Everything Indian
Have you recently landed in Australia?
Confused about what to do, how to do it, and what is right or wrong?
Well, this blog is the answer to all your problems. Landing in Australia as an international student is an exciting adventure for many, but in between the excitement, practicalities must be tackled.
So, what are the crucial first steps to take after touching down in Australia as an International student?
That’s exactly what you’ll find in this blog! Read on to learn some crucial steps that you need to ensure a smooth transition.
01 Airport Transfer
The moment you step off the plane, you’ll need a way to get to your new home.
Check if your university offers a free airport pickup service. If not, consider using a taxi or ride-sharing service like Uber.
It’s a good idea, especially if you have lots of luggage or if you’re new to the city.
02 Exchange Currency
Don’t get caught rearranging and searching for currency right at the moment you land!
Exchange some currency before leaving your home country for immediate needs.
Airports offer exchange services, but rates might not be the best. Wait until you reach the city for better deals, ideally during weekdays.
03 SIM Card
Staying connected is vital! Grab a prepaid SIM card for the first month, as you’ll be unfamiliar with billing systems.
Opt for a company with good coverage in your city.
Check the description below for a handy link to a reliable option!
04 Call Home
Once you’re settled, use your new SIM card or Wi-Fi to call your family and friends.
Call your family and friends as soon as possible to ease their worries and share your excitement.
Wi-Fi and calling apps are great alternatives, but a SIM card ensures easy reach.
05 Public Transport Card
Moving around the city is easier with a public transport card.
In Melbourne, for example, it’s called the Myki card.
It costs a small amount, usually between five to ten dollars, and makes travelling around the city much simpler.
06 Open a Bank Account
Setting up a local bank account is essential.
You might have applied online already, and now it’s time to finalise the process in person.
Having a local bank account will make financial transactions smoother during your stay.
07 Apply for TFN/ABN
If you plan to work during your studies, you’ll need a Tax File Number (TFN).
If your work involves contracting or subcontracting, you might also need an Australian Business Number (ABN).
Apply for your TFN first and then consider the ABN if necessary.
08 Superannuation Account
Secure your financial future by opening a superannuation account.
It’s like a retirement fund where a percentage of your salary is saved for later.
You can’t access it until you retire or leave the country permanently.
09 Get OSHC Card
Make sure to inform your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) provider about your arrival.
They will issue you an OSHC card, which ensures you have access to healthcare services.
10 Prepare Your Resume and Cover Letter
Looking for a job? Ensure you polish your resume and cover letter!
Make them to Australian standards and each job you apply for.
Free templates are available online to help you create professional documents.
11 Start Applying for Jobs
Check out popular job websites like Seek, Indeed, and Airtasker for part-time or casual work opportunities.
For student-specific jobs, check the Student Job Board. If freelance work interests you, check platforms like UberEats.
No formal application is needed, just fill out their online form.
12 Join Some Short Courses
You must enhance your job prospects by taking industry-specific short courses.
Jobs in areas like hospitality often require certifications like the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA).
You must find out which courses are relevant to your field of interest.
13 Learn Australian English
While your English might be great, Australian English has its unique features.
Learn Australian slang and phrases through available resources to help you adapt to your new environment.
14 University Orientation
Attend your university’s orientation week, also known as O-Week.
It’s an introduction session packed with information about classes, student life, and essential resources.
This is your chance to get familiarised with your new academic home.
15 Explore Your City
Take advantage of your initial excitement by exploring your city.
Use public transport to visit different neighbourhoods, landmarks, and cultural hotspots.
This early exploration will give you a broader understanding of your new home.
16 Look for Permanent Accommodation
If you haven’t already secured permanent accommodation, start looking around.
Platforms like Flatmates, Gumtree, and Facebook Marketplace can help you find a suitable place to live.
17 Buy Furniture and Household Items
Once you’ve moved into your permanent accommodation, consider buying furniture and household items.
Platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Gum-tree offer cost-effective options to furnish your new living space economically.
Bonus Tip: Remember, settling in takes time. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from university staff, fellow students, or even friendly locals.
You must enjoy the adventure, be open to new experiences, and most importantly, enjoy your Aussie journey!
CONCLUSION
To conclude, these are just a few first steps on your newly begun Australia adventure.
Having said that, each city and university experience is unique, so make sure to face anything unexpected and ask for help when required!
Most importantly, you need to have fun as this is just the beginning of your journey to Australia!
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