Making connections

ISS arranges social activities at low cost. We send out information using student email contact lists, so make sure that you check your university email regularly for the university’s newsletter Ping! or emails from iss@flinders.edu.au.

If you are living on campus, the Hall and Village senior residents organise a number of activities.

Cinemas in Adelaide offer cheaper tickets on Tuesday nights. Westfield Marion, which is a large shopping centre on Sturt Road (and very close to Flinders), has a megaplex with a good range of movies on show at any one time.

To find out what movies are on and session times visit Event Cinemas Marion and GU Filmhouse Glenelg and Wallis Cinemas.

Adelaide has a number of live music venues and for further information, check Live music in Adelaide or Glam Adelaide. 

Most local councils run a range of social activities. Visit their websites for details and select the Community tab and look for Community Events and Community Centres.

Visit Mitcham Council, Marion Council, Holdfast Bay and Onkaparinga for information.

Ask at One Sport and Fitness for information on sporting clubs affiliated with the University. Visit them at the Alan Mitchell Sports Centre K11 of the Campus map.

Check your local Council websites or ask at ISS for information about sporting and social clubs in the community.

Adelaide City Council lists an Event Guide detailing free and low cost events.

You can also visit the Art Gallery of South Australia, the South Australian Museum and the Botanic Gardens.

GlamAdelaide also lists events in the city of Adelaide.

Working while studying

All students are expected to complete their degree within the time specified on their Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). However, you may wish to work while you are studying.

When working as a student:

• You are not permitted to start work until you have commenced your course of study
• If you are doing Bachelor/graduate certificate/graduate diploma/masters by course work - you can work a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight during the term and unlimited hours when your course is not in session.
• If you are doing Masters by research or PhD, you can work unlimited hours any time of the year.

For a full list of student visa conditions visit the Department of Home Affairs.

Finding work

You may find it difficult to find work in Australia as you will be joining the general Australian population in your search; therefore, you should not rely on income from employment when budgeting to pay for living expenses. There is no guarantee that employment companies will find work for you.

Visit the Careers and Employability for job opportunities.

Taxes

Taxes are managed through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

The tax you pay depends on how much you earn.

Getting a Tax File Number

You must obtain a Tax File Number (TFN) to be able to work in Australia. A TFN is your unique reference number to our tax system. When you

start work, your employer will ask you to complete a tax file number declaration form. If you do not provide a TFN your employment will be taxed at the highest personal income tax rate, which will mean less money in your wages each week. You can apply for your TFN online at the ATO (www.ato.gov.au) or phone 13 2861, 8am–8pm Monday-Friday (local time), except national public holidays.

Taxation returns

If you pay too much tax you are entitled to a refund. To get a refund you will need to lodge a tax return. You can lodge a tax return on-line using e-tax which is free, by mailing a paper tax return, or by paying a registered tax agent to complete and lodge the return for you. If you lodge by e-tax your refund will normally be issued within 14 days.

• Tax returns are lodged at the end of the tax year which is June 30.
• The ATO provides assistance to individuals to lodge tax returns through community organisations, such as the Flinders University Student Association.

Superannuation

If your monthly wage is more than AU$450, your employer must contribute an additional sum equal to 9.50% of your wage into a superannuation (pension) account for you. In most cases, you can access your contributions when you leave Australia permanently, although the contributions will be taxed.

To check your eligibility to claim your superannuation and to apply for your payment, visit the ATO.

You will need to provide the details of your superannuation fund.

Obeying the law

In being granted a visa to study in Australia, you signed a document (Australian Values Statement-Temporary) agreeing to respect Australian values and obey the laws of Australia for the duration of your stay. Failure to comply with the laws of this land (including State and Territory laws) could result in a fine or the cancellation of your visa and possible deportation back home. If you are convicted of a serious crime, it could result in imprisonment.

You can find useful information about Australia’s legal system here. A short guide for new migrants living in South Australia is available here.

Legal services and advice

If you need to attend a court appearance you will need legal advice to negotiate Australia’s complex legal system. In the event that you require legal assistance please contact the ISS immediately on 8201 2717 or The Legal Services Commission of South Australia by telephone: 1300 366 424.

Child protection laws

In Australia the rights of children are protected. The South Australian Department for Child Protection website has information regarding child protection jurisdiction and legislation.