Pre-Departure Guide

Everything you need before leaving for Australia

✓ Visa Granted! Congratulations! Now let's prepare for your journey. Use this checklist to ensure nothing is forgotten.

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Preparation Timeline

2-3 months before

Start Planning

Book flights, arrange accommodation, confirm OSHC

1 month before

Organize Documents & Money

Get documents certified, apply for travel cards, notify banks

2 weeks before

Pack & Finalize

Start packing, get vaccinations, arrange airport pickup

1 week before

Final Checks

Confirm all bookings, download important apps, print documents

Essential Documents Checklist

⚠️ Important: Carry originals + 2-3 certified copies of all documents. Keep one set in hand luggage, one in checked baggage, and leave copies with family.

Must Have (Keep in Hand Luggage)

Passport - Valid for at least 6 months
Visa Grant Letter - Print multiple copies
CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment) - From your university
OSHC Policy - Overseas Student Health Cover proof
Flight Tickets - Print + digital copy
Accommodation Confirmation - First few weeks address
Emergency Contacts - University, accommodation, family

Academic Documents

Academic Transcripts - Certified copies in English
Degree Certificates - All previous qualifications
English Test Results - IELTS/PTE/TOEFL scorecard
Offer Letter - University acceptance letter

Money & Banking

How Much Cash to Carry

Recommended: AUD $2,000-$5,000 in cash/cards

• Cash: $500-$1,000 AUD (for first few days)
• Travel Card: $1,500-$3,000 preloaded (Wise, Revolut)
• Credit Card: Keep for emergencies
• Home Country Card: Backup option

Before You Leave

Notify your bank you're traveling (avoid card blocks)
Get a travel money card (Wise, Revolut - better rates than banks)
Exchange some AUD before departure (airports have poor rates)
Enable international transactions on your cards
Save bank customer service numbers (international)

Australian Banking Apps

Download these before you leave (you'll need them in first week):

Commonwealth Bank (CBA)

Accommodation

💡 Pro Tip: Book at least 2-4 weeks of accommodation BEFORE you arrive. You can find permanent housing once you're there and know the area.

Short-term Options (First 2-4 weeks)

University Accommodation

Most universities offer short-term rooms for new arrivals

Cost: $200-$400/week including utilities

Airbnb / Booking.com

Flexible, easy to book online before arrival

Cost: $150-$350/week depending on location

Student Hostels

Backpacker hostels near universities

Cost: $100-$200/week (shared rooms)

What to Confirm

Exact address (you'll need this for airport immigration)
Check-in time and key collection process
What's included (bedding, WiFi, utilities)
Distance to university and public transport

Health & Insurance

OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)

✓ Mandatory: You must have OSHC for your entire student visa duration. Usually arranged by your university.

• Print your policy: Carry physical copy
• Download provider app: Bupa, Allianz, AHM, or Medibank
• Save policy number: You'll need it at doctors
• Understand coverage: GP visits, hospitals, prescriptions

Medical Preparation

Get a full health check-up before leaving
Dental check (dental work is expensive in Australia)
Get prescription for ongoing medications (6-12 months supply)
Bring doctor's letter explaining your medications
Pack basic first aid kit (paracetamol, band-aids, etc.)
If you wear glasses, bring a spare pair

Packing Essentials

Baggage Allowance: Most airlines allow 30kg checked + 7kg hand luggage for international students. Check your airline's policy!

What to Pack

✅ Essential Items

• All documents (originals + copies)
• Clothes for all seasons
• Comfortable shoes (2-3 pairs)
• Prescription medications
• Phone + laptop + chargers
• Universal power adapter
• Toiletries (2 weeks supply)
• Warm jacket (Australian winters are mild but cold)

❌ Don't Bother Bringing

• Heavy winter gear (unless going to Tasmania)
• Too many clothes (buy here, cheaper)
• Kitchen items (buy from Kmart, $2 shops)
• Books (heavy, use digital)
• Hair dryer, iron (buy cheap here)
• Bedding (usually provided or buy here)

Customs & Quarantine

⚠️ Strictly Prohibited Items:

• Food items (fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, nuts)
• Seeds and plant materials
• Wooden items (can have pests)
• Traditional medicines (unless declared)

Australia has strict biosecurity laws. When in doubt, DECLARE IT on your arrival card!

Booking Flights

When to Book

2-3 months in advance: Best prices for international flights
Arrive 1-2 weeks before semester: Time to settle and attend orientation
Check university calendar: Semester start dates vary

Flight Tips

Book student fare (30kg baggage vs 23kg regular)
Keep important documents in hand luggage (never checked bags)
Download offline maps of your Australian city
Arrange airport pickup or plan public transport route
Know your accommodation address (immigration will ask)

Download Before You Leave

Essential Apps

• Google Maps - Download offline maps
• Uber / DiDi - Ride sharing
• WhatsApp - Communicate with family
• Bank apps - CBA, ANZ, Westpac, NAB
• OSHC app - Your health insurance
• TripView - Public transport (Sydney)
• PTV - Public transport (Melbourne)

Useful Apps

• Woolworths / Coles - Grocery shopping
• Gumtree / Facebook Marketplace - Buy used items
• Flatmates.com.au - Find accommodation
• Seek / Indeed - Job hunting
• Zomato / Menulog - Food delivery
• Medicare Express Plus - Optional but useful

Ready for Departure? ✈️

Next, learn what to do in your first week in Australia

Next: Settling In Guide