Advice on how to be safe at the beach, how to do the "Aussie driver salute" and how to avoid the evil ducks at the University of Wollongong duck pond was offered at the Welcome to Wollongong event on Friday.
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Students, staff and families who have moved to the Illawarra from other states and overseas to study were welcomed by Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery and other community representatives out the front of Wollongong Town Hall.
After sampling some Vegemite sandwiches and lamingtons, the crowd was entertained by the Wongawilli Band, UOW Groove Central dancers and drummers the Beatlab Performers and had the chance to check out information stalls by Wollongong City Council, lifeguards and community organisations.
Christian Bagayo, 28, moved to Wollongong two months ago from West Borneo and has begun his two-year education degree this semester at the University of Wollongong.
Although he came to Australia with a friend who is studying accounting, he said the first few weeks were quite difficult.
"At the start I was a bit lonely, but I think everyone would feel like that, but everyone has been very helpful so I have become more comfortable now."
Mr Bagayo is four weeks into his course and while the cultural differences were challenging at first, he said staff and other students at the university had helped him settle in. He said events such as Welcome to Wollongong made him more aware of services.
Masters of education student Binnu Baby, from India, said she found information on day-to-day living, such as how to recycle correctly, especially helpful.
Welcome to Wollongong is a biannual event.