Embarking on a journey to study in Australia is an exciting chapter filled with opportunities for personal growth, academic achievement, and cultural discovery. As an international student, preparing for this transformative experience is about more than packing your bags—it's about laying the foundation for a successful and enriching time abroad. Understanding the key aspects of adapting to a new environment and embracing this adventure will help you start your journey with confidence and ease. Let’s explore how to make the most of this exciting step forward.
Visa
Have you organised your health insurance? Do you have visa issues? Applying for your visa can sometimes be a lengthier process as you will need to apply with the appropriate documents, that will then be processed.
Explore visa options here →For more information on how to apply →Health Insurance
Most Student visa holders must maintain adequate health insurance for their stay, usually Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Limited exemptions and reciprocal arrangements apply, so check the current Department of Home Affairs requirements for your circumstances. The approved OSHC providers include:
Communications
Have you researched or organised your phone and/or internet plan?
Phone and Internet
Australia's three mobile network operators are:
Telstra
Optus
TPG Telecom (Vodafone)
Mobile coverage, speed, prices and plan conditions vary by provider and location. Many smaller phone companies resell access to one or more of the national networks. Compare current coverage information for the places you live and travel, and check your device will work with the service you choose. See the ACMA mobile coverage guidance.
Transport
Airport Pickup
Make your travel to Australia as relaxing as possible by organising pick-up from the Airport. You may consider an Uber, a taxi, or request the services of one of our mentors (linked here).
Public Transport
Depending on the city, public transport may include buses, trains, trams, light rail and ferries.
Ticketing systems, payment methods, fares and concessions vary by city. Some networks accept contactless bank cards or devices as well as local travel cards or apps. Check the transport operator's current information before you travel.
Accommodation
University accommodation is convenient and makes it easier to make friends, but is not necessarily cost-efficient and sometimes sacrifices privacy. It is a good idea to find temporary accommodation to search potential places which you like.
You may decide to stay at a place for a few weeks to familiarize yourself with the area, reduce stress and possibly save some money. Another option could be to use our mentoring service to view accommodation with information from locals while you are still in your home country.
Temporary
Wotif
Airbnb
Homestay
Long-term
Gumtree
Flatmates
Banking
You will need to have an amount of money for initial expenses such as food or the bond for your long-term accommodation.
Account fees, eligibility, identity checks and options for applying from overseas differ by bank and account. Compare current account terms and check the bank's identity-verification requirements before applying. Some banks let eligible customers start an application before arriving in Australia.
Money Transfer
Compare the amount the recipient receives after fees and exchange-rate margins, rather than choosing by an advertised transfer fee alone. Rates, fees and processing times change, so check current quotes and terms before sending money. See our money transfer guide for more comparison tips.
Health and Safety
Use sun protection as the sun is quite strong (sunscreen, sunglasses, T-shirt, hat etc.)
Swim in between the red and yellow flags at the beach (these are the safest water conditions and is where lifeguards will be).
If someone is bitten by a snake, call Triple Zero (000) immediately. Keep them still and calm. Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage over the bite and along the affected limb, then immobilise the limb. Do not wash the bite or try to catch the snake. Follow the emergency operator's instructions.
If you decide to travel around Australia or go hiking, bring a first aid kit with pressure bandages and plenty of water.
Culture and Customs
Some things you need to know: