Melbourne is the city staying where is the dream for many people. Many people come here for a job or business whereas many others visit there for tourism purposes. Apart from them, it is also a hub for international students. Thousands of international students visit Melbourne for their higher education.
When international students come to Melbourne, health and safety are necessary for them. Here, starting with an introduction about education in Melbourne, we will tell you about the significance of health and safety in Melbourne, and some tips to attain it.
About Melbourne
Melbourne is chosen by a large number of international students for education purposes. There are eight public universities in Melbourne, which are RMIT University, the University of Melbourne, Swinburne University of Technology, Monash University, La Trobe University, Deakin University, Victoria University, and Australian Catholic University. The universities in Melbourne have good rankings worldwide.
Now, let’s have a look at health and safety while living in Melbourne.
2) Why Health and Safety Are Important for Overseas Students
There are numerous reasons behind the significance of health and safety for overseas students. First, good health strengthens the immune system. So, you can live a happy and disease-free life. So, you can also give proper attention to your studies. Besides, a healthy body is a source of a healthy mind. So, to stay mentally healthy, you need to be physically healthy.
Besides, safety is important because it is necessary for the protection of your life and belongings. Additionally, if you feel safe, you get peace of mind which is good for your mental health.
3) Top Health Tips for International Students in Melbourne
a) Register for Health Insurance
The major thing you need to do is to register for health insurance. So, if any type of big medical expense comes your way in Melbourne, you can get it covered. There are several agencies through which you can get health insurance. Some online student accommodation service platforms also facilitate you to buy health insurance.
b) Find Nearby Healthcare Providers
Melbourne has no shortage of healthcare providers. But, you will need healthcare providers close to accommodation in Melbourne. Don’t forget to find nearby healthcare providers in Melbourne. You can get to know about them with the help of some friends or the support service staff of your housing complex. Besides, you can also know about it from the university office meant for international students. You can also search inside online and offline directories. Keep the numbers of ambulances with you. Moreover, you can find health support in your university or college also.
c) Mental Health Support
Just as physical health is necessary for mental health, mental health is also necessary for your physical health. As a matter of fact, a mentally unhealthy person cannot stay physically healthy in the long run. Besides, mental health is especially necessary for studies. Therefore, it becomes more significant for students.
You should also stay in touch with mental health practitioners and get mental health support.
4) Safety Tips for Students Living in Melbourne
Apart from healthcare, you need to give attention to your overall safety, such as safety for your life and belongings, fire safety, and of course, health safety.
a) Know Emergency Contacts
You need to keep emergency contact for your safety. Australia’s emergency phone number is 000 for police, fire, and ambulance. Besides, many universities have their own security services. Keep their numbers saved in your phone. Also, keep the phone numbers of local hospitals and clinics. Know the contact information of your embassy also.
b) Secure Your Accommodation
The next thing is the security of your accommodation. Accommodation for students in Melbourne should have a good security system. You should check it while booking accommodation. The major security features you can find in accommodation properties are:
24/7 security.
Secure door entry.
Keycard access
CCTV cameras
Fire extinguisher (for fire safety).
c) Public Transportation Safety
For public transportation safety, you can do the following:
Familiarize yourself with routines in Melbourne.
Travel in groups.
Sit in well-lit areas.
Avoid headphones and mobile phones in public places.
d) Cybersecurity and Personal Information
Cybersecurity and saving personal information are also necessary. Do the following to accomplish these purposes.
Protect your personal data by using strong passwords.
Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks,
Enable privacy settings on social media.
Be cautious of phishing links and scams.
5) Tips for Staying Safe While Exploring Melbourne
a.) Be Aware of Your Surroundings
While exploring Melbourne, stay alert and avoid distractions like using your phone excessively. Keep an eye on your belongings and be mindful of the people around you, especially in crowded areas.
b.) Travel in Groups
Try to travel in groups as far as possible. Follow this rule, especially at night. Make programs to explore Melbourne with your friends in your institute or student housing property.
c.) Safe Nightlife Practices
You should always visit well-lit areas at night. Avoid taking drinks from strangers in Melbourne
6) What to Do in an Emergency?
In the case of an emergency, first, call 000, the emergency number. Speak calmly and provide information. Emergency personnel will give you some instructions. Follow them. If you are in a public place, ask for the assistance of bystanders if necessary. You can use the app named Emergency+ to provide your location to responders.
7) Conclusion
Health and safety are necessary for everyone including students. Students in Melbourne should give special attention to their health and safety. For health, you should get health insurance, find nearby healthcare providers, and also pay attention to your mental health. For safety, you should know about emergency contacts, get accommodation with security features, travel in groups, and visit well-lit areas. Besides, you should also be aware of your surroundings. In case of emergency, you need to dial 000 for police, ambulance, and fire brigade.
