Darwin FAQs
What is the weather like?
Darwin is tropical, so the weather can broadly be described as either hot and humid or hot and dry. The temperature hovers around 29 to 33C or 85 to 92F. For more climate information view Information about Darwin.
Can I swim in the ocean?
Swimming in the ocean between the months of May and October is generally safe although it is best to swim at patrolled beaches, Casuarina or Mindil. There is a risk of being stung by a box jellyfish during the months November to April. Crocodiles are also more active in this period.
How far is the university from the beach?
Casuarina campus fronts onto Casuarina beach, which is a long expanse of golden sandy beach. It is the main swimming beach for the northern suburbs of Darwin.
What sort of on campus clubs and activities are there?
Charles Darwin University has a wide range of clubs and societies.
Can I go scuba diving?
Whilst Cairns is the scuba diving capital of Australia, Darwin has scuba diving as well. There are smaller coral reefs as well as numerous shipwrecks in Darwin Harbour from the World War II bombing raids by the Japanese. Visit the Cullen Bay Dive website.
What does my health insurance cover?
Browse full details of your Overseas Student Health Cover.
Will I need a car in Darwin?
Whilst a car can be useful in Darwin they are not necessities. Casuarina campus and the main shopping and residential areas are well served by public transport and there is also a comprehensive network of bicycle paths around the city as well.
Will I be able to find a car or bike easily in Darwin?
If you do decide to buy a car there are dozens of car dealers along the Stuart Highway from Darwin city to Palmerston. You should be able to purchase a serviceable vehicle for between $1500-$5000 AUD (USD$700-2400). Registration can be paid six monthly or yearly and the amount depends on the engine size. There are numerous bicycle shops in Darwin with a wide range.
What is the public transport like?
Public transport consists of buses and on the main routes they are reasonably frequent and cheap.
Will I have to live on campus?
Where you live is entirely up to you. Accommodation is provided on campus, but there are also plenty of houses and apartments available to rent in neighbouring suburbs - refer to our accommodation page.
What sort of living options are there?
Campus accommodation at North Flinders International House consists of single rooms. These rooms have share kitchen (self catered) facilities. In some buildings a shower and toilet facilities are shared between two single rooms, whilst others share a communal arrangement.
Private rental accommodation is available throughout Darwin mostly through realtors although sometimes directly with the owner. The Saturday NT News is the best place to look for shared accommodation ('Roommates Wanted').
Different styles of accommodation are typically three or four bedroom houses. Many of these are elevated to allow for better cooling in the tropics. There are also plenty of condo style apartments available especially in and around the central city area.
What would be the best location to live in?
The most popular suburbs for students are Alawa, Nakara, Brinkin, Rapid Creek, Nightcliff, Coconut Grove, Tiwi and Jingili all of which are adjacent to or close to Casuarina campus. Many students also choose to live in the city (10 miles from Casuarina campus) to be closer to likely sources of part-time work and the nightlife. There is a bus route that connects the city to Casuarina campus so a car is still not essential to live away from campus. Some locations and styles of housing are more expensive than others. The normal rental that a student would pay close to the campus would be AUD$360 per month per room in a house or apartment.
Is it difficult to find a place
As a rule the rental market is fairly tight between the dry season, May to October, but students should sill be able to find somewhere suitable.
What kind of churches are there in Darwin?
Due to the very multi-cultural nature of Darwin, there is a wide range of churches, mosques and temples.
Will I be able to find work if I want it?
The best time for casual employment is in the dry season (May to October) when many tourists visit Darwin. The Saturday NT News is usually the best source of employment adverts, although employment agencies and backpacker hostel notice boards can also be worthwhile.
How many international students are there?
There is usually around 300 international students at any one time.
What sort of services are there on campus?
There is an Australia Post shop, CDU Bookshop, 24 hour computer labs, a Medical Centre, cafes, an ATM, a gymnasium, a bars, sports fields, some free parking areas, a Chinese garden and much more.
How does the grading system work?
At Charles Darwin University we use the usual Australian Grading System:
| HD: | High Distinction |
| D: | Distinction |
| C: | Credit |
| P: | Pass |
| PC/PT: | Pass Conceded/Pass Terminal |
| F: | Fail |
It should be noted that the Australian assessment system is different than that which you are used to. There are no weekly tests with more emphasis on major assessment items such as examinations, mid semester tests and major assignments. Emphasis is place on the individual's organisational skills, and research skills.
Is there someone I can go to at the university if I have any problems or concerns?
There is an International Support Officer at the Uni Info Shop, resident tutors at North Flinders International House and counsellors at Support and Equity Services.
Is Charles Darwin University safe?
The university's campuses are attractive tropical settings and all facilities are very modern and secure. The grounds are well lit at night and there is security staff and a 24 hours emergency phone number. The security staff are always willing to assist students with security concerns.
What is the minimum age?
The minimum age for students is 18 years of age.
Are there computers with free Internet access available?
There are several 24-hour computer labs with free Internet access. There are also computers in the library and a dedicated computer lab with free Internet access in the student residences. Limits are set on student accounts although more space can be purchased.
Is Darwin safe?
Darwin has much the same sort of crime rate as the rest of Australia, which is fairly low and mostly crimes against property. In terms of violent crime Darwin is relatively safe. Naturally exercise some caution when going out at night. Crimes involving firearms are rare in Australia as guns are far more restricted than in the US.
What should I pack?
Lots of T-shirts! Although long sleeve tops may be needed during the cooler nights of the dry season.
Will I be able to do any travelling while I am there?
There is ample opportunity to travel as semesters are only 16 weeks long with a one-week break in the middle of each semester. There are five weeks off between first and second semester and 13 weeks between November and February. There are also a many public holidays in Australia and most of them fall on Mondays or Fridays.
