Visa done. Flights confirmed. What’s next? Here’s a list of top 9 things you need to sort as you start your study abroad journey.
1. Find Accommodation
This is the most important thing to organise because it sets you up for all your other choices. Each university will be different (their options will be listed on their website) but in general there are on-campus options, off-campus university-organised options, and the option of offsite flatting with others. We recommend for your first year, make your life as easy as possible; walking distance to class, fully catered and cleaned, and with on-site support. This means you can focus on studying and getting acclimatised.
Contact MyGlobalUni if you’re unsure, we can help you explore the options specific to you and choose the one that best suits your needs.
2. What Do You Need to Pack?
If you haven’t yet landed in Australia yet, here are a few things to pack… and can you move your life to a new country in just two suitcases? (Yes, you can):
- Your passport, soft and hard copies of your visa and other relevant paperwork
- Laptop / headphones
- Adaptors – you might need a few depending on how many electrical items you take
- Portable charger
- Drink bottle
- Wallet, international cards that work in Australia, some cash
- Footwear (especially boots if you’re coming to Melbourne)
- All toiletries and medications you use. Bring a prescription for any medications you’ll need in Australia, to make it easier when you visit a doctor later on
- Clothes; depending on which part of Australia you’re in, what you’ll need will change. Melbourne and Sydney can get cold in winter, but in Queensland you’re not going to need lots of warm clothing.
- Sunscreen; even if you never burn, the sun in Australia is fierce, do not underestimate it.
Remember, Australia is a large country with a huge population of internationals; you’ll find pretty much everything you want there, from MTR dosa mix to nattō. You don’t have to pack everything you own.
Did you know that there are a number of items that are prohibited to bring into Australia? This means no weapons, honey, fresh fruit, live plants, rice, and a bunch of other stuff. Be careful what you bring in, don’t start off your new life abroad with a fine.
3. Bringing Your Family to Australia
If you want your family to come with you and support you in Australia, you can. They’ll need to apply for a visitor visa (subclass 600) or you can list them all on your initial visa application. This could be your dependents such as children and spouse, or if you are less than 18 years old, your parents or guardians will need to apply for a Student Guardian visa (subclass 590).
4. Start Connecting with Your Community
When you arrive in Australia, you want to hit the ground running. Where are you going, who will meet you on site, and what will be coming up in the first few weeks of your new life?
Follow your university on social media to see announcements and start getting excited.
There are several Facebook groups, Reddit subgroups, WhatsApp groups and so many other ways you can start connecting with your community.
Did you know MyGlobalUni keeps you up to date with the latest visa and migration information? Be sure to follow our channels too, so you don’t miss out on important information.
5. Sort Out a Bank Account
You can get an Australian bank account before you arrive. There are plenty of student-friendly options. Getting this sorted before you arrive means you’ll have cash in the bank, a local EFTPOS card, and no worries about how you’ll pay for things.
6. Apply For a TAX File Number (TFN)
If you want to work in Australia, you’ll need to get a tax file number. Otherwise, you’ll end up paying the highest tax rate. You need to wait until you’re in Australia, but once you’re there, simply:
- Log on to the Australian Tax Office website
- Ensure you have your visa and proof of ID handy
And follow the instructions. It’s super easy to sign up.
7. Get Your Keypass Identity Card
In order to avoid carrying your passport everywhere, you should apply for a digital option. No worries about damaging your passport or losing it! Basically, this is a widely-accepted ID card that can also be completely digital.
Apply for your Keypass on the AusPost website and ask for the digital option too.
If you already have an Australian driver’s license, you can use that as an identity card.
8. Get Your Australian Driver’s Licence
If you intend to drive in Australia and you’re there for more than three months, you need to get a valid driving licence. These are provided through the below individual state and territory government bodies.
- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia
You’ll need:
- Proof of residency/visa
- A government ID/passport
- $50 – $150, depending on your state
You’ll attend an appointment, get a photo taken, complete an eyesight test, and pay the fee, and it’ll arrive in the mail. Students from some countries or those under 25 will also need to take a physical test.
9. Familiarise Yourself with the Healthcare System
As part of your student visa, you need to have health insurance under OSHC. This gets you a range of treatments. If you need specialised care, medications, or treatment, get organised before you arrive. Get your doctor to list your medications and make sure they’re available in Australia.
How MyGlobalUni Can Help You Get Admission in Top Universities in Australia
Ready to start your educational journey in Australia? MyGlobalUni is here to assist you every step of the way. From finding the right university to guiding you through the application process, we offer comprehensive support to ensure your success. Our expert counsellors have extensive experience and can help you secure admission to top universities in Australia.Get a Free Consultation Call Today!