ABOUT THE SUNSHINE COAST

The Sunshine Coast encompasses beach resorts, surf spots and rural hinterland in southern Queensland, Australia. It stretches from the coastal city of Caloundra, near Brisbane, north to the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park, home to multicoloured sand dunes, mangrove forests, and shallow lakes. Upscale Noosa Heads has boutique shops, waterways, and walking trails through Noosa National Park.

The Sunshine Coast highlights the very essence of what Australia has to offer; sunshine, shopping, entertainment, dazzling beaches and a world-class natural environment.

 

WEATHER

Sunshine Coast has a humid subtropical climate typical of South Queensland. Summers are generally hot, but moderated compared to areas on similar latitudes elsewhere. Winters retain warm days, but have cooler nights rendering it falling into the subtropical fold. There is no dry season and precipitation is generally quite high.The average temperature of the sea ranges from 21.2 °C (70.2 °F) in August to 27.1 °C (80.8 °F) in February at Mooloolaba,[19] and from 21.2 °C (70.2 °F) in August to 27.3 °C (81.1 °F) in February at Noosa Heads.

 

TRANSPORT

Public transport on the Sunshine Coast consists of trains and an extensive bus network. You can learn more about the transport network at the Translink site. One of the key features on the transport system is the ‘Go Card’ which is a plastic card on which you can ‘load’ credit. You can catch buses, trains and even ferries on the Brisbane River using one card. Student concession cards and train and bus timetables can be checked via http://translink.com.au/.

On the Sunshine Coast it is excellent to use a bicycle or skate as most of the beach side is flat and bike friendly. To buy a used bicycle check gumtree.com.au or kmart.com.au.  Particularly as you get closer to the beach areas because they are so flat, a bicycle is also a great way to get around the coast.

 

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation on the Sunshine Coast varies considerably and you will usually pay more the closer you get to live near the beach. There is a wide variety of units, houses and homestay accommodation available. It is probably a good idea to take the homestay option for the first month or two of your study which gives you plenty of time to look around at different houses and units. Talk to our Student Support staff regarding homestay.

Some basics about Homestay.

Homestay is a cultural exchange between a local individual or family (called a Host) and a visiting International student. The student lives as a guest in the home.Living with a family (homestay) during your studies is a great way to learn about a new community and culture.Homestays are still a great way to get to know your new community and culture, and to improve your English.

Full Board

  • Your own bedroom (with bed, desk, lamp and wardrobe)
  • Three meals a day (self-serve breakfast and lunch, plus a cooked dinner)
  • Electricity, gas and water bills
  • Involvement in family activities
  • Use of kitchen and laundry
  • Cost is around $300 – $400 a week. Phone, transport and internet use will normally cost extra

Part Board

  • Your own bedroom (with bed, desk, lamp and wardrobe)
  • Electricity, gas and water bills
  • Two meals a day (self-serve breakfast plus a cooked dinner)
  • Use of kitchen and laundry
  • Involvement in family activities
  • Cost is around $250 – $350 a week. Phone, transport and internet use will normally cost extra

You can look at rental properties through several different websites:

https://www.realestate.com.au/rent/in-sunshine+coast,+qld/list-1

https://www.domain.com.au/rent/sunshine-coast-qld/

Rent.com.au

The cost of living depends a great deal on what your living arrangements are.

If you share rent with other people, obviously, your weekly expenses will be less.

The Australian Government says a cost of living in Australia is around $400 weekly, see the data here: https://www.studiesinaustralia.com/Blog/study-tips/cost-of-living-in-australia-for-international-students

 

STUDY IN MINYAMA, SUNSHINE COAST 

MI Sunshine Coast space is located in Minyama, a seaside suburb very central to everything the Sunshine Coast has to offer. 

Campus Address: 3c/66 Jessica Blvd, Minyama QLD 4575