Home Away From Home: What International Students Should Know About Res

Moving to Australia to study is a huge step, especially when you're leaving behind family, friends, culture and everything familiar to start a new chapter.

For Ankur, moving from India to Warrnambool to study a Bachelor of Nursing at Deakin was a significant adjustment. More than two years later, he's settled into life in Australia and is now a Residential Leader (RL), helping new residents have the same positive experience he did.

Looking back, there are a few things Ankur wishes he had known before moving to Res. From overcoming homesickness and building friendships to finding a routine and embracing new cultures, here's his advice for international students considering making Res their home.

1. Homesickness Is Normal (And It Doesn't Last Forever)

What I miss most about home is the comfort of being with my parents and everything familiar that comes with it.

I've learned that homesickness is temporary. Regular video calls with my family made a huge difference, especially when I would chat with them while cooking or going about my daily routine. Staying connected helped me feel grounded and reminded me that the difficult feelings wouldn't last forever.

The events hosted at Deakin Res also helped me settle in. They gave me opportunities to meet people, form friendships and feel connected to the community.

To any international student moving away from home, I'd say this: you've already taken a brave step. When homesickness appears, acknowledge it rather than trying to ignore it. Most importantly, make the effort to connect with people. Having friends around can make all the difference.

2. You Don't Have to Figure Everything Out on Your Own

One of the biggest challenges I faced was adjusting to cultural differences. Things became much easier once I started attending events, making friends and getting involved in the community.

The support available at Res played a major role in helping me settle in. The Campus Life team regularly checked in, and the support staff were always approachable and willing to help. Participating in activities such as the Holi celebration helped me feel more comfortable and connected, while my Residential Leader eventually became a close friend.

My advice is simple: don't feel like you need to have everything figured out. There is a wide range of support available, and using it can make your university experience far more enjoyable.

Ankur, Warrnambool Resident

3. Making Friends Is Easier Than You Think

When I first arrived at Res, I felt nervous about not knowing anyone and wasn't sure how I would settle into a completely new environment.

Fortunately, those worries faded quickly. From the moment I checked in, the staff were welcoming and supportive. Soon after, 'Res Fest' began, bringing students together through activities, social events and trips around town. The atmosphere made it easy to start conversations and build friendships.

Looking back, one of my biggest concerns turned out to be much easier than I expected. Now, as an RL, I can see how intentionally these events are designed to help new residents feel comfortable and connected from day one.

4. Getting Involved Early Makes a Huge Difference

I've always been a little shy when it comes to meeting new people, but I knew I needed to put myself out there.

One of the first events I attended was Hallway Flag Making and Dinner Trivia during Res Fest. The relaxed atmosphere made it easier to start conversations and get to know the people around me.

That small decision to participate had a lasting impact. Not only did it help me build friendships, but it also boosted my confidence. As a nursing student, being comfortable communicating with others is incredibly important, and getting involved helped me develop skills that have supported me throughout my studies and placements.

5. Celebrating My Culture Helped Me Feel at Home

Cultural events play an important role for international students living away from family and familiar traditions. They help create a sense of belonging while giving others the opportunity to learn about different cultures.

As someone from India, I have always loved celebrating Holi. During my time at Res, we organised a Holi celebration with support from the Campus Life team. One of the highlights was sharing traditional food and drinks with our Aussie friends and introducing them to a celebration that means so much to us.

Diwali is another festival that is widely celebrated at Deakin Res Geelong. Events like these bring people together and create a welcoming environment where students can stay connected to their culture while sharing it with others.

6. Living with People from Around the World Changes Your Perspective

One of the best parts of living at Res is the opportunity to connect with people from all over the world.

I learned so much about different traditions, cultures and perspectives simply through everyday interactions with friends and neighbours. One of my favourite memories was our Chinese hallway dinner, where everyone came together to prepare and share authentic dishes.

Experiences like this broaden your perspective and help you develop a deeper appreciation for the diversity around you. It's something I will always value from my time at Res.

7. Everyday Life in Australia Takes Some Getting Used To

Living independently means managing a lot of things for the first time. Grocery shopping, laundry, cooking and navigating public transport all take time to learn.

Before arriving, I'd encourage international students to do some research about everyday life in Australia. Understanding things like public transport, myki cards and local services can make the transition much smoother.

One thing that really helped me was the local tour organised during Res Fest. It introduced me to Warrnambool and helped me feel more confident exploring the area on my own.

8. It Takes Time to Find Your Routine

Settling into a new country, university and living environment doesn't happen overnight. For me, it took around two weeks to find a routine that worked.

One of the most useful tools I discovered was the calendar app on my phone. Keeping track of classes, work, study sessions and household responsibilities helped me stay organised and manage my time effectively.

My other piece of advice is to be patient with yourself. Whether it's finding a job, settling into your studies or simply adjusting to life away from home, things take time. Make space to explore the local area, take breaks when you need them, and remember to enjoy the experience rather than rushing through it.

9. Campus Support Is There to Help, Not to Scare You

Coming from India, I wasn't quite sure what to expect from campus security and support services.

When I arrived, I quickly realised that Campus Support Officers were there to help students feel safe and supported. They're available 24/7 and can assist with everything from late-night escorts back to Res through to helping if you've accidentally locked yourself out of your room.

The officers are friendly, approachable and genuinely invested in student wellbeing. Knowing that support is always available provides enormous peace of mind when you're living away from home.

10. Res Can Become a Second Home

Over time, Res becomes much more than accommodation. It becomes a community.

Whether it's exploring town with friends, relaxing in the common areas, watching movies together or sharing meals, the small everyday moments create a genuine sense of belonging. Before long, Res begins to feel less like a place you're staying and more like a place you call home.

Becoming a Residential Leader was one of the best decisions I made during my time at Res. I've always enjoyed helping people, and the role gave me the opportunity to support new students and contribute to the community that helped me settle in.

From going on my first tour of Res to eventually giving tours myself, the experience has come full circle. Living just minutes from classes, having easy access to tudy spaces, and being surrounded by supportive people have all been highlights of my university journey.

Home away from Home

For Ankur, Res has become much more than accommodation. It's where he found friendship, confidence, community and a sense of belonging while building a new life in Australia.

When asked to sum up his experience as an international student in one sentence, he said:

Res was the perfect soft landing in Australia, with everything I needed to study, live, and feel supported right at my doorstep. It's truly become my home away from home.