especially

when the piercing cold wind blows. This also happens during some winter

days. You should also have come across some news regarding the extreme-

ly high temperature in Brissy this summer, in fact reaching 50C! So do pack

some thin clothes for hot weather (especially if you wish to stay for summer)

and some thick and windproof winter clothes.

Footwear

Comfortable ones are especially important, since walking will be part of

your daily routines in Australia. For girls, fully enclosed shoes and boots are

recommendable for winter. However remember to clean your shoes thorough-

ly before entering Australia. The government is very particular in any possibil-

ities of bringing in soil contamination that could adversely affect Australias

ecosystem.

GOOD Umbrella

If possible, look for one with strong metal ribs. Wind in Australia can be

very strong and destructive to your umbrellas!

Enough Stationery (Stationery in Australia can be costly!)

Medicines (if necessary)

Mobile Phone, laptop and other gadgets (Dont think millennials will forget

about these :P)


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Personal necessities (e.g. cutlery, containers, sunscreen etc.)

Enough CASH (both Australian dollars and Malaysian Ringgit)

Heres a rough estimation of your monthly expenses, but bear in mind

that it varies from person to person.

Category Weekly Expenses(AUS ) Monthly Expens-es (AUS )Rental (Includingwater, electricity

and gas)

200 800

Mobile phone &

Internet20 80

Transportation 15 60

Food & Groceries 50 200

Entertainment 30 120

Total 315 1260

For more information on things allowed and prohibited to

bring into Australia,

please refer to http://www.daff.gov.au/biosecurity/travel/cant

-take.
http://www.daff.gov.au/biosecurity/travel/cant-takehttp://www.daff.gov.au/biosecurity/travel/cant-takehttp://www.daff.gov.au/biosecurity/travel/cant-takehttp://www.daff.gov.au/biosecurity/travel/cant-takehttp://www.daff.gov.au/biosecurity/travel/cant-take


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Brisbane Here We Are!!

Do You Know?

CityCat doesnt get its

name from the animal

cat, but catamaran, a

vessel consisting of two

parallel hulls of equal

size.

Tickeng and Fare

Brisbane region is divided into 23 zones, which radiate out in concentric rings

from the centre of Brisbane. These zones are used to determine the travel

fare for passengers. You can travel for FREE within an hour aer you touch on

the card (This is called Connuaon). Another good thing is you can enjoy

FREE transport for the rest of the week (Monday is considered the rst day of

the week) aer using your gocard for 9 mes in that week!

The fares for each zone are listed on hp://translink.com.au/ckets-and-

fares/fares/current-fares.

No Idea on How to Travel Around?No worries! TransLink provides a very useful journey planner

to help you gure out the various possible ways to reach your

desnaon. Go tohp://jp.translink.com.au/travel-

informaon/journey-planner.

Seling DownThe rst few weeks might be grueling for you to establish yourself in a whole new

environment. Fear not. Here are some guidelines so you will have some inkling of what to

start o with.

But before this, you will need to have some ideas of the transportaon in Brisbane in orderto travel around. Public transportaon here is provided by TransLink, a division within the

Department of Transport and Main Roads. There are 3 types of public transport: buses,

trains and ferries (a.k.a. CityCat). You can travel by all these transport with one single card,

known as gocard.

What If Ive Forgoen My gocard?

You will have to buy a paper cket on the bus or ferry or train staon.

You will be charged normal adult price, which is twice the concession

price. So always remember to bring your gocard along with you!
http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/current-fareshttp://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/current-fareshttp://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/current-fareshttp://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/current-fareshttp://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/current-fareshttp://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/current-fareshttp://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/current-fareshttp://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/current-fareshttp://jp.translink.com.au/travel-information/journey-plannerhttp://jp.translink.com.au/travel-information/journey-plannerhttp://jp.translink.com.au/travel-information/journey-plannerhttp://jp.translink.com.au/travel-information/journey-plannerhttp://jp.translink.com.au/travel-information/journey-plannerhttp://jp.translink.com.au/travel-information/journey-plannerhttp://jp.translink.com.au/travel-information/journey-plannerhttp://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/current-fareshttp://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/current-fares


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Now you have got some ideas on how to travel around. :)

2. Buy a Concession Go Card

Now youve got your UQ student ID, and you are eligible for a green gocard with concession price, which

means HALVED the normal adult fare. *HOORAY!* You can buy a gocard at many of the Queensland Rail

staons, some busway staons, selected newsagents and 7-Eleven stores where you see the buy symbol.

The most convenient locaon would be the UQ Newsagency beside Co-op Bookshop, opposite to Common-

wealth Bank in St Lucia campus. Remember to show your student ID!

* Do register your go card online at hps://gocard.translink.com.au/webx/.You will then be able to check

your travel history and to top up your card via bank account online. Just in case if you accidentally lose your

card, you can immediately transfer your remaining credit to another registered gocard. This will render

your previous card unusable, and you wont suer any lose. A win-win situaon it is!

3. Open a Bank Account

There are several banks that you can choose from, including Com-

monwealth Bank, ANZ (Australia and New Zealand Banking Group

Limited), NAB (Naonal Australia Bank) and Westpac. The rst two

are more recommendable due to their plethora of ATMs and

branches especially in the centre of Brisbane city. There are also

Commonwealth Bank and ANZ branches at UQ St Lucia campus,

which conveniences your applicaon for a bank account. Below are

the links of each bank:

Commonwealth Bank: hps://www.commbank.com.au/

ANZ: hp://www.anz.com/personal/

NAB: hp://www.nab.com.au/

Westpac: hp://www.westpac.com.au/

1. Get Your Student Card

It is advisable to get your student card on the rst day of Orientaon

Week, since you need your student ID for many other applicaons.

You can collect it at Duhig Building (Building 2), St Lucia campus from8:00am to 4:45pm on weekdays. You will have to bring along your

passport and you COE in order to collect your student card.
https://gocard.translink.com.au/webtix/https://www.commbank.com.au/https://www.commbank.com.au/http://www.anz.com/personal/http://www.anz.com/personal/http://www.nab.com.au/http://www.nab.com.au/http://www.westpac.com.au/http://www.westpac.com.au/http://www.westpac.com.au/http://www.nab.com.au/http://www.anz.com/personal/https://www.commbank.com.au/https://gocard.translink.com.au/webtix/


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5. Seng Up Home Internet

Internet is a must for every uni student. If your accommodaon does not provide internet, you will

have to set up on on your own. Most telecommunicaon companies do provide ADSL internet ser-

vices. Many students opt for Optus for its commonly touted beer recepon, or TPG for its less pricey

bundle packages (ADSL + home phone). Their stores are available in Toowong, Indooroopilly and Bris-

bane CBD. You may also apply online on their websites.

4. Get a Mobile Sim Card

A mobile number is needed not only to let you contact your family as soon as

possible, but also when applying other stu such as bank account. There are a

few opons of telecommunicaon companies that you may choose from, and

the more commonly used ones are Vodafone, Optus, Telstra, TPG and Virgin

Mobile. Just like in Malaysia, there are postpaid and prepaid plans. If you wish to purchase a brand new

phone, then you would have to resort to postpaid plans, and many people would recommend Vodafone as it

provides relavely cheaper packages. You can also sign up for postpaid plan without a phone. Otherwise a

prepaid sim card will do too.

Something interesng about Australian mobile is that what you pay for is not equivalent to

the value of credit given to you. With several tens dollars paid, you are entled for credit

worth a few hundred dollars for calling and texng, as well as mobile data in one month.

Another good point is that calling to people using the same provider is FOC! About the pric-

es? Well, it can have a wide range, depending on which package you opt for, and whether it

comes with a phone or not. If it comes with a phone, the cheapest would be around $30 per

month, and this can go up to more than $50 or $60. Without a phone, the cheapest plan

would be TPG, which comes with its internet and home phone bundle package, and this mobile plan costsonly $15 per month! However if you do not purchase this bundle package under TPG, you will not be entled

for such a cheap deal. So do check out properly on each and every mobile company and their packages. Be-

low are the links to each companys website:

Vodafone: hp://www.vodafone.com.au/personal

* Friendly Reminder: Vodafone is also available in UK, so do search for Australias one carefully!

Optus: hps://www.optus.com.au/

Telstra: hp://www.telstra.com.au/

TPG: hp://www.tpg.com.au/

Virgin Mobile: hp://www.virginmobile.com.au/

*Again, a friendly reminder, Virgin Mobile has another network coverage in US,

so be careful when searching online aight!

There are Vodafone and Optus stalls at Toowong Village, a shopping center in

Toowong, just about 10 minutes away from UQ St Lucia by bus. Indooroopilly and
http://www.vodafone.com.au/personalhttp://www.vodafone.com.au/personalhttps://www.optus.com.au/https://www.optus.com.au/http://www.telstra.com.au/http://www.telstra.com.au/http://www.tpg.com.au/http://www.tpg.com.au/http://www.virginmobile.com.au/http://www.virginmobile.com.au/http://www.virginmobile.com.au/http://www.tpg.com.au/http://www.telstra.com.au/https://www.optus.com.au/http://www.vodafone.com.au/personal


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6. Ordering OSHC Worldcare Card Online

An Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) card provides you with the

basic cover for medical and hospital care costs in Australia throughout

the valid duraon of your student visa. To nd out more and to order

your card, please go to hps://www.oshcallianzassistance.com.au/.The

card will be sent to your address in Brisbane for your convenience.

7. Shopping for Groceries and Household Utensils

Aer dealing with so many applicaons, its me to make sure that you have all your daily necessies and

that your home pantry has enough food to feed yourself! There are 3 supermarkets in Brisbane with many

chains all over Australia Coles, Woolworths and Aldi. The rst two can be found in more locaons, such as

Toowong, Brisbane CBD, Indooroopilly, West End and Sunnybank. There might also be small grocery stores

nearby residence in certain suburbs.

An example is the St Lucia Supermarket which sells some Asian groceries too. Cheaper household utensils

can be found at Kmart in Toowong, Indooroopilly and Sunnybank.

If you wish to look for Asian groceries, there are several Asian supermarkets around Brisbane CBD such as

Formosa, Koz and Hanaro. However, Chinatowns in Brisbane Sunnybank and Fortude Valley certainly pro-

vide more opons. Some examples are Yuens Market (at both Sunnybank and Fortude Valley), WELCOME

Fresh Food Supermarket (Sunnybank), Garboro Asian Supermarket (Fortude Valley) and Burlington Super-

market (Fortude Valley).

There is also a morning market selling vegetables, fruits, meat and also breakfast every Saturday, from 8amto 12noon at Davis Park, West End. The most convenient way to get there is by CityCat.

* Friendly ps for Muslim friends: You can get Halal food from Yuens Market and Halal meat from Ismails

Butcher at Fortude Valley. Nandos here are selling Halal meat too. For more guidelines on seeking Halal

food in Brisbane please refer to hp://www.halalfoodbrisbane.com/?content=groceries.
https://www.oshcallianzassistance.com.au/https://www.oshcallianzassistance.com.au/http://www.halalfoodbrisbane.com/?content=grocerieshttp://www.halalfoodbrisbane.com/?content=grocerieshttp://www.halalfoodbrisbane.com/?content=grocerieshttps://www.oshcallianzassistance.com.au/


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25/29

StLucia&Su

rroundingSuburbs


26/29

UQ

FacilitiesMap


27/29

When everything has been settled ts time toJalan-jalan

2. Gold Coast

Being the second most populous city in the state and the sixth most

populous city in the country, Gold Coast is a coastal city on the east

coast of Australia. Its surng beaches, canal and waterway systems,

theme parks, nightlife, and rainforest hinterland make it a fascinang

aracon for tourists.

There are many beaches along the coast, including Surfers Paradise,

Mermaid Beach, Rainbow Bay, Main Beach and so on. Besides vis-

ing beaches for the breathtaking views, you will also come acrossshops and skyscrapers just beside the beaches. A must-go place for

shopaholics is Harbour Town, the rst and largest brand direct outlet

shopping centre in Australia.

Whereabouts to travel

1. Brisbane Central Business District (Brisbane CBD)

This is the heart of Brisbane as well as Queensland, which is on the northern

bank of Brisbane River. Alongside its densely concentrated buildings, there

are also several parks such as Roma Street Parkland, City Botanic Garden

and Wickham Park. The city can get very crowded on Friday nights and

whenever there are Australian fesve celebraons. The more happening

streets in the city are Adelaide Street, Queen Street and Elizabeth Street.

Shopping malls, bouques, eateries, coee shops and Asian marts are all

around. A true heaven for shopaholics and food lovers!

* Friendly Reminder: Shops operated by Aussies (except for those for night-

life) are usually closed around 4-5pm. They will only extend the opening

hours to no later than 7 or 9pm on Thursday or Friday. So never ever do

your shopping in late evening! Also do check the business hours if you wish

to go late so you wont be let down. Markets and restaurants run by Asians

are open unl nighme.


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3. Sunshine Coast

About 2-hour drive to the north of Gold Coast will lead

you to Sunshine Coast, also known as the lile brother

of Gold Coast. This is an urban area with more laid-back

lifestyle. Its prisne beaches and nature are the main

capvaon for tourism. Interesng places include

Noosa, Coolum, Maroochydore and Mooloolaba.

4. Mount Coot-tha

Mount Coo-tha, located 6km to the west of Bris-

bane CBD, is 287 meters above sea level, there-

fore the highest peak in Brisbane. Due to its high

altude, it is a favoured place for Brisbane look-

out, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of

Brisbane city. Apart from the lookout point, oth-

er places of aracon are Mount Coot-tha Bo-

tanic Gardens, the Cosmic Planetarium and Her-barium.

5.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Wish to have a close look of the Australian wildlife?

Then this is where you should go! Lone Pine was found-

ed in 1927 and is the world's oldest and largest koala

sanctuary. It is located in the suburb of Fig Tree Pocket.

Besides koalas, you will also be able to see kangaroos,

platypus, other mammals as well as a myriad of birds

and reples.


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