JAH Trinity - Australian News

ADAPT. prospective migrants must learn to adapt to the Australian way of doing things. While some things are similar, others are totally different. If life was going to be the same you wouldn't bother to migrate, would you!

DON'T MOAN. if you're going to whinge and complain about Oz and make negative comparisons with the UK, then DON'T GO THERE! Australians will show you no sympathy. Even I was castigated and told to go back to Britain by an Aboriginal person because I complained about a 30-minute wait, at a beachside restaurant and he was just another customer. Be warned!

RESEARCH ... as much as possible about Australia before you arrive, particularly the area or town you plan to live in.

PENPALS ...make use of the pen pal section in this newspaper and contact other prospective migrants in the UK and those already established Down Under. It makes a big difference to be in touch with people going through the same feelings and emigration stress and to pick up tips and advice from them.

MAKE FRIENDS. quickly. Be prepared to make a big effort because it reduces culture shock and helps you settle in to the Aussie way of life. Also, the Aussies can be extremely helpful in many situations, i.e. telling you where the best sports clubs, gymnasiums, child care facilities, best areas to live etc are.

IN THE DRIVING SEAT. be prepared to sit a theory and practical driving test. By law, migrants have to pass their driving test within three months of entering the country because it is illegal to drive on Australian roads with an international licence after this period.

CHOOSE CAREFULLY. which telephone company you go with. Hundreds of dollars are likely to be spent making long phone calls back home to friends and relatives in the UK within your first few months and there are many cheap rates available. Do make sure that you check the small print, however, I have been caught out!

AIR CONDITIONING. whether you're buying a car or a house make sure it's got air conditioning that works properly, otherwise you could end up roasting. When buying a house check for white ants (termites). They can eat through timber and cause expensive repair bills... even complete demolition.

EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER ... be prepared to experience mixed emotions. Many migrants break down in tears on arrival at their new home. Don't worry though if this happens, apparently it's quite normal so you should let your emotions out as it will reduce stress.

BRING PROOF .of paid utility bills, bank Statements, all training certificates, document from school etc, and have an updated CV ready. All of these things are ESSENTIAL for job searching, renting and buying a house etc and just generally settling in. Australian utilities and mobile phone companies sometimes want to see these and may require you to pay a special bond.