Before Travel
It is not a mandatory requirement of the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) that a foreign national entering Australia has a passport valid for at least 6 months; it is only a recommendation.
Whilst DIBP does not enforce the 6-month passport validity rule, some airlines do, so you may wish to check with your airline before you book your flight. So make sure your passport is vaild for 6 months as a minimum. Our suggestion is to have your passport validity – equal to or more than your visa time granted.
Passport, Visa , OSHC, Offer letter from the University & prescription for medicines you intend to carry along with a doctors note.
Open an account online, so the account is already active when you land in Australia.
- Go to the website of the bank you’ve chosen. From there you will be able to fill in the details they need. If you prefer to do it over the phone, most banks will have contact numbers. Just make sure you’re calling within Australian business hours.
- Make sure you know your exact arrival date in Australia if you’re not here yet. In some cases you’ll need to provide this date to the bank when you apply for an account.
- Have a permanent Aussie address. Banks require proof of residency and not all will accept an overseas one when you complete your application.
- Scan and upload all of the requested documents including your passport and visa.
- Once approved online and when you are in Australia, head to your nearest branch to verify your documents and complete your application.This can be done If unable to do so, then the process to open a bank account is very simple. Carry your passport, your university admission letter, residence proof to the bank. The bank representative shall do the needful.
A sim through a friend, so that it is active when you land in Aus. If unable to do so, then go to any mobile carrier and provide necessary documentation and avail a sim card. The process is very similar to that of obtaining a sim card in India.
Activate your IR before leaving your home country but only for short term use. If staying longer, its best to obtain a SIM card locally when in Australia.
We recommend you undergo complete body check for a mind free travel to pursue your studies. The health insurance (compulsory for all students) traveling to Australia would be of much use during your stay. But bear in mind that dental and optical shall not be covered in the insurance.
Note that both optical, dental will not be covered under your OSHC you have purchased.
We recommend you undergo complete body check for a mind free travel to pursue your studies. Maximum limit is AUD 10,000.
Travel
Firstly, Congratulations. Please double verify that the visa details and dates are correctly embedded. Make sure to double confirm with your college/University of your orientation week and that accommodation is sorted. There on triple check all your paperwork with University and insurances etc….are on track.
Do speak to a travel agent. Yes, there will be cheaper deals on the internet but an agent will be able to get you better seats, higher luggage allowance and meal preferences. Post this exercise, if you feel that you are still not getting the best deal, then book online. If booking online, check for added baggage allowance, charges correspondent, visa regulations if in transit etc…
Australia as a country has a huge Indian population. All essentials including Indian brands of biscuits to Indian rice varieties are all available at the Indian grocery stores. So do not overburden by trying to have excessive baggage to bring over. Do carry warm clothes for winters, casual wear, One full suit and basic essentials.
Customs are fairly friendly and have no bias towards you. The list of things to carry and not to carry is clealy mentioned on their website.
Please refer to this link for further information.
https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/can-you-bring-it-in
If you are clear and upfront of what you are carrying then you have nothing to worry about. Kindly note that Australia has a strict policy of not allowing dairy products across their borders.
Please be very aware of where your short term/long term/temporary accomodation is. From the airport you will have options of bus/taxi depending on which city you are. Either print off the relevant informaiton of a road map to reaching your accomodation or approach the helpdesk at the airport for assistance. Take a bus to the train station or to the city and there on take a connected mode of transport. Sometimes your college/University may also offer shuttle service/pick up from airport. Do check with your college/University on this aspect.
Please email us. The Cross Over representative will assist/guide you with steps ahead
Accommodation
If its your first time overseas, our suggestion is to undertake student university accomodation. It would not only enable you to be apart of a vibrant community but a thorough student life could be sought. Post the first year, depending on your financials, you could find flatmates/friends to find lodging with. Short term – any of the unilodge accommodation and Air B&B/room being let out by families. Long term – Unilodge has some great offers/University notice boards and online. Some Universities also offer student pick up/shuttle service from airports during orientation week. Kindly enquire with your University if this facility is provided.
For the first week, find your self temporary accommodation. During orientation week, you should be able to find fellow Indians to flat with. Please be wary of who you flat with. Evaluate students thoroughly so as to enhance your overall experience.
Via your University or through friends from India try to find common friends living in Australia and if they would be kind enough to allow you to stay with them for a week or two.
There is never a right or wrong answer to this. But do try to find a balance of trying to get international exposure by flatting with students/people from different nationalities.
Australia as a country is very straight forward on their approach to everything. So they would insist that you have an agreement with the agent/landlord. This is very important.
You could be considered an alien and you could be evicted. Its not worth the trouble.
Number of people living needs to be in accordance to law. Maintain the unit/flat. Any damages you would be liable for.
Food
Australia is native to the food of many nationalities. So expect fantastic food from all over the world. Be open to trying new food and embrace all cultures to gain maximum exposure for self.
Within 2 weeks, you would be well versed with the average pricing of food. Plan self depending on your budgets. Try to cook more at home to save money and to maintain health. Buy in bulk to save more and always look out for deals.
Indian groceries are present all over Australia. Google nearest one depending on your location. The prices would of course be more in comparison to India. But do keep in mind that it is being imported and there are subsequent chagres for import. Its a small premium to pay for the benefit being derived.
Rice, wheat and Indian masalas. Rice cooker and Indian snacks.
Driving in Australia
A International student holding a full license from home country can drive for upto 3 months while on student visa in Australia. You will need to obtain an Australian License once in the country within 3 months.
It is a strict no and it may lead you to ending up paying hefty fines and it will also be considered illegal
Do not panic. It means you might have committed a rule break or it could be a routine check. Either case pull over the car to the side and wait until the cop approaches you. Answer to his queries. And if you have committed a mistake a fine might be applicable. Do not argue.
Jobs
Getting a part time job is hard work. Keep an open mind and do not be frustrated in the process. Remember – the world does not owe you anything. Look online for job postings. The notice board at Uni for odd jobs. Most times your fellow students will be able to guide you best. Take up a simple job early on so as to build a momemtum and to ease your self into the system. There on look for jobs that you want to take up. It should not only reward you financially but also stimulate you intellectually.
Depending on your location in Australia, the department for Australian Tax office provides you one. http://www.ato.gov.au Follow the instructions and obtain one.
No. Do not work for more than 20 hours in a week as its against your visa requirements. Some will suggest you do but for the greater good for yourself, do not. working 20 hours will get you enough remuneration to sustain yourself. During summer and Christmas breaks you will be allowed to work full time. So take advantage of that.
All part time jobs are stepping stones for a career. So choose wisely and network thoroughly. Most times the companies you work part time with, based on your performance absorb you full time. So put your everything in any job you do. Network is the key for your career so work on it from day one.
Reference play a vital role for part/full time jobs. So behave yourself and conduct yourself professionally. Your hard work would show, which would act as a determinant for references.
Initial phases of life in Australia.
Week - 1
Orientation is very important as it is a stepping stone for a student to gain insights into University life, its functionality, campus offerings, extra curricular, fellow students, assignments and all things related. Do go in with an open mind and try to attain full exposure on the same.
Unlike India, where a particular course has only certain subject offerings, Australia and International education allows you to enroll into multiple diverse subjects. Do not succumb to any pressure and try to have an open dialogue with fellow students, counselors and University representatives to gain insights. So based on your course of study, enroll into subjects accordingly. Attending classes is important. Make sure to have maximum attendance in all classes and try to participate to the maximum to gain totality. Please note that plagiarism is a strict No! and is not only frowned upon but also can lead to serious consequences. So do not ever plagiarize.
There will be many outlets that offer Mobile phones and SIM cards. Some will be locked to the carrier and you may get the phone at a lower rate or you may bring a phone over from India (which is relatively cheaper) and buy a SIM from the local shops or mobile carriers. ID and documentation will be asked so please do carry it with you. Do speak to friends on which mobile network they are on and its corresponding benefits. So you may also be able to take advantage of its offerings.
Opening a bank account is very easy and simple. Do carry passport and what ever money you would like to deposit and the bank will do the rest.
Train/Tram is one of the most convenient ways to travel in the city. Depending on your location of stay and your college/University loaction you will need to determine which is the best way for you to.
Firstly on the map identify the location you want to reach. And then identify the station you are at. If your destination is on the same train/tram line then count the number of stops and keep vigil on your intended stop. if not on same line look at which station/stop you need to change lines at. If you have doubt do approach the station master or the ticketing service for guidance. If all else fails, ask someone. It is not a crime to ask.
Universities offer immense opportunities for students to not only perform academically but also cultural/social and physical activities. Do explore and try to participate on areas of interest to you. You could surprise yourself and others with your talent. This could also bolster your talents to the next level or give you a chance to learn something new.
Yes, indeed there will be numerous parties whilst at Uni. Drink responsibly. Over drinking not only puts you in jeopardy but also masks your better judgement skills. Stay away or walk away from brawls even if its not your mistake. Party hard but responsibly.
Attendance is a must and if you miss your minimum requirements then the Uni will inform the immigration of your non-fulfillment of your visa. Also you are there to study so STUDY should be your primary goal.
Australian Culture is very open. They not only are very friendly but also non judgemental. Please make note that you took the decision to travel to a different country and gain experience. So do not limit yourself. The more of an effort you make towards making friends, keeping an open mind towards everything and everyone, you will benefit the most. Be genuine and accept Australian culture as a whole and do not be judgemental.
Week - 2
It is a common occurrence for students to feel lost, disconnected and a bit low when in a new environment. Share your feelings with your housemates/flatmates. Do not bottle up as that could prove detrimental. Share your thoughts will friends/family back home. If all else fails, approach student services on campus or a counselor and express self. Remember you are not alone in this battle. Together we shall overcome it. If nothing seems to be going your way email us and we shall get in touch to assist you overcome this.
Joining clubs will not only allow you to make new friends but also pick up a new skill or improve a skill set. We encourage you to join clubs for mutliple benefits.
Remember study is your primary goal. Your are more then your degree. So put yourself out there and try to gain exposure on all things with an open mind. Food, culture, people, experiences are what you are also paying for. So make sure you gain back all this and more.
Do not feel awkward to approach your professors to clear doubts. They exist to impart education and they are very approachable. So go with an open mind and ask your doubts without hesitation. If you need more info email us.
When invited, attend Australian BBQ’s, parties and get together . Yes, you are going to study but this also accounts towards socializing and gaining an experience. And most importantly, there is no one to judge you. So reinvent yourself and make all the mistakes as life is giving you a new slate and be the best version of yourself.
Week - 3
At college/Uni you are eligible to drop out of a particular course or subject within 1 week of subject commencement. This could happen for various reasons –
1. you have already done a subject similar that you feel is being repeated
2. it was not what you thought it would be like
3. You realise you are no more interested in this domain anymore.
4. Others . So please excersice your right while you can.
Until and unless you make an effort to look for all events on campus, you will find that there are so many workshops that could be a stepping stone for your for personal/professional levels. So keep an eye out and make the most of it.
Assignments are very important. In India we are not used to doing assignments like the Aussie Uni do. So during orientation guidance will be given on how to go about it. If that seems incomplete do speak to fellow students and professors for assistance.
Week - 4
This is co-related to the above topic in Week 3 expectations. This is the final week to withdraw from your subject/course without penalty. So think hard and wise before deciding.
Please Put in extra bit of hard work on this. This sets the tone for your future assignments. Get your friends or fellow students to have a look through your assignment and if need be take consultation from your professors to obtain a good grade. Please do not copy from the fellow students.
Open book exams are new to fellow Indians. It is much harder to prepare for. You will need to index all topics/subjects and aspects of your exam from the text book before you take the exam. Do take guidance from your professors on how to best approach this.
