Welcome

Settling into study or research, and life in Australia is exciting, but it can also be a lot to learn about, all at once. That’s why we’ve developed a series of resources and services to help. Many of these you can access while you’re studying in Australia or from overseas. These can help you meet friends, develop your English language skills and succeed in your studies.

Watch video in Mandarin

Prepare for study

We have resources to help you prepare for research and study at University in Australia, as it might be different to what you’ve done before.

The Make a Strong start online course will teach you useful skills to prepare you for study and research at university in Australia. The course is free and self-paced so you can do it at your own speed.

Self-enrol in the Make a Strong Start online course

Get support from other International students

Peer Learning Advisors are here to help you at University, and many are also international students. They know what it’s like to be an international student studying at University of Sydney. You can talk to them about study tips, making friends, using the Library or almost anything you need help with.

Meet a Peer Learning Advisor

Listen to the Peer Learning Advisor’s podcast, PeerPod

Meet new friends and practise conversational English

The Library regularly hosts online and in person events These are a great way for you to connect with other students and learn useful skills to help with your study.

See upcoming events

Find definitions for words

When using the Library website or speaking with people at University about study or research, some words might not be familiar. Refer to our glossary for definitions of some library words in Chinese, Indonesian or Japanese.

Library Glossary

You can also access to the Macquarie dictionary through the Library, the recognised Australian English dictionary. Use this to find English definitions for new or unfamiliar words or to check Australian spelling of words.

Macquarie Dictionary

Learn about life in Australia

We have many resources available for free to help you learn about Australian culture and life, as well as help you practise your English comprehension skills.

• Watch Australian TV and movies on Kanopy
• Read Australian news on Factiva
• Discover the Australian Poetry Library

Stay connected with home

If you’re living in Australia whilst you’re studying you might enjoy using resources in your own language or that connect to what’s happening back home

• Read International Newspapers on Factiva
• Discover our extensive collection of East Asian books, films and art
• Watch TV and cinema from around the world on Kanopy
• Watch Concerts, Opera and Ballet from around the world on Medici TV
• Read fiction books from around the world
  (Refine your results to search for books in your own language)