Queensland is sunny, beautiful and diverse. It is also, by world standards, relatively safe. However, it is still important to use common sense to protect yourself and your belongings when living, studying and travelling in Queensland.
In Queensland, like most places in the world, it is not a good idea to walk around on your own in lonely places, particularly at night. When you are out and about, avoid wearing money bags, cameras or jewelry that might attract attention.
For more information and tips on personal safety in Queensland visit the Think Before website.
Queensland is a safe and secure place to live and study, but it always helps to know how to look after yourself. Take a moment to go over this Student Safety Guide to get all the information on how to stay safe in Queensland.
Studying
Schools, colleges and universities in Queensland all have safety rules and regulations that will be explained to you during your student orientation. These include:
- where to go if there is a fire
- the phone number of the security department
- after-hours access to classrooms, computer rooms, gym and other facilities.
If any of this information isn’t clear, talk to an international student advisor at your study institution.
Most institutions have their own security team who are there to protect you and your possessions. If something you own has been lost or stolen, or if you notice someone acting suspiciously, call security.
While you are at school, college or university, common sense rules apply about your personal safety and your belongings. For example, keep your wallet and phone in your bag and keep your bag with you. If you are studying on a large campus at night, stay in public areas and on well-lit walkways.
Sun safety
Queensland’s climate is sunny and warm for most of the year. If you spend time outdoors you will need to look after your skin. Wear sunscreen, clothes and a broad-brimmed hat and try to stay out of the sun during the hottest hours of the day (10am – 3pm). The Cancer Council Queensland’s website provides more information about sun safety.
Beach safety
Queensland is world-renowned for its stunning beaches and hopefully you will enjoy some of them during your stay. Australia’s surf lifesavers are there to help you if you have any questions about beach safety, or if you get into trouble in the surf.
As a general rule: always swim on patrolled beaches, and always swim between the flags. This will ensure that if you need help, a surf lifesaver will see you and come to your aid.
For more information about Australia’s beaches, safety and surf lifesavers, visit the Surf Lifesaving Australia website.
Bush and outback safety
Queensland has many extraordinary and beautiful places to explore. Some tips to consider when venturing into the bush or Outback:
- travel with other people
- make sure someone knows where you are at all times
- stay on the road or a walking track
- if you go for a swim in a river or a lake, never dive in – rather, enter the water yourself gradually
- do not touch or feed wild animals – they are not used to close contact with humans and may hurt you.
The Queensland Government Environment and Resource Management website can provide you with more specific information about staying safe in the bush.
Relationships and dating
Australia values gender equality – especially in relationships. Each partner is entitled to choose whether to date, enter or leave a committed relationship with someone, or marry someone.
Same sex (homosexual) relationships are also legally accepted. Many couples are sexually intimate but do not marry. Younger couples in particular are often “boyfriend” and “girlfriend” but will spend most of their time hanging out with mutual friends. In short, there is no “right” or “only” way to be in a relationship with someone.
Use extra care if you decide to be physically intimate with a partner. No matter how you feel about someone, make sure you know that person well and can trust him or her before you put yourself in a situation where you are alone.
It is important to communicate clearly about what you are comfortable in doing and what you are not willing to do. This can be a little embarrassing, but it is important for your safety. It is also out of respect for yourself and your partner that you make your boundaries clear, even if this means saying ‘no’ very clearly.
For more discussion about relationship issues, communication strategies and advice, including Queensland contacts and help lines, check out the Relationships Australia website.
If you are sexually active, always use contraception and condoms. This will reduce your chances of unwanted pregnancies and/or contracting a range of sexually transmitted diseases, including Hepatitis and HIV/AIDS.
Tobacco
You must be over the age of 18 years to purchase and smoke tobacco in Australia.
With the health dangers of tobacco now recognised, Australian society is becoming less tolerant of smoking. In Queensland, it is illegal to smoke in public areas such as bars, restaurants, indoor office areas, shopping centres, hospitals, schools, and many beaches and parks.
It is important that you obey ‘no smoking’ signs if you see them as fines can apply.
Alcohol
The legal age for purchasing and consuming alcohol in Australia is 18 years. Whether or not you choose to drink alcohol, you should be aware that many social occasions and activities in Australian culture involve alcohol.
It is also important to consider how different types of alcohol, heat, hunger and fatigue can influence the way in which alcohol affects you. For these reasons, we highly recommend that you stay with a group of your own friends and take it easy when drinking.
Another serious danger is drink spiking (putting extra alcohol or other drugs into a person’s drink without their knowledge). Drink spiking can happen to anyone. Whether you are drinking alcohol or not, keep your drink close to you, watch it at all times and never accept an open container of drink if you did not see it being poured. If you suspect you or your friends have had a drink spiked, call 000 (zero-zero-zero) immediately to report it and get help.
Illegal drugs
Some drugs are illegal in Australia, as they are in most countries. Having anything to do with drugs is a criminal offence and can lead to breaches of your student visa, a criminal record and severe legal penalties. The Australian Government’s National Drugs Campaign website provides more detailed information about the dangers of drug use.
Gambling
Gambling can be a fun – occasionally. However, some international students may be at risk of developing a gambling problem because they are not among their usual friends and support networks to distract them or break the pattern of gambling behaviour. If you or your friends think gambling is turning into a problem for you, seek advice immediately.
In Queensland you can dial the Gambling Helpline on 1800 633 649 (this is a free call number) for reassurance and advice. International student advisors at your study institution are also available to talk to. Or you could talk to a counselor, psychologist or doctor.
Our Student Directory contains links to many Queensland counselling and health services websites.
