Overview

Student Services

BROWNS is committed to providing students with the resources and information they need to gain the most from their time at BROWNS and in Australia.

Our Student Services team is always available to assist with any issues that may arise during your time at BROWNS.

BROWNS range of services include:

  • Assistance with Adjusting to Life in Australia
  • School Orientation
  • Accommodation Services – Homestay, Student Apartments & Student Houses
  • Airport Transfers
  • Academic Counselling and Further Study Advice
  • Student Activities
  • Travel Advice and Information

Assistance with Adjusting to Life in Australia

You can meet with a member of our Student Services team at any time to discuss any issues or information they may need to settle in to life in Australia.

Our team will provide you with useful information to help you settle into life in Australia including:

  • Transport options and how to get a GO Card (QLD) /myki (VIC),
  • Nearest doctor, dentist and other medical practitioners,
  • How to open an Australian bank account,
  • How to get an Australian SIM card or phone,
  • How to access the library,
  • Places and attractions to visit, and
  • A range of other information you may find useful in your first few weeks at BROWNS.

BROWNS also has a counselling service available where students can make an appointment to visit a counsellor in their office or the counsellor can come to school depending on the students preference.

Have a question? Contact us

School Orientation

It is compulsory for all new students to attend our orientation program on their first day at school.

Accommodation Services

Check out our student accommodation options, available in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Melbourne: BROWNS Homestay, the BROWNS Student Apartments (Brisbane) and BROWNS Student Houses (Gold Coast).

Airport Transfers

Book the BROWNS Airport transfer service – for Airport pick up and drop off in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Melbourne.

Academic Counselling and Further Study Advice

You can meet with a member of our Academic Management Team at BROWNS at any time – to discuss any issues relating to your course or future study.

Travel Advice and Information

At BROWNS' campuses we have regular Travel Talks, to help you arrange exciting trips and weekend excursions during your stay in Australia. Our partner travel agent is Book Ya Travel – they will provide you with helpful information and offer you competitive prices on travel and adventure packages in Australia.
View the booking website.

Student support in Queensland

Queensland offers a range of resources including the Queensland student hub network, an international student hotline and student support staff dedicated to supporting and encouraging students.

1800QSTUDY (1800 778 839) is a hotline for international students across Queensland. The service supports students, agents, chaperones, parents and homestay providers with 24/7 phone support and general enquires regarding studying in Queensland. Please note, 1800QSTUDY is not an emergency service number. In an emergency, please dial Triple Zero (000) and ask for police, fire or ambulance. Services include:
  • Afterhours support
  • Accommodation advice
  • Public transport and travel advice
  • Employment advice
  • Health and wellbeing referrals
  • Legal referrals
  • Complaint referrals
  • A translations service is available

  • Find out more

    GOLD COAST STUDENT HUB

    Located at 43 Nerang Street Southport, the heart of Gold Coast's latest co-working spaces, the Gold Coast Student Hub is designed by students for students and aims to provide a unique networking, collaboration and study space for students to connect, learn, explore and seek support in a friendly and welcoming environment.

    Find out more

    Orientation Day

    First day at BROWNS*

    Where do I need to go on my first day?

    Adults & Juniors

    Brisbane Campus: Level 8, 102 Adelaide Street, Brisbane
    Gold Coast Campus: 5 Hicks Street, Southport
    Melbourne Campus: Level 3, 30 Church Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000

    9:00 - 9:15

    Welcome to BROWNS English Language School

    All students receive an Orientation pack which includes a Student Handbook (adults | juniors), BROWNS Passport, school lanyard and information on the local area and upcoming activities.

    9:20 - 11:30 First day placement testing
    • All students sit a placement test on their first day. This will test your listening, reading, grammar, vocabulary, speaking and writing skills. We use this test to help us place you in the correct class for your English level.
    • The test will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
    • During your test you will have a speaking test and interview with one of our Academic Management Team. This is a great time to let BROWNS know what your reasons for enrolling in English classes are and set some goals.
    11:30 - 11:50 ID Photos and Introduction to BROWNS website and Facebook page (keep updated with what is happening at school and in Brisbane/on the Gold Coast.
    11:50 - 12:50

    School & Surrounding Area Tour

    • Tour of the school classrooms and facilities
    • Introduction to Student Services team and how to contact them
    • Overview of emergency evacuation procedure, exits and assembly area
    • Tour of the surrounding area including:
      • transport options (bus and train)
      • banks (nearest bank and how to open an account)
      • mobile/phone providers
      • doctors
      • chemist
      • library
      • closest shopping and eating options
      • phone/mobile providers, doctors, chemist and places to eat/shop
    12:50 - 1:50 Break for Lunch

    1:50 - 2:15

    Student Services Overview

    • Accommodation information - homestay and apartments (SSO Accommodation)
    • Hand out student ID cards (SSO Activities)
    • Public transport information (SSO Activities)
    • Afternoon activities calendar (SSO Activities)
    • Jobs club (SSO Activities)
    • Travel advice and information (Backpackers World Travel staff)
    2:15 - 3:00

    Academic Management Team (AMT) Overview

    • Explanation of School Rules
    • Overview of BROWNS class breakdown (Core class and Active8) and how to get the most out of the Accelerate program using the BROWNS passport.
    • Student visa requirements including progress and attendance monitoring
    • Academic counselling services
    • Study pathway information
    • Placement interviews – all students meet with the AMT individually to receive their class level, timetable and textbooks.
    3:00 Orientation finishes

    *Sample orientation schedule should be used as a guide. May be subject to change without notice.

    BROWNS Student Handbook

    Read our Student Handbook (adults | juniors) to ensure you are fully prepared for your arrival at BROWNS and life as an international student in Australia.

    Student Activities

    School Activities

    Our full time BROWNS Activities Officer will make sure you have an active life after school and on the weekend. Activities include: BBQs with BROWNS friends, Tennis Club, Squash Club, Conversation Club, Soccer Club, Beach Volleyball Club, Student Parties, Boat Cruises, Byron Bay & Fraser Island Trips, Wildlife Parks & Rainforest walks.
    View upcoming student activities on myBROWNS: https://my.browns.edu.au/guest/student-activities

    BROWNS Student Discounts

    Gold Coast Student Discounts

    Gold Coast