Key preparations before travelling to Australia.
Essential tasks upon arrival.
Essential preparations before you leave for Australia
Ensure your passport has at least six months validity beyond your intended stay. Apply for your student visa (Subclass 500) at least six weeks before your course starts.
Learn MorePrepare your acceptance letter, CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment), OSHC health insurance, academic records, and ID documents.
Learn MoreBook your flights after visa approval. Aim to arrive with sufficient time to settle before orientation week begins.
Learn MoreExplore on-campus housing options or secure temporary accommodation while you search for long-term housing.
Learn MoreArrange mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) before applying for your student visa.
Learn MorePrepare approximately AU$2,000 in cash and ensure you have access to sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses.
Learn MoreImportant: Book your Commonwealth Bank appointment online at least 14 days before arrival. Get your phone number first after landing, then visit the bank (expect queues during peak times). Ensure a secure mailing address for important documents like bank cards, TFN, and Medicare cards, as shared housing addresses carry risks.
Learn MoreWhat to bring and what to buy after arrival
Budget-friendly: Kmart, Target, IKEA
Groceries: Woolworths, Coles, Aldi
Electronics: JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman
Asian groceries: Various stores in Hurstville, Chinatown
Your guide to adapting to life in Australia
Learn about Sydney's public transport system, Opal card usage, and various travel options
Learn MoreSetting up bank accounts, money transfers, and daily financial tips. (Note: An Australian phone number is required before opening a bank account. Banks might have long queues during peak arrival periods, so booking an appointment is recommended.)
Learn MoreFind options for shipping items to Australia and the best places to shop for daily necessities
Learn MoreLearn about student work rights, job hunting tips, and career development
Learn MoreAccess academic support services to help you excel in your studies at UNSW
Learn More"This guide helped me prepare everything I needed before coming to UNSW. The visa and accommodation information was especially valuable!"
Computer Science, Year 2
"The banking and transportation sections were extremely helpful during my first weeks in Sydney. I could navigate the city confidently thanks to this guide."
Engineering, Year 3
"The packing list saved me from bringing unnecessary items and forgetting essential ones. I recommend this guide to all new international students!"
Business, Year 1
From January 1, 2025, student visa applications made within Australia will require a CoE instead of just an offer letter.
Read MoreSeveral OSHC providers have announced premium increases starting July 2024. Check our comparison of updated pricing.
Read MoreThe L2 and L3 light rail lines now offer direct service to UNSW main campus with increased frequency.
Read MoreYou should apply for your student visa as soon as you receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). The visa processing time can vary, but we recommend applying at least 6-8 weeks before your intended travel date.
UNSW offers on-campus accommodation options including student apartments and colleges. You can also explore off-campus housing in nearby suburbs like Kingsford, Maroubra, and Randwick. Visit the UNSW accommodation website or Study Stays page for more information.
We recommend bringing approximately AU$2,000 in cash for initial expenses. Additionally, ensure you have access to sufficient funds for tuition fees and living expenses. The Australian government requires international students to demonstrate they have enough funds to cover their stay, currently about AU$29,710 per year for living expenses.
Telstra offers the best coverage (99.4% population coverage) but at higher rates. Optus provides good coverage (98.5%) with competitive plans. Vodafone covers 96% of the population and often has student-specific offers. MVNOs like TPG, Amaysim, and Boost Mobile may offer more affordable options using the major carriers' networks.
OSHC is mandatory for international students and covers GP visits, some hospital treatments, ambulance services, and some prescription medications. UNSW's preferred provider is Medibank Private, but you can choose from other approved providers. On campus, UNSW offers various health services including medical clinics, optometrists, dentists, physiotherapists, and counseling services.
This comprehensive guide was developed by Evan lin, a current undergraduate international student at UNSW who experienced firsthand the challenges of relocating to Australia for study. The content is regularly updated to reflect the latest policies, requirements, and campus changes to ensure you have the most accurate information.
Last updated: March 20, 2025
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