Moving to Australia as an international student is one of the most exciting things you’ll do. It can also feel overwhelming before you’ve done it. There’s a lot to organise, a lot of unknowns, and usually not much time to figure it all out. 

This guide covers the practical essentials so you can arrive ready and settle in quickly. 

Before you leave home 

The more you can sort before you land, the easier your first week will be.

  • Confirm your student visa and make sure all documents are ready to present at the border
  • Set up an Australian bank account before you arrive if possible – Commonwealth Bank, NAB, and ANZ all offer international student accounts you can open online

• Confirm your student visa and make sure all documents are ready to present at the border

• Set up an Australian bank account before you arrive if possible – Commonwealth Bank, NAB, and ANZ all offer international student accounts you can open online

• Register your enrolment with your university and note the orientation dates

• Book your accommodation in advance – arriving in Sydney without a confirmed place to stay is stressful and expensive

• Download useful apps: Google Maps, Opal Travel (for Sydney transport), and your bank’s app

• Check whether you need private health insurance or are covered under a reciprocal health agreement

Arriving in Sydney 

Sydney Airport is well connected to the city. The Airport Link train runs directly to Central station in about 15 minutes, from where you can connect to buses and other services. If you’re heading to the inner west, a bus or the train to Newtown will get you close to most student accommodation in the area. 

Your first priorities on arrival should be: getting a local SIM card (Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone all have stores in the airport terminals), activating your bank account, and registering with Medicare if you’re eligible. Don’t try to do everything in one day. Give yourself a couple of days to get your bearings before classes start. 

Setting up your essentials

• Opal card – pick one up at any train station, newsagent, or convenience store. You’ll use it on all public transport

• Medicare – if your country has a reciprocal health agreement with Australia, register online or at a Medicare service centre

• University ID – you’ll need this for library access, student discounts, and concession transport fares

• Tax File Number – if you plan to work while studying, apply for a TFN through the Australian Taxation Office website. It’s free and straightforward

Your first few weeks 

Attend your university’s orientation program – it’s worth it even if it feels overwhelming. You’ll meet other new students, learn your way around campus, and pick up a lot of useful information in a short time. 

Get to know your building and the people in it. Introduce yourself to your housemates and the on-site team. Check what events are coming up – most student accommodation runs a social calendar and the first few weeks are the best time to get involved. If you’re living at Eski, our Resident Leaders are a great first point of contact for anything you’re not sure about. 

Give yourself permission to feel a bit lost in the first week or two. It’s completely normal. Most of the people around you are feeling the same way – they’re just not always showing it. 

You’re not alone 

Sydney has one of the largest international student communities in the world. Wherever you’re living, you’ll find people going through the same experience at the same time. If you’re at Eski Camperdown, the social calendar, the communal spaces, and the on-site team are all there to make sure nobody has to figure it out alone. 

The first week is always the biggest adjustment. After that, it gets easier – fast. 

Moving to a new country for university is one of the bigger things you’ll do. The more you sort before you arrive, the more time you’ll have to enjoy it once you’re here.