New international students: make waves and explore your community with these free events
Starting university in a new country can feel like a big adventure – and sometimes a little overwhelming. The good news? You’re not doing it alone.
As part of Deakin’s International Student Connect program, we’re running a range of free events designed to help you settle in, meet new people and experience some of the best parts of life in Australia. From learning how to stay safe at the beach to exploring your local community, these upcoming events are a great way to build confidence, make friends and feel right at home at Deakin.
Beach Fun & Safety Day
Spending time by the water is a big part of Australian life, but it’s important to know how to stay safe.
Join our Beach Fun & Safety Day in Week 4, where new international students can learn practical tips from Life Saving Victoria about recognising risks like rips and currents and staying safe in the water. Afterwards, relax, meet other students and enjoy classic Australian beach activities like volleyball and cricket on the sand. To make things easy, a free bus will take students from Burwood, Waurn Ponds and Waterfront campuses to Altona Beach and back.
Date: Saturday 28 March 2026
Location: Altona Beach (transport provided)
Register now
- Burwood students book for 10am – The bus will be departing from campus at 10am. Please ensure you are at Burwood Pantry Cafe (Building BC, Level 1) by 9.45am.
- Waurn Ponds students book for 9.30am – A chartered bus will collect you from outside Building JB (Stop 1 – Deakin Central Zone) at 9.30am. Please ensure that you arrive at the bus stop by 9.15am.
- Waterfront students book for 10am – The bus will be departing from campus at 10am. Please ensure you are at 1 Gheringhap Street (meet at the Deakin Cube out the front of building D) by 9.45am.
Community Discovery Tours
Getting to know your new city can make a big difference when you’re settling into university life. That’s why we’re running Community Discovery Tours in Week 6, designed especially for new international students. These interactive bus tours will help you explore the local community, discover useful places around campus and meet other students while learning how to make the most of life at Deakin.
Burwood campus
Date: Wednesday 15 April 2026
Time: 11am–2.30pm
Location: Meet at Burwood Pantry Cafe (BC Building, Level 1)
Register now
Waurn Ponds campus
Date: Wednesday 15 April 2026
Time: 10.30am–3pm
Location: Meet at Building JB, Level 2 – The Learning Space (JB2.101)
Register now
Waterfront campus
Date: Wednesday 15 April 2026
Time: 11am–3pm
Location: Meet at The Pantry (D1.205)
Register now
Meet people, try new things and feel at home
University isn’t just about lectures and assignments – it’s also about discovering new experiences and building connections that make your time at Deakin memorable. These events are a great way to meet other new international students, explore your community and experience some uniquely Australian activities along the way. Spots are limited, so make sure you register early!
We can’t wait to see you there!