International student checklist for arriving in Australia

International students arriving in Australia prepare for their study abroad journey months in advance. The pre-departure checklist is long, extensive, and considered the most important by most students.

But many students need to pay more attention to the complexities of things after arriving in Australia. Many senior students believe pre-arrival is easier than post-arrival as all the planning and preparation is done in your host nation.

So, to prepare students, we have prepared this international student checklist after arriving in Australia. So scroll down before your departure date knocks on your door.

Book or know what transport to take from the airport

When new students arrive in Australia, they face a different land where everything is new. To

help make it less stressful, book an airport taxi or know what transport you plan to take to your student accommodation in advance.

Check out myisic.com.au for any airport transfer offers available.

Check-in your student housing

Student accommodation is an international student's home away from home. Your pre-arrival checklist must have included booking a student accommodation. Now it's time to complete the next step of that checklist. After you arrive at your student accommodation in Australia, check-in and then follow the required checks:

• Double-check the agreement.
• Check the facilities like the gym, kitchen and common area to ensure they are in good working condition as advertised.
• Ensure that your room is in perfect condition, including locks and washroom and if there are any problems, inform the management.

Explore your neighbourhood

After taking a rest, wear your sneakers because it's time to take a long walk in your neighbourhood. Explore the neighbourhood or the first few blocks to check out the future lanes of your late-night walks.

You can also explore the nearby markets and stores for fresh produce like milk, vegetables and fruits. You can talk with locals to know more about the markets where you can get great discounts, so when you go grocery shopping from your amber student accommodation, you know where to start your bargaining.

You can also check out other facilities like a gym, library, cafes and restaurants. And remember, that neighbourhood will be a home for thousands of memories to be made.

Get a local SIM card

Your native country SIM card is not going to work in Australia without high costs. You'll need to buy and install an Australian SIM card. You can buy a SIM card at the airport stalls or even pre-book online.

Many companies offer student discounts, so remember to utilise your ISIC for a slashed price rate; this brings us to the next part of our checklist.

Get your ISIC (International Student Identity Card)

Your ISIC is your global proof if student status, so can be used before you leave home and again once in Australia. Your ISIC is a key tool for you to make the most of your experience in Australia, plus it offers you significant discounts on thousands of products and services not only in Australia but globally too.

Register for OSHC

Every international student who arrives in Australia is required to hold an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) includes hospital visits, several treatments, and ambulance costs if required. The OSHC also covers some of the medicines.

Open an Australian bank account

Opening a bank account after you arrive in Australia is one of the most important steps on this checklist. Having a local bank account would provide you with the affordability of not having to pay extra fees in terms of forex charges every time you make a transaction.

After getting an Australian SIM and your ISIC, approach a local Australian bank and register for a savings account. You'll require certain documents:

• Passport
• University enrolment confirmation
• Proof of address or residence (your student accommodation contract)

Another advantage of opening a local bank account is that you won't have to carry extra cash. After your account is created, you'll receive a debit card which you can use to make ATM withdrawals or card transactions.

Register to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)

This particular step is very important if you plan to work part-time. A Tax File Number (TFN) is a unique nine-digit number that acts as your reference number in the tax systems.

There is no requirement for registering a TFN, but your employer or financial institution will withhold more taxes for any payment in your bank account. So, when you are registered for TFN, you would be able to save taxes and work part-time as an international student.

Conclusion

We hope this article helps you to identify and understand the international student checklist after arriving in Australia. Studying abroad in Australia is a challenging but exciting journey; with a little planning, you can make the most of your time.

How can Amberstudent help you?

Amber serves millions of students around the world by providing the best and rewarding experience for booking a house. We are upgraded with the latest COVID protocols and would be more than happy to assist you in booking your ideal home. Tune in to our Facebook and Instagram to stay updated.

Author's Bio

Archit is an avid writer who is keen to get his doctorate. When not writing, he can be found reading, taking the metro, questioning this decision, and then haunting local bookstores.