Before you arrive

We’re excited to welcome you to your new adventure in Australia! As you get ready for this journey, there are a few important steps to make your transition to study with us as smooth as possible.

What you must do before you leave home

You must complete these steps before you organise your travel to Australia.

Get health cover

You will need Overseas Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire time you are in Australia.

Get your visa

You must have a valid student visa to study in Australia.

Pre arrival checklist

Travel

Have you booked your flight to Australia?
Have you checked visa requirements and conditions for entry?
Do you know the allowed items you can bring into Australia (customs/quarantine)?
Have you printed/saved your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and visa grant letter?
Have you arranged airport pickup, or do you know how to get from the airport to your accommodation?
Have you let us know when you are arriving at your campus city? Click the link below to complete the form?
Have you packed important documents in your carry-on bag (passport, visa, CoE, OSHC card, transcripts)?
Do you have a valid international driver’s license or plan to use public transport?

Accommodation

Have you secured temporary or permanent accommodation for your arrival either on campus or off campus?
If staying on campus: Have you checked your move-in date and arrival instructions?
If renting off-campus: Do you know how to collect your keys or arrange check-in?
Do you understand the terms of your lease/rental agreement?
Have you researched the local area—where to buy groceries, find public transport, and nearby medical centres?

Explore your course options

Have you enrolled in your subjects?
Have you activated your student account and login?
Do you know how to access your student portal (e.g., Course outline, subject outline, MyTimetable)?
Have you enrolled in subjects for your first session/semester?
Do you know your course start date and important academic calendar dates?

Money matters

Have you purchased some Australian currency?
Have you considered the cost of living in Australia and written a budget?
Do you know how to access your money from home once you arrive (e.g., international cards, money transfer apps)?
Have you researched how to open an Australian bank account?
Have you created a basic budget for your weekly expenses (rent, groceries, transport, phone)?
Have you researched the cost of living in your study location?
Have you accounted for upfront costs like bond/deposit, textbooks, and furniture if you live off campus?
Do you understand your work rights in Australia as an international student?
Do you know where to look for part-time jobs or casual work opportunities?
Are you aware of any financial support services offered by the university (like bursaries or food pantries)?

Final checks before you fly

Important Documents & Copies

Have you made digital and physical copies of your passport, visa, CoE, and insurance?
Do you have printed or digital copies of your immunisation records or medical history (if required)?
Have you written down emergency contacts (both local and overseas)?

Mental & Emotional Readiness
Have you talked with friends or family about how to stay in touch while you’re away?
Are you aware of homesickness and culture shock, and where to get support?

Technology & Devices
Have you packed the right chargers and adapters for Australian power sockets?
Is your laptop updated and ready for online study platforms (e.g., Brightspace, Zoom)?
Have you backed up your important files to the cloud or USB?

Personal & Health Items
Have you packed any prescription medications and a copy of your prescription (translated if required)?
Do you have toiletries and essentials for your first few days?

Local Info & Navigation
Have you downloaded Google Maps offline for your arrival city or campus?
Do you know how to get from the airport to your accommodation?
Have you researched basic Aussie customs and laws (e.g., drinking age, road rules)?