Every year, many international students travel from Sri Lanka to begin a new chapter at the University of Tasmania. For many, moving to Tasmania is both exciting and challenging, offering opportunities to grow, explore new perspectives and build a future, while adapting to life far from home.
Home away from home
Settling into a new country takes time, and having a strong support network can make all the difference. Tasmania’s Sri Lankan community provides a welcoming environment where students can connect with others, share experiences and find support as they adjust to studying and living away from home. Sri Lankan students form a well‑established presence in Tasmania, with many choosing to study disciplines such as health and medicine, business, and engineering at the University of Tasmania.
Community groups play an important role in bringing people together. The Hobart SL Lions Sports Club hosts key cultural and social events throughout the year, including the Sri Lankan New Year Festival at Soldiers Memorial Oval, Christmas gatherings, and local cricket leagues. These activities encourage participation and help students form connections beyond the classroom
Online networks also offer valuable support. Social media platforms are widely used to share information about employment opportunities, accommodation, community events and everyday life in Tasmania. The Facebook group Sri Lankans in Tasmania is the primary state-wide community space, where members exchange advice, post announcements and support newcomers as they settle in.
Access to familiar food and everyday comforts, through a number of Sri Lankan restaurants and grocery stores, adds to a sense of home and helps students stay connected to culture and cuisine. Around Hobart, dining options include FlavourScape, Hazel Breeze, 52 South Cafe & Restaurant, Ceylon Cuisine Cafe and Lucky Sri Lankan Kitchen, while grocery stores such as Lion’s Flame and Hazel Breeze stock a range of Sri Lankan ingredients and products.
These in‑person and online networks help create a sense of familiarity and belonging, giving Sri Lankan students confidence as they begin their studies at the University of Tasmania.
Connections beyond campus
There are plenty of opportunities for students to build connections beyond the University, too, engaging with organisations and events across the wider Tasmanian community.
Cultural organisations such as the Kalawa Sri Lankan Dancing School provide opportunities to learn and perform traditional Sri Lankan dance, supporting cultural expression and creative participation while fostering new friendships.
The Tamil Arts & Cultural Society of Tasmania Inc. organises cultural celebrations, including the Tamil New Year, bringing together students, families and community members to celebrate language, tradition and shared heritage.
Tasmania also hosts a range of multicultural festivals that bring communities together through food, music and celebration. Events such as Street Eats @ Franko, World Street Eats, and the Multicultural Eid Festival showcase the state’s diversity and offer welcoming spaces for meaningful connection.
Through involvement in cultural organisations and community events, Sri Lankan students can build strong connections beyond campus and develop a sense of belonging throughout their time in Tasmania.
Many Sri Lankan students also begin building professional pathways during and after their studies, with opportunities in organisations such as TasNetworks, the University of Tasmania, TasWater, Hydro Tasmania, KPMG, and the City of Hobart.
Graduates like Aloka (watch on YouTube), who secured a role at Hydro Tasmania, highlight the strong career outcomes and opportunities available after studying at the University of Tasmania.
From one island home to another, Tasmania provides a warm welcoming and inclusive environment for Sri Lankan students. Through shared culture, everyday connections and community involvement, students can build a sense of belonging throughout their time at the University of Tasmania.