I plan to move to Australia in 2 years - just some general questions?

[NigelT]

I'm planning to go to University in Australia, preferably in Queensland. I just want to know, is the cost of living high here compared to in the UK?
Also, are football (Soccer) and freshwater fishing popular sports?
thanks
Also, are there many british people over there?

[AustralianMan]

It is a GREAT place to live.

[kcsl2861]

I think general cost of living will be less in QLD than in UK - not significantly but comfortably so. You'll get better food here!

Football (soccer) is quite popular but definitely not to the level that it is in Europe! For one thing they don't really play much Australian soccer games on TV unless it's a big one. You won't find English Premier League on free-to-air tv (only paid cable). They play some matches of Champions league matches and all the finals etc. And they'll play World Cup. Fishing's a popular hobby - especially in QLD.

But we welcome you with open arms. You'll love it here - especially the weather.

[antarcticice]

Queensland is probably not that good for freshwater fishing ocean and beach fishing is more the go.
Soccer has a bit of a following but Rugby is far more dominant in the northern states of Australia. From what I have been told by friends (I haven't been to the U.K.) Australia is far cheaper for most things.

[Imelda]

Hi.
I'm from Queensland, and I lived in London for four years (up until recently).
I find the cost of living in Australia higher in general to that in the UK - a lot of people from Australia will tell you otherwise, but I've found that they're usually tourists to the UK, and therefore on the Aussie dollar - however, when you LIVE there and earn pound stirling, it is different as there's obviously no conversion. In saying that, I'm comparing London and Sydney, and as a general rule in Australia, Sydney gets ripped off for just about everything - so QLD you will find cheaper.
I find Sainsbury's more affordable than Woolworths (the Aussie equivalent) - particularly for fruit and veggies!
Soccer is growing in popularity here hugely due to the socceroos in the World Cup. (both watching and playing) You'll find the premier league games screened quite regularly. Fishing is very popular!
There are loads of people from the UK in Australia.
I think you will love it here, as someone else has already answered, particularly the weather - Queensland's weather is superb - pack your hat!
Similarly to London, you'll find flat share residences with other uni students - just hunt about on 'the gumtree.com' to see prices etc. As you probably already know, Brisbane and the Gold Coast have large university populations - though there is also universities in Central Queensland, Mackay and Townsville, Rockhampton having big campuses. For social life - Brisbane or the Gold Coast are more busy busy.
If it were me, I'd save as many of those shiny little pounds stirling as I could before I came!
Good luck with the move, I'm sure you'll love Australia.

[ixlinxs]

Cost of living cheaper especially transport and fuel
Soccer is the 4th most popular football game in Australia.
Freshwater fishing is mildly popular as is sea fishing

[Melness]

well, compared to the uk, australia is affordable...
Soccor isnt really as popualr here.,
we're into Rugby League, and Australian Rules Football...

I like to fish.. But more saltwater fishing

[Ozmaniac]

I live in Brisbane and my kids went to the University of Queensland. One daughter still plays soccer for UQ and there are a number of men's soccer teams too - they have a marvellous time and the uni soccer club is the centre of an excellent social life. Soccer as a spectator sport is growing quickly in Australia. We now have a national league, and while the sport is not nearly as big and the standard not as high here as in the UK, it does have a substantial and increasing following. Freshwater fishing is also popular, but is eclipsed by the numbers involved in saltwater fishing which isn't surprising considering our proximity to so many marvellous beaches and bay fishing spots.

The cost of living in Brisbane will be lower overall than in most of the UK with some things cheaper such as petrol, fresh food, most alcohol and dining out and some things dearer, such as up market clothing and personal items. Many other things are about the same.

All other things though are secondary to our fantastic weather, environment and lifestyle. Brisbane is a lovely city with beautiful beaches within an hour to the north and south, magnificent Moreton Bay and the bay islands to the east, the bush to the west and the most beautiful weather all year 'round so that you can enjoy it all.

And, there are heaps of English people here. We'll call you a Pom, and we'll rubbish your cricket team, but don't be offended - it's just the Australian way of relating to people we feel comfortable with. Give as good as you get and you'll get on just fine.