Hi. if you sent me a pm recently, or at any time really, then I did not get it. checked my mail and all. can you please send it again.

mimi1147:

Hope u get ur accomodation sorted out soon so u can settle in before classes start.

Wollongong looks great right?

We'll, moved out of the hotel and I'm in a cheaper, but less convenient place. Hope to sort out better accommodation before the end of the week, at least secure. After that, a parttime job is necessary. But school 1st...so far, Wollongong seems good

mimi1147:

Thank God you arrived safely. When is ur class starting? U know u have to start sch before u can work
Pls keep us posted

Classes start in two weeks, orientation next. Met a couple of Nigerians. Thank. At a backpacker accommodation, searching for a good deal.

Hi all.
Got in last night. Getting to know the place. Just opened a bank account and got me a SIM. Cold and expensive, very, but awesome!!! Looking to accommodation. Rooming at a temporary, and expensive, basic place with some Indians. They are great! Met some Nigerians and we went out looking for.a place. 110 dollars to share a room sounds much but it's the best I've got. Need to get a job soon as I can. Not many options in Wollongong yet. Keep y'all posted....thanks alot y'all.

Much love to y'all

mimi1147: @ talk2salt
Please keep in touch cos I will be needing ur help when my time comes since I don't know anyone there

Pls ooo b gist me about the town don't, don't leave this forum after you land

i very much intend to and look forward to seeing you. hopefully, i should know my way around then.

ferdimako:

Oh yeah, if you know you're qualified, process the PR visa there instead of waiting for an employer/state/regional sponsorship.That will be Subclass 189. I learnt am qualified just this month and am preparing (IELTS GT Sept 21 & ACS Skill Assessment) for it before I land with my student visa (ECU,Ms,computer Science,2yrs). I am headed to Perth,WA.

Have you landed?

thats the plan, thanks. i am landing in two days

ferdimako:

The latter.

Masters program...2years.learned about the PR late

ferdimako:

All the best...just plunge in and see the depth.You'll overcome the huddles.What flight?

Thanks bro. Qantas...from south Africa. Can't recall the number. Lands @ about 2pm

mimi1147: @ talk2salt
Hope to join you at wollongong very soon. Hold down the city for us... Lol

I gotcha! Lol. Come soon enough, need all the company all the i can get

mimi1147: @ talk2salt
Wollongong is the second option they gave me. I'm still trying to push for area with less populaton

I'm off to Wollongong next week. Hope to find a way round all the huddles.
Thanks Jenny for the down-to-earth info. You live, you learn

mimi1147: @ jenny
What about wollongong?
Is it ok or its like sydney?

@Jenny: Yes please, what about Wollongong?
@mimii: you heading to Wollongong?

manmeta:

Of course you can.

1. At the end of your 2-year study.

2. I'm not sure about the details of applying immediately you land as a student but I know there is/was such a possibility. Look through the available visa types.

The MSc is a good one. But it won't really give you an edge. Many Australian employers are least bothered about anything above a first degree or less. A friend lost out on a job opening because he was "overqualified". He has a PhD. Unless you wanna stay in the academics.

You're right about the bit that surveyors are not appreciated in Nigeria. In any case, welcome to the land of promise, where your dreams will be fulfilled.

Thank you. I guess you live, you learn. I'll start looking into the visa options. hope to hit the ground running.
What moves can i make as regards getting a "my hands dirty" in a student job. When and where should i search, and what kinds? any chance i get something remotely related to my field?

manmeta:

I trust Jenny. She won't mince her words/opinion. I didn't want to make him feel bad. But on 2nd thot, all the guy wants is a PR and a good job. His BSc will do the job. Why go for a MSc? In any case, if he's gone far with that, you're welcome anyway. Many people will give their toes to be where you're now with a study visa already.

Thank you Aunty Jenny and Manmeta...
Please bring it on, dont think i can feel any worse. The MSC is a Master of Science and Management (geology). I will be doing a lot of GIS/Geoinformatics. Geoinformatics isnt doing so well in Nigeria and most people dont even know what it is. Surveyors here arent doing too good either. Its like the only think one can do is be a property surveyor. I feel, givien the short time and the schools policy, it would be impossible to get my money back. i honestly dont want to spend this much, and i only have half as yet. Anyways, is there a way forward. can i be on a student visa and start applying for a PR, while in Australia? Or any other suggestions.
Please advise.
Thank you

manmeta:

Again, here goes the debate between applying for a PR via Skilled Migration or Studying.

For individuals who have some considerable work experience and listed on the SOL, I'd always recommend the GSM route instead of studying abroad. I'm pretty sure, not less than 90% applying for student visas do not really want to study but just to use the route to get a PR. In any case, it may surprise you to know that Australian employers are least bothered by your plethora of qualifications or where you graduated from once you have a requisite qualification. Acquiring more qualifications does not put you in a more competitive stead. Your Nigerian qualification (or from wherever) will do here, as long as it is assessed as comparable by relevant authorities here.

Moreover, the student visa route is long and winding, during which period the government may throw up unfavourable policies which may throw spanner in the works. In addition, it is VERY EXPENSIVE. On the other hand, you only pay a fraction of these expenses for a skilled migrant PR.

For not-so-experienced individuals, the student visa route may be the way to go. However, know it's gonna be tough.

Hence, as Jenny advised, may be you should reconsider the GSM option, since you've already been prompted to apply. Get to do IELTS GT. It's easier. I got 8.5. Have a rethink. You may need to slow down and have little patience now than to go through an expensive and long route. The money you'd save may be used to aid your settling in.

In any case, it's your call - your decision to make. Whatever you decide, I believe you'd get support and advice from the house. All the best bro.

Wow, if only i was fortunate to learn this sooner. I have a BSc in Surveying and Geoinformatics (Engineering) and have worked since graduating in 2008. I am to commence a Masters of Science and management program at the University of Wollongong for 2years 0n the 22nd! It is very expensive and as of yet i only have enough for one year. I think its a little too late for me to switch to the PR option. Please, Aunt Jenny, Manmeta and anyone,any suggestions on what i can do?
Thank you

Thank you all for all the valuable info and suggestions.
Please more comments on accommodation.
Would like to know when and how one can apply for PR.
What's the first step?
Additionally, can someone say a thing or two about getting a job.
Thank you Jenny, reMcDon and all

iamcapela:

I am not being insultive and I never mentioned anyone's name, I didn't even insult, I said pple be running them mouth. Na who nor come nor go know, I am in Melbourne and I see how it's done, before you come in people be like it's so easy when ur in here but Jenny it's not. If you don't have family here to help or support you it's a huge hiccup.

Pple get here with high hopes and all,I register for Disability and all, 5 months after i've yet to start working cus of sch hour and tight schedule, I am just gonna start placements now. What if I didnt come prepared, what if my sponsor isnt there to support me financially, remember those who'll just come with the hope of the jobs when it's hard to get except for the experieced ones.. It's better telling them what to except than they thinking it's all pot of gold, just my opinion not asking anyone to agree to it.

First off, I get your point and it is very true. I'm coming in a couple of weeks and I'm as jumpy as a kangaroo. You kept it real. But so did the others. They sort the more encouraging approach.

I got a 1.5year master of science admission originally but found I could combine with a management course and make it 2years. Some schools are aware of immigration policies and create options. He should ask his school for a 2year option.

@summer401
we life in Sydney? It does seem a bit far far from Wollongong. Landing in Sydney though

akomsy: Thank God for His infinite mercy i was granted my student visa yesterday .. God will see each and everyone of us through and thanks to all those contributing in one way or the other here.. feel free to ask me ur questions but not the one google can ans.lolz j.k

Congrats.

jennykadry:

1. I did tell someone on this page that studying the 6 months aged care /community service is a waste of time. I always advise people to save their money. If you have interest in community or health work, then do nursing.

2. ^^^6 months course is a waste of time,especially in aged care.

3. Yes you can work in Australia especially if you've paid some semester fees in full, you can get a job and save but all that depends on your cost of living, look at a cheap place to share with or rent with someone, that would help in reducing the bills and all that payment ish.

4. Some people just use sponsor acct to pave the way for them to get into the country first. Some sponsors can only go as far as showing their acct statement and do not want you touching their money. As long as you pay your fees sponsor acct or not, they don't make a fuss about it

Thanks for this. I'm looking for someone to share accommodation with when i get there on the 17th of next month. So far the prices are cut-throat crazy, but i understand that they maybe affordable to someone working there. I developed an ulcer worrying about how i'm going to cope with moving to a new country and culture. then having worked for a while hear i'm anxious as to how, and how long, and also what kinda work immo get.

Fikzzy:

Accommodation in schools are on the high side. Strongly believe staying with locals or homestay with an aussie family is ideal. Wateva bill u pay per week or month will include food, gas, internet, tv and 1 get 2 learn bout d aussie culture wen u stay with them. This is simply based on my research though and I stand to be corrected.

Thank you Fikzzy.
Please anyone have something else to add or elaborate?

ferdimako:

Okay. You can let the school know of ur accommodation preference.May be they hook u up with some locals. I was thinking one needs that as a part of the Embassy documents.I don't know what we all will expect but I know it'll worth it.

U don't need to pre-book accommodation

mcdon60:
Congrats @talk2salt, which school did u applied to, ao many months did ur visa processing took and did your visa carry any condition? thanks

Thanks all. Still need Someone around Wollongong to show me the ropes.

@mcdon60: it took 2weeks after submission. Came it no extra restrictions

ferdimako:

And they still gave you the visa? What exactly did u enclose? Am on the verge of lodging!

Money in the bank. Sponsors details. School and work documents. Then the usual documents they give you. I think evidence that you can support yourself is crucial.

ferdimako:

Congrats on the visa! Clueless on what? You can make arrangements for your accommodation with the school. That remains me, did u enclose any form accommodation document when lodging for the visa?

Didn't enclose an accommodation form. The schools accommodations are a bit on the steep side. I would like alternatives

ferdimako:

Okay. Wow, that N60K is huge oh and WOU's tuition is more huge. It's okay! So which Ms are you in? All the best bro!

?

That's the thing! Wanted a 2year course so I could apply for a migration program later. I didn't pay 60k though. I think I paid around 30, this was like 2years ago or so. It's a Master of Science and Management (geology) program. I need advice on accommodation and what to expect so I can settle in. I sure as hell can't afford to stay in their hostels.

ferdimako:

Have u got the visa? U must have been with the Pfl.

Yes, got the visa in my email from south Africa. Yes, was with PFL.

Hi, is there anyone in New South Wales around? Got my student visa last week, should to arrive next month. Clueless.

sammer406:

what part of new south wales, I'm in Sydney

Hi. It's Wollongong. Coming in for a masters program next month

Hi. Any Nigerians in New South Wales around.

Hi.
u r all well I trust. I am about to go study a master of science (geology) program at the university of Wollongong in July,that's about a month away. That's the good news, the bad news is I've never been to Australia or studied abroad. Any one in Wollongong or New south Wales who I can talk to around? It all seems so overwhelming.
Salt.

Hi.
u r all well I trust. I am about to go study a master of science (geology) program at the university of Wollongong in July,that's about a month away. That's the good news, the bad news is I've never been to Australia or studied abroad. Any one in Wollongong or New south Wales who I can talk to around? It all seems so overwhelming.
Salt.