Preparing to start university as an international student is not only an exciting but also a challenging journey that involves several steps to ensure a smooth transition to a successful start.
1. Visa and Documentation
Student Visa
The student visa (subclass 500) allows you to study in Australia for the duration of your course, which can be up to five years. Requirements to apply for this visa include,
– Being enrolled in a full-time course registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS)
– Providing a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your education provider
– Meeting the English language proficiency requirements
– Have adequate health insurance (OSHC) for the length of your stay
– If you’re under 18, have appropriate welfare arrangements in place
– Meeting health and character requirements
It is recommended to apply for your student visa at least eight weeks before your course starts to avoid delays as the Processing times can vary.
Passport
Your passport should be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Australia. You may also be required to submit a copy of your passport, national ID, and driver’s license as part of your visa application. Ensure all your documents are in order.
Offer Letter and CoE
Your Copy of enrolment is a crucial document and must be submitted before your visa is granted and should be valid throughout your stay, as changes in your study situation may affect your visa.
Health Insurance
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a requirement for international students and also a visa requirement. Purchase your OSHC policy that covers the entire duration of your stay before arriving in Australia
2. Financial Preparation
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees vary depending on the level of study and the specific course. However, according to the Australian Government’s, study in Australia website, typical fees are:
– Undergraduate bachelor degree: AU$20,000 (US$13,675) to $45,000 (US$30,769)
– Postgraduate master’s degree: AU$22,000 (US$15,045) to $50,000 (US$34,192)
– Doctoral degree: AU$20,000 (US$13,675) to $42,000 (US$28,721)
Living Expenses
In addition to tuition fees, you need to budget for living expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses. Referring to the Australian Government’s student visa requirements, students need at least AU$ 21,041 (~US$14,400) each year for living costs alone.
Some typical living expenses include:
– Accommodation: AU$150 to $300 per week for a shared rental, AU$300 to $500 for a single rental
– Food: AU$80 to $280 per week
– Utilities (electricity, gas): AU$35 to $140 per month
– Transportation: AU$15 to $55 per week
– Personal expenses: AU$80 to $150 per week
Bank Account
To easily access your funds and avoid international transaction fees, it is recommended to open an Australian bank account to ease access to your funds. Many banks offer student accounts with reduced fees and special features.
Emergency Funds
It is also advisable to set aside some money for unexpected expenses, such as medical emergencies or urgent travel. Having an emergency fund of at least AU$ 1,000 to $2,000 can provide peace of mind and help you handle unexpected situations.
3. Accommodation
Book Early
Most of universities have strict deadlines for confirming and paying a deposit to secure a place in on-campus housing and for off-campus accommodation, booking early can save you money as prices tend to rise closer to the start of the academic year. It’s therefore recommended to start your search and secure your housing early.
Initial Stay
In cases where you haven’t finalized your permanent accommodation before arriving at your study destination, booking temporary accommodation such as a hotel or hostel for your first few days can be wise and will give you time to explore the area, view potential properties, and finalize your long-term housing arrangements without the stress of having to find a place immediately upon arrival.
Understand Lease Terms
Before signing any lease agreement, it’s essential to read and understand the terms, including:
– Rent: The amount you’ll be paying per week or month, and when it’s due
– Bond (security deposit): The refundable amount you pay upfront, typically equivalent to 4-6 weeks’ rent
– Utility costs: Whether utilities like electricity, gas, and internet are included in the rent or charged separately
– Length of lease: The minimum period you’re required to stay, often 6 or 12 months
4. Health and Safety
Health Check-ups
According to the Australian Government’s Study in Australia website, international students may need to undergo the following health checks:
– General health check-up: A comprehensive physical examination, medical history assessment, and basic laboratory tests to assess your overall health.
– Immunization status: Ensure you are up-to-date with required vaccinations, such as measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap), hepatitis B, and varicella (chickenpox).
– Tuberculosis (TB) screening: Depending on your country of origin, you may need to undergo a chest X-ray, tuberculin skin test, or interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) blood test to screen for TB.
– Infectious disease screening: Some countries may require screening for infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis.
Health Insurance
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for international students in Australia and you must have OSHC that covers the entire duration of your stay in Australia, starting from the day you arrive. Confirm with your university or OSHC provider that your coverage is active from the day you arrive in Australia to avoid any gaps in your health insurance.
Emergency Contacts
It’s essential to keep a list of emergency contacts, including:
– Local emergency services (police, fire department, ambulance)
– Your university’s international student support office
– Your home country’s embassy or consulate in Australia
– Family members or friends back home
5. Travel Arrangements
Flight Booking
When booking your flight, it’s important to align your arrival date with your university’s orientation schedule. Most universities recommend international students arrive at least a week before the start of orientation activities to allow time for settling in.
Some key considerations when booking your flight:
– Book your flight as early as possible to get the best fares and availability.
– Aim to arrive a few days before the mandatory international student orientation session for your intake.
– Consider booking a flexible ticket in case you need to adjust your travel dates due to visa processing or other unforeseen circumstances.
– Research the airport you’ll be arriving at and the best transportation options to your accommodation or university campus.
Baggage
When packing, be mindful of the airline’s baggage allowances. Most airlines have strict weight and size limits for both checked and carry-on luggage.
– Pack essential items, such as important documents, medications, and a change of clothes, in your carry-on luggage.
– Limit your checked luggage to the minimum required, as you’ll be able to purchase most items you need once you arrive in Australia.
– Consider the climate and your study program when deciding what to pack. For example, if you’re studying in a warm, tropical region, you may not need heavy winter clothing.
Documents
Ensure you have all the necessary documents readily available in your hand luggage:
– Valid passport
– Student visa
– Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your university
– Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) documentation
– Any other relevant identification or supporting documents
6. Academic Preparation
Enrolment
Before you arrive, complete any online pre-enrolment procedures and course registrations required by your university. This may include:
– Submitting any outstanding documents or information needed for your enrolment
– Selecting your courses and creating your class schedule
– Paying any initial tuition fees or deposits
– Activating your university email account and student ID
Orientation
Attending your university’s orientation week is crucial for international students as it is designed to help you familiarize yourself with the campus, meet fellow students, and learn about the various resources and support services available to you. During orientation, you can expect to:
– Tour the campus and learn about key facilities, such as the library, student services, and recreational areas
– Attend information sessions on academic policies, student life, and campus safety
– Participate in social activities and icebreakers to connect with other international and domestic students
– Receive guidance on administrative tasks, such as setting up your student ID and accessing online portals
Study Materials
– Checking your course syllabus or contacting your professors to determine the required textbooks and materials
– Purchasing or renting textbooks, either from the university bookstore or online retailers
– Acquiring any specialized equipment or software needed for your program, such as laptops, calculators, or design software
– Stocking up on basic stationery items, such as notebooks, pens, and highlighters
7. Communication
Phone and Internet
Getting an Australian SIM card or mobile plan is one of the first steps to take upon arrival. Having a local phone number, allows access to data to make calls, and stay connected.
Some key considerations:
– SIM Card: You can purchase a prepaid SIM card at the airport, at local stores, or through online providers before your arrival. Look for options that provide a good balance of data, calls, and affordability.
– Mobile Plan: Many Australian providers offer special student plans with generous data allowances and reasonable pricing. Research and compare plans from major carriers like Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone to find the best fit.
– eSIM: If your phone is eSIM-enabled, you can conveniently set up a digital SIM card remotely before your trip, allowing you to be connected from the moment you land.
Another way to stay connected is to use social media.
8. Local Transport
Public Transport Card
To navigate the public transportation system, it’s recommended to obtain a local public transport card. Here’s an overview of the key cards used in major cities:
Opal Card (Sydney)
The Opal card is a reloadable smartcard used for public transport in Sydney and surrounding regions. Some key benefits of using the Opal card include:
– Ability to travel on trains, buses, ferries, and light rail with a single card
– Automatic fare calculations and discounts based on your travel
– Ability to top up online, via mobile app, or at retail locations
– No need to purchase individual tickets for each trip
Myki Card (Melbourne)
Similarly, the Myki card is the reloadable smartcard used for public transport in Melbourne and regional Victoria. It works on trains, trams, and buses, providing a convenient way to pay for your fares.
9. Packing Essentials
Clothing
Australia has a diverse range of climates, from tropical in the north to temperate in the south. Consider the climate of the city you’ll be living in the time of year you’ll be arriving and the weather conditions you can expect.
According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, some key considerations when packing your clothes:
– If you’re arriving in a southern city like Melbourne or Hobart during the winter months (June to August), pack warm clothing like jackets, sweaters, and closed-toe shoes.
– For northern cities like Darwin or Cairns, lightweight, breathable fabrics are ideal for the warm, humid climate year-round.
– You should also pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as Australia has high UV levels, even on cloudy days.
– If you plan to participate in outdoor activities or sports, pack appropriate athletic wear and footwear.
Documents
Ensure you have copies of all essential documents in your hand luggage, including:
– Valid passport
– Student visa
– Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your university
– Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) documentation
– Offer letter from your university
– Academic transcripts and certificates
– Birth certificate
– Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Electronics
When packing your electronics, chargers, and adaptors, keep in mind that Australia uses a different power outlet system compared to many other countries. According to Geoscience Australia, Australian power outlets use a Type I plug, which has two flat parallel pins with a ground pin below.
Some key points to consider when packing your electronics:
– Ensure your devices are compatible with the Australian voltage of 230-240V.
– Pack a universal power adaptor that can accommodate the Type I plug.
– Consider purchasing any necessary electronics, such as a laptop or smartphone, once you arrive in Australia to ensure compatibility.
– Back up your important data and documents before your trip in case of any issues with your electronics.
10. Miscellaneous
Driver’s License
If you plan to drive during your time in Australia, you have a few options for obtaining a valid driver’s license:
– International Driving Permit (IDP): Allows you to drive legally while you get settled along with an International Driving Permit for up to 3 months after you arrive in Australia
– Australian Driver’s License: For longer-term driving in Australia, you’ll need to obtain an Australian driver’s license. The process varies by state and territory but generally involves passing a written test and a practical driving test. Many universities provide information and support for international students to get an Australian license.
Local CurrencyTo cover immediate expenses, such as transportation, food, or a local SIM card it’s recommended to carry some Australian dollars in cash upon arrival.
Medical Prescriptions
If you require any medications during your stay in Australia, be sure to:
– Bring a sufficient supply of your prescribed medications, along with the original prescriptions.
– Check the Australian Government’s Therapeutic Goods Administration website to ensure your medications are permitted to be brought into the country.
– Consult with your doctor or pharmacist about getting a new prescription for your medications in Australia, if needed.
Starting university as an international student is an exciting adventure and it requires thorough preparation. By following this ultimate checklist, you can ensure that you cover all the essential steps for a smooth and successful transition. With proper planning and preparation, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on your academic journey in Australia.
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