What could you gain from a year in Sydney?
The decision to spend a year in Sydney
Moving to Sydney was a decision I planned 6-months before hand whilst living in New Zealand. I was intrigued by prospects and possibilities which came with living in a larger city. I had heard so many great things about Sydney and I was ready to experience a year there to find out for myself. The purpose of my journey was to gain a first-hand understanding of Australian culture, work ethic and city life. Over the last decade Sydney has continuously ranked as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and I challenge anyone who doubts this to spend an afternoon relaxing by the city’s harbour. But of course, having the opportunity to live in one of the most renowned cities in the world also comes at a price.
What is the Working Holiday Visa and why is it a fantastic opportunity for post-university students?
If you are interested in living, working, or doing a short course of study within Sydney, the Working Holiday Visa is a great choice for you. This visa is your passport to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that allows you to experience life in Sydney, or any part of Australia. The program is open to a wide range of countries including Japan, Chile and The Republic of Korea. The working holiday visa does not allow extensive study such as a degree course. For this you will need to apply for a student visa.
I would highly recommend the working holiday program to post-graduate students who are looking for opportunities following their studies. Whether you are unsure of the career path you wish to take, or would like to travel before you settle in to a career, a year in Sydney could reveal many prospects. Not only will it allow you to gain experience and growth within in a chosen career, you will also gain life experience and meet plenty of new friends along the way. Partaking on a year abroad takes confidence, adaptability and determination. But in affect, these qualities will be an advantage to your résumé.
To be accepted onto the visa you must be aged between 18-30 and have a degree standard of education. For more information visit the Australia immigration website (http://www.immi.gov.au/index.htm), and see if this opportunity is possible for you.
Finding accommodation in Sydney
Finding accommodation will be one of the most difficult obstacles to overcome when moving to Sydney. Unfortunately there is currently low availability amongst rental flats and houses in the region. This makes it expensive if you wish to live on your own. If you plan to study in Sydney I would definitely recommend going through your student association to help find student accommodation.
If you don’t fancy living in student accommodation, I would advise finding a shared apartment where the rent would be spilt. Renting in Sydney is not cheap, I would budget for AU$200 a week minimum for your stay, and that’s if you intend to share. If you’re planning to be in Sydney for a set time and would prefer to have a stable base to call home, you could consider signing a contract through a real estate agent. Arrive prepared by having an AU$1000 bond ready to handover and previous tenancy references if possible. Since availability is low you will need to convince the estate agents you will be a reliable tenant. I found myself renting in Kings Cross - an area with a large occupancy of backpackers and conveniently close to the city. Between two of us, we were paying AU$300 per week for a small studio apartment. This was found through an estate agent.
Transportation in Sydney
Although the locals love to moan about Sydney’s transportation system, I find it pretty good. City Rail (the local rail service) has a frequent, adequately priced service which runs till around 1am. You can get to most places in Sydney with City Rail (the only annoying exception being Bondi Beach). I’ve got into a habit of buying a 7-day train ticket for AU$25. I use the pass to get to work and I can also use it to travel around the city at the weekends too.
If you live in an area without a train station you can rely on Sydney’s bus service. Bus fairs are reasonably priced but they do have a tendency to be over crowed. Another option of getting around the city is by ferry. You’ll definitely find these services handy if you live in a suburb by the water as boats depart frequently to the CBD. The ferries are also great for weekend trips to the popular Northern beaches such as Manly (AU$14 return).
Wages and Everyday Prices in Sydney
If you already have a degree you can expect to earn a fairly generous hourly wage (around AU$20), especially if you work in Sydney’s Central Business District. A big disadvantage of working in any part of the country is that you are required (as a non-resident) to pay 29% non-refundable tax. This obviously impacts on your net income. On a positive note (unless you are doing causal work), most recruiters will put you on a superannuation policy. This system puts aside an additional 9% of your wages into a fund which can only be reclaimed once you leave the country. The superannuation is just another term for a retirement fund or 401K.
Sydney is an extremely popular place to live and this does have an affect on everyday spending. You may find groceries, petrol, and toiletries are expensive in comparison to your home country, especially if you live inner-city. Although everyday prices are cheaper if you live 30 minutes or more outside the city, I wouldn’t recommend it. The convenience of having a short commute to university or work and being able to walk home after a night out is definitely worth the price of paying a little extra on rent and everyday goods!
Earning a living in Sydney
Finding work in Sydney is easier than finding accommodation. Whether you’re a student wishing to work part-time or a recent graduate, Sydney has many opportunities for finding your dream job. For more casual roles, look out for notice boards, newspapers or hostels around the city. Websites are another helping hand whilst job hunting. Sites such as www.seek.com.au and www.Careerone.com allow you to check availability, salaries and apply for roles before you even arrive in the country.
Since I was living in Sydney on the Working Holiday Visa, I was restricted to temporary work. Using a temping agency was an excellent approach to source the work environment I desired for my time in Australia. One of the better recruitment companies I found in Sydney was Alliance (www.alliancerecruitment.com.au). The company found me a long-term position within my desired field within a few days of registering. Although recruitment agencies take a percentage of your salary, the wage they offer may still be higher than work found independently.
Why Sydney?
Sydney describes its self as a city of villages, and to some extent this is true. Like any city there are many unique pockets which have a strong sense of community. Whether you are interested in art, music festivals, nightlife, or just want a balcony with a superb view, you’ll be sure to find a neighborhood that suits you. Sydney also acts as a great base to explore the rest of Australia. This is made easy and convenient by Virgin Blue (www.virginblue.com.au) and Jet star (www.jetstar.com.au) who offer competitive flights around the country.
The high quality of life which is to be found in Sydney has made it a popular city amongst foreigners. It has everything you would want from a metropolis – beauty, atmosphere and opportunity. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live, study or work in Sydney then let me tell you it’s a stunning city with plenty of possibilities and fun to be had. Why not visit the Australian immigration website today and see how easy it is for you to experience a year living abroad.
