Semester in Newcastle
University of Newcastle

Why Life in Newcastle

Newcastle is a lively port city on a breathtaking stretch of Australia’s coastline. The city has wonderful beaches for surfing and swimming, a low cost of living, a very favorable climate, and a casual lifestyle. You’ll find miles of walking paths along the stunning coast, where spotting a dolphin or whale is common. Located in the same state as Sydney (2.5 hours away by train), you’ll have easy access to explore another of the country’s most impressive cities – and beyond.

The Lonely Planet named Newcastle a top ten city in the world in the Best in Travel Guide in 2011. With a population of 550,000, Newcastle offers all the usual city comforts, such as restaurants, cafés, parks and gardens, theaters, art galleries, shopping centers, and nightclubs. At the same time, it retains the charms of a smaller beach community. The city’s heritage as a coal port is still evident, but over the past few decades Newcastle has become a thriving, sophisticated city know for its relaxed, coastal lifestyle. The University of Newcastle has played a large role in this transformation.

A few miles south of the city is Australia’s largest seaboard lake, Lake Macquarie, scene of many national and international sailing events. Less than an hour’s drive north is the impressive harbor of Port Stephens, a popular center for big-game fishing, sailing, surfing, and windsurfing. To the west are the internationally famous wineries of the Hunter Valley, many of them more than a century old. And to the south are the beautiful beaches of the Central Coast. The oceanic climate of the region offers warm summers and mild winters. It’s no wonder Newcastle is a popular destination for study abroad students!

Live The Local Life

• Farmers’ markets

  Newcastle loves a good weekend market. There’s at least one every weekend – check them out for great vibes and fresh produce.

• Sports events

  The University has a bunch of social sport teams to join if you want to keep active. Attend a professional rugby or soccer game in the city to see Newcastle turn out to support its local athletes and feel the atmosphere!

• Dance and yoga classes

  Yoga is huge in Newcastle. Find one of our dance or yoga studios and roll out your mat!

• Café culture

  Australians take their coffee seriously, and Newcastle is a prime example. Go on a local café crawl to find all the hidden gems – ask onsite staff for their tips!

• Sand dune surfing in Stockton

  An experience not to be missed. If sand surfing isn’t your thing, try one of the 4WD safaris, or take a ride on a camel.

• Dolphin-watching in Nelson Bay

  With over 140 Bottlenose Dolphins calling Port Stephens home, it’s no wonder these friendly locals are sighted so often.

Location

As a student at the University of Newcastle, you’ll live in an on-campus residence on the Callaghan Campus. Choose between a single room in a 5-6 person apartment with locals and other international students at the International House, or premium single-room housing in the New Residences (known locally as “The Towers”). Please note: most apartments are co-ed. Contact your Program Enrollment Cordinator if you would like a gender-specific apartment.

Your apartment will come fully furnished and you will be provided with a linen and kitchen pack. You’ll have access to a well-equipped shared kitchen. Study areas, ground floor common area, barbeque area, and laundry facilities are available on site.

Meals

Inclusions and Amenities

• CommuteWalkingPublic Transportation
• Kitchen Equipment
• LaundryOn-site
• Single Room
• Study Areas

Inclusions

Program fees are in U.S. dollars and include the following:

• 4 day CIS Abroad Aussie Orientation in Sydney
• Full-time tuition and fees
• Housing
• Medical and accident insurance
• Overseas Health Insurance (mandatory for any student studying in Australia)
• CIS Abroad support services before, during, and after the program
• Academic advising
• Financial aid counseling
• Pre-departure orientation
• Airport pickup
• University of Newcastle orientation
• On-site support
• Internet connection
• Student Guild fees
• University of Newcastle official transcript
• The Local Life cultural program

Welcome & Orientation

Your program will kick off with the action-packed and engaging Great Barrier Reef Orientation. This 4-day/3-night orientation will provide you with an amazing introduction to Australia’s culture, wildlife, and natural environments. Get ready to be on your feet (and in the water) much of the time, visiting places like the rainforest, indigenous communities, and the Great Barrier Reef. Also do things we know you came a long way to do, like holding koalas, snorkeling, and feeding kangaroos.

This active and engaging orientation program isn’t just one big adventure, however! Discuss program and behavioral expectations, touching on topics such as culture, slang, food, and where to go and what to do when you settle into your new home in Melbourne. Once you’re settled in, get an orientation at your new campus to help you get adjusted.

*For Fall 2023, students will have a 4 day orientation in Sydney. The Great Barrier Reef Orientation will resume for Spring, 2024!

Farewell & Re-Entry Program

Though you’re not an astronaut returning from space, re-entering your home culture after being abroad can be shocking to the system. Your site director will walk you through some of the things to expect and help you reflect on your time abroad so that you can remember the highlights. Also, enjoy a group meal as part of your farewell to Australia.