Settling In Australia
Your first weeks in Australia - essential tasks and survival tips
🎉 Welcome to Australia! The first few weeks will feel overwhelming, but this guide will help you navigate everything smoothly.
📢 Transparency Notice: We may earn a small commission when you sign up for services through our links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep VisaMate completely free. All recommendations are based on what's genuinely popular among international students.
Airport Arrival Process
1Immigration & Customs
- Have passport, visa grant letter, and CoE ready
- Fill out Incoming Passenger Card on plane or at kiosk
- Declare ALL food items (it's better to declare than get fined)
- Know your Australian address (immigration may ask)
2Collect Baggage & Exit
- Collect all baggage from carousel (check baggage tags)
- Pass through customs - be honest if asked questions
- Exit to arrivals hall - look for your pickup or head to public transport
💡 First Day Tips:
- • Buy a local SIM card at airport (Optus, Telstra, Vodafone stores)
- • Get Opal card (Sydney) or Myki card (Melbourne) for public transport
- • Exchange small amount of cash if you didn't bring AUD
- • Message family you arrived safely!
First Week Priority Tasks
Day 1-2: Immediate Essentials
- ✓Get Australian SIM card - Optus, Telstra, or Vodafone ($30-50/month prepaid)
- ✓Buy transport card - Opal (NSW), Myki (VIC), Go Card (QLD)
- ✓Buy basic groceries - Woolworths or Coles (bread, milk, instant noodles)
- ✓Rest and recover from jet lag - Don't overdo it on day 1!
Day 3-4: Banking & Admin
- ✓Open Australian bank account - CBA, ANZ, Westpac, or NAB (bring passport + CoE)
- ✓Apply for TFN online - ato.gov.au (you need this for work!)
- ✓Explore your neighborhood - Find nearest supermarket, pharmacy, doctor
- ✓Learn public transport routes - Download your city's transport app
Day 5-7: University Setup
- ✓Attend university orientation - Mandatory for international students
- ✓Get student ID card - Needed for campus access and discounts
- ✓Enroll in subjects - Confirm your semester timetable
- ✓Tour the campus - Find libraries, lecture halls, cafeterias
- ✓Join student clubs - Great way to make friends!
Getting an Australian Phone Number
Main Providers
Telstra
Best coverage, most expensive
$40-60/month
Prepaid available
Optus
Good coverage, student plans
$30-50/month
Popular with students
Vodafone
Budget-friendly
$25-45/month
Cheaper option
What You Need to Sign Up
- Passport (100 points of ID)
- Australian address (can be temporary accommodation)
- Payment method (cash, card, or bank transfer)
💡 Student Tip: Start with prepaid plan (no contract). Switch to postpaid once you have a bank account and TFN.
Opening an Australian Bank Account
⏰ Do this within 6 weeks of arrival!
If you open a bank account within 6 weeks of arriving in Australia, you only need your passport. After 6 weeks, you'll need more ID documents.
Recommended Banks for Students
Commonwealth Bank (CBA)
Most PopularSmart Access Student Account - No monthly fees
- • Most ATMs nationwide
- • Great app & customer service
- • Student perks available
ANZ
ANZ Access Advantage - No monthly fees for students
- • Good international student support
- • Easy online banking
Westpac / NAB
Both offer student accounts with no fees
What You'll Get
- Account number & BSB - For receiving payments (salary, transfers)
- Debit card - Takes 5-7 days to arrive by mail
- Online banking - Download bank app immediately
Applying for Tax File Number (TFN)
✓ Why you need it: Required to work in Australia and avoid paying maximum tax rate (45% instead of ~15-20%)
How to Apply
Visit ATO Website
ato.gov.au/tfnComplete Online Application
Takes 10-15 minutes. You'll need passport and Australian address.
Wait for TFN by Mail
Arrives in 10-28 days. Keep it safe - you'll use it for every job!
📌 Important: Never share your TFN except with your employer or bank. It's like your social security number!
Or use VisaMate TFN Form: We've built a simple form to help you organize all your information before applying!
Fill TFN Application Form →Finding Long-term Accommodation
Where to Search
Flatmates.com.au
Most popular for share houses
Facebook Marketplace
Free, many options
Domain / Realestate.com.au
For whole apartments
University Student Housing
Check your uni's accommodation office
Typical Costs (Per Week)
🚨 Avoid Scams:
- • Never pay before inspecting property in person
- • Don't send money overseas or use Western Union
- • Get a proper rental agreement/contract
- • Check landlord's ID and property ownership
Shopping & Cost of Living
Where to Shop
Groceries
- • Woolworths / Coles - Main supermarkets
- • Aldi - Cheapest option
- • Asian groceries - Cheaper rice, noodles, spices
- • Local markets - Fresh produce on weekends
Household Items
- • Kmart - Very cheap basics
- • Target / Big W - Budget-friendly
- • IKEA - Furniture (if in major city)
- • $2 shops - Kitchen items, toiletries
Weekly Budget Guide (AUD)
💰 Money-Saving Tips: Buy groceries on Wednesday evenings (markdown day), cook in bulk, use student discounts everywhere!
Cultural Adaptation & Survival Tips
Cultural Differences
- 🗣️Direct communication: Australians are casual and direct. "How are you?" is often just a greeting.
- ⏰Punctuality matters: Being 5 minutes late is considered rude.
- 🍻Social culture: Coffee and drinks are common ways to socialize.
- 👋Friendliness: Strangers will say "Hi" or "How's it going?" - it's normal!
- 🎓Academic culture: Participation expected, questions encouraged.
Important Numbers
Emergency Services
000
Police, Ambulance, Fire
Health Direct (Medical Advice)
1800 022 222
24/7 nurse hotline
Making Friends
- Join university clubs (sports, cultural, academic)
- Attend international student events
- Study groups are great for meeting people
- Part-time work helps you meet locals
- Don't just hang with people from your country - branch out!
Final Tips for Success
Don't panic: Everyone feels overwhelmed in the first month. It gets easier!
Ask for help: Universities have support services for international students - use them!
Stay in touch with family: Homesickness is normal. Regular video calls help.
Budget carefully: Australia is expensive. Track your spending in the first months.
Explore your city: Australia is beautiful. Don't just study - enjoy the experience!