4 Essential Steps to Follow After Arriving in Australia

The journey to Australia comes with excitement, opportunities and transformation. It folds out a thrilling experience that helps international students and workers navigate their careers to the golden era. The beautiful land hosts a cohesive environment for them to grow both academically and interpersonally. But as you set to begin your life in Australia, it’s crucial to do these 4 essential steps after arriving in Australia to ease the transition.

Arrival Formalities

Before everything else, call home. Get a local SIM card and network plan to enable communication with your family, institute and loved ones. Let them know you have reached safely. There are several network providers in Australia like Telstra, Optus and Vodafone with options for prepaid or postpaid networks. Students can easily select one after comparing plans depending on usage and budget.

After reaching Australia, international students must contact their institutions to confirm their details. With this, institutions not only become aware of the whereabouts of the students but also grant them access to academic resources and other support services. Your education provider might also require your residential address and other details to comply with safety and communication requirements. Additionally, there could be orientation sessions students could attend to gain more insights into their proceeding academic life and the university.

Banking and Finances

With a light conversation and a good nap, make your next visit to a bank. When living alone, managing your finances will be key to a safe and secure lifestyle. Open an account in a local bank to receive and manage finances conveniently. Collect your Debit Mastercard with the welcome kit and pin, and share relevant details with your parents or guardian. Students will be required to present their passport for identification. Banks may ask for the Letter of Acceptance from the university and accommodation details too.

Australia offers a variety of activities for students to explore. To have a stress-free experience, students can create and reevaluate their budget. To get some extra cash, they can also work during and after your course on their student visa. It would be wise to understand the tax regime issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to your region and get ahead with the taxation process. Register for a Tax File Number (TFN) or Australian Business Number (ABN) for proper tax management at the ATO’s website.

Accommodation, Transportation and other Necessities

Australia’s diversification of accommodation is quite impressive. Students can choose from on-campus and off-campus accommodations in Australia. Most on-campus accommodation facilities are designed with options for short-term and long-term stays. Electricity and other utility bills are generally included in the rent amount which ranges between AUD 450 – 1100. Students can also explore other off-campus activities depending on their budget, preferences and location. Gumtree, Flatmate Finder, and Airbnb are some of the most common online resources available to find stays in Australia. Students can compare the available options on on-campus housing, off-campus rentals and homestay options based on the availability of amenities and nearby facilities. Other reliable sites are Domain, Realestate, Flatmates and Facebook MarketPlace.

Another factor to count on is the availability of transportation. Australia offers a rather convenient chain of transportation. Under the Ride to School Free Program, the system is free for Western Australian students with a valid SmartRider card. Students in Sydney can obtain an Opal Card and seek advantage of free or discounted rides between home and school on metro, train, bus, ferry and light rail services. Embrace the new surroundings and get your eyes on the essential amenities like grocery stores, convenience stores, medical stores, etc. With time, students can also explore the vibrant and multicultured markets and eateries.

Health and Safety

Australia prioritises various health coverage options. Typically, students are required to apply for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) as a part of their visa filing process. Students must look for healthcare centres, pharmacies and other facilities for their immediate needs.OSHC only provides coverage for essential medical services, hospital treatments and emergency care. For services like dental, optical or physiotherapy, students can get Extra OSHC. Furthermore, students can always enquire for discounts on gyms, sports centres and other recreational facilities and enrol on a healthy lifestyle.

When finalising accommodation, ensure that you are facilitated with security and safety measures by the lender. Familiarise yourself with the cases of emergencies in your region, undertake all the required protocols and take all measures. In addition, recognise a few emergency contacts to seek help from if needed.

Studywise International helps its students prepare for their life in their dream education destination in our Pre-departure Sessions. We also help them arrange for accommodation and transportation to ensure easy settlement. Connect with us on (+91) 079 6000 6000 | (+91) 9624000201 for more details.