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New-coming international students arrive in Australia? There are lots of things you will have to do on the first day of your arrival. But no worries, there is a comprehensive checklist for you to help you settle in Australia. Continue reading for the step-by-step guide on the first day of arrival.
Buy SIM card
First thing first when you get off the plane is to sort out your mobile plan. This is important because you will need internet and calling credit to communicate and have the access to all your documents online. Some students will have the prepaid plan bought before coming to Australia. If not, there are always mobile plan providers’ counters at the airport.
The major mobile plan providers: Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, Lebara, Woolworths
Organise your airport pick-up
Free University airport pick-up service
Probably the best way of organising the airport pick-up. Most universities in Australia will offer this free service for commencing international students. You will need to book in advance on the university’s website. There might be additional fees for your family members to ride with you.
Taxi
There will be taxis at the airports, and the reason why I recommend taking taxis is that most of them will accept cash. As international students who might not have bank accounts set up or activated, cash is the only way to pay for transportation.
Train
Taking public transportation is convenient when you live close to a train station. It might take more time to get to the accommodation, but it is a more affordable option.
*Tips: You can enjoy free return ticket or 15% off on one-way ticket by pre-booking Brisbane Airtrain. More information: visit Airtrain.com.au
DiDi / Uber
DiDi and Uber are the major private vehicle hiring companies in Australia. It will be useful when your credit card allows you to pay internationally or when you have your Australian bank account activated.
Get $10 off on your rides with DiDi, use my code when you download and set up the DiDi account: Sammy3773
Manual of Australia: Comprehensive Guide for International Students (FREE)
Buy Transportation Card in Australia
If you’re taking public transport to your accommodation, then buying a transportation card will be essential at this stage. Ask the information desk at the airport for buying a transportation card in your state. Usually, you will be able to get one at the airport.
For those who land at Brisbane International Airport: you can get a Go Card at the airport train station. Ask the counter at the train station to get one.
State-specific transportation card information in Australia
Check in to your accommodation
This is the most exciting part after you arrive in Australia! Moving into your accommodation! In most situations, you will need to prepare your identifying document when checking into the accommodation, and it is usually your passport.
Make sure that your landlord has signed a contract with you and the amount you’ve paid before moving into the accommodation (You will need to pay a bond and deposit when you sign the contract).
The first thing you will need to do is to check everything in your room, and if it is needed, take some pictures of the condition of your room to avoid further disputes.
Clean your accommodation & Unpack
Clean your accommodation before you unpack your luggage. There is no guarantee that the accommodation will be clean, so do prepare some rugs in your luggage to do some basic housework on the first day of moving in.
Get your student ID card
And now, it’s time for getting ready for school! Let’s start with getting your student ID! You will need to have your passport as identifying document when collecting your ID card. Be prepared when going to the student centre.
Go activate your bank account
Next, we move on to the critical part on the first day you arrive in Australia, activating your bank account. You can open up an online account before arriving in Australia. The thing you have to do on the first day is to “activate” the account. Again, they might ask you to provide some identifying documents, and those might include:
- Passport
- Student ID card or eCOE
- Tax residency details
- and welcome letter, which will be provided to you when you open up an online account with the bank
Please note that you will be asked to select a branch when opening up an online account; you will have to go to the specific branch you chose to activate your bank account
Buy daily essentials
There are a few things you will definitely need for the first few days, and here is a list of them (listed only the most essential ones):
- Shampoo
- Body Wash
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Towels
- Hair Dryer
- Hangers
- Bed Sheet, Quilt, Pillow
- Toilet Paper
- Water
Get all the applications ready
Transportation card concession
For tertiary students in Queensland, here’s your complete guide to applying for tertiary concession
State-specific information about how to apply for transportation concession in Australia
Get an Australian Driver’s Licence or get your licence translated
You have to be at least 25 years old for getting an Australian driver’s licence with your foreign driver’s licence.
If you are under 25 years old, you will need to have your driver’s licence translated through NAATI-recognised organisations.
Find free translating service provided by the Australian government:
Get your TFN (Tax File Number)
Tax File Number (TFN) is used when you want to work in Australia. You will be asked to provide your TFN when starting a job. The application process can take up to 28 days, so I suggest everyone get TFN as soon as possible.
International students apply for Australia TFN number
Others
There are a few things that you can take your own pace to finish within the first few days you arrive in Australia:
- Get to know the surroundings of your accommodation
- Finish Class Registration
- Attend orientation
- Attend social events
