Australia is generally a very safe place to live and study.
But it is still important to look after yourself and be aware of the risks that exist - and ways to minimise them.
Which number would you call if there is an emergency:
000
911
141
If you picked the first one, you are correct!
How would you get home after a night out in the city?
👉 I'll figure it out when I need to leave
Make sure you plan ahead in getting home when you are out in the city!
👉 I can easily get to my house by train
Always ensure someone knows where you are, and always walk under the streetlights after dark!
👉 I have enough money in my account for an Uber home
Awesome, but remember, public transport might be cheaper for you as a plan B!
It might be a distance to the city, how would you consider getting there?
👉 Taking a bus
Great idea! Many bus stops are around, and you will find a timetable here.
👉 Catching a train
Good choice, but remember to tap on and off when you use your opal Card!
👉 Taking an Uber/Taxi
Sounds good; you can also download the Uber app and track your ride with a friend.
We hold our student's personal privacy to a high standard, and we understand the importance placed on the privacy of your personal information. We have a Privacy Policy that is accessible to all students. Read this policy to know how your information is collected and maintained.
By Australian law, we may also disclose your personal information or your enrolment information to Australian Government agencies such as:
Services Australia
The Department of Education or
Personal information disclosed to Australian Government agencies is protected by law in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988.
For more information about how Services Australia handles personal information, please see https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/privacy.
Because we are all spending extra time at home on our devices, we want to ensure you are aware of cyber safety and how to stay safe online.
Remember to use your IMC email when communicating with us, as this will help us identify and ensure you are an enrolled student. You should use your IMC email account during your entire study at IMC, and this includes communicating with internal departments, including your lecturers.
Learn how to identify scams and potential risks online.
A scam message can be expressed in different forms, such as email, SMS, social networking sites, or through communication applications like FaceTime. Furthermore, common online scams include fake parcel delivery scams, shopping scams and investment scams.
If a message asks you to click a link to ‘confirm’ your details, please be alert! We recommend students take this Be-secure free program by the Australian Cyber Security Centre to stay secure and confident during this digital age.
Click here to get more information on how to avoid falling victim. If you think you have been scammed, you are not alone. Please contact us for support. You can also report a cybercrime to the Australian Cyber Security Centre.
The assistance and emergency networks in Australia are widespread and well-equipped for any potential emergencies. Fire, ambulance, and police services will be able to provide you with any health and safety assistance you may need.
Wherever you are in Australia, please call 000 (zero zero zero) if there is a life-threatening emergency. It is a free call, even from your mobile. An operator will answer and will ask which of the following services you need: Police, Fire, or Ambulance.
IMC provides on-campus security that can be contacted in case of an emergency. Please check your student handbook for details. If it is a life-threatening emergency, you should still call (000) even if you are on campus.
When you are out with friends or by yourself, here are some simple things you can do no matter what country you are in!
Keep your bag and belongings close to your body and where you can always see them.
Leave valuables at home if you don't need to take them with you. This includes jewellery, electronic equipment such as iPads and your passport.
Don't carry large amounts of money with you. You can access your money at ATMs in shops, supermarkets, petrol stations and many other public locations.
If you don't have a mobile phone, make sure you have a phone card and some money to make a call.
Use pedestrian walkways and cross the street at pedestrian crossings or where crossing lights are stationed.
NEVER hitchhike.
Public transport is reliable and widely used in Australia, particularly in metro and suburban areas.
Several security measures have been implemented to maximise the safety of public transport users, including security officers and guards, help points, good lighting, and security cameras. However, you should still use caution when travelling on public transport or using taxis.
Remember to wear a mask while using any public transport service to stay COVID-safe.
Use our tips below to stay safe while travelling in and around the city 👇
Avoid isolated bus, train and tram stops,
Check public transport timetables,
At night, board train carriages closest to the driver or where a guard is situated since the lights are more illuminated.
It is safer to sit in the rear of the taxi,
Make sure you know the address of your destination before entering the vehicle,
Tell the driver the route you would prefer to take to your point of destination.
Safety at home is important, no matter where you live.
Here are some tips to help keep you and your home safe.
Always keep your doors locked - both when you are home and when you go out.
Lock your windows when you go out or in rooms currently not in use.
If you come home to find evidence of a break-in (broken window or door lock), contact the police from a safe location.
Be careful of the information you issue to strangers through the internet (i.e. social networking sites), in person and over the phone. If you are not home or on holiday, do not make this information available to strangers.
Practice good judgement by not allowing strangers into your house.
Smoke alarms are important, as they will alert you when smoke or a fire is present in your house, so do not remove the batteries.
If you live in a rental property, hostel or hotel, it is the law to have smoke alarms fitted. If your property does not have them, talk to your landlord or real estate agent.
We should also tell you a bit about Consumer Protection!
Australia has a strong consumer protection framework to protect the rights of Australian consumers, including international students onshore.
The Australian Consumer Law includes a national law guaranteeing consumer rights when buying goods and services.
You should contact the relevant government trade and consumer agency in your state or territory if you:
Face or encounter any problems regarding a consumer good or service you have bought or are considering buying.
Would like to file or make a complaint about a business.
Visit australia.gov.au to find the relevant government agency for where you are living and studying.
It is also important to know about the Overseas Students Ombudsman (OSO).
The ombudsman investigates complaints about problems that overseas students have with private education and training institutions in Australia.
The Ombudsman’s services are free, independent and neutral.
You can find out more about this service on their website: www.ombudsman.gov.au.
Below is a link to the Ombudsman website for NSW.
New South Wales Ombudsman - www.ombo.nsw.gov.au
Now let's move onto Mental Health & Wellbeing...