Your first few days in Australia
When to arrive
We encourage all international students to arrive well in advance (at least two weeks) to the commencement of your study period: our recommended arrival times are outlined on this page.
Orientation for semester and trimester students will include compulsory activities that you will be required to attend. Orientation for HDR students is always available and online, but you must still arrive prior to the agreed arrival date in your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
If you arrive in Australia on a weekday, most things will be open so you can do any essential shopping when you get to your accommodation.
If you arrive in Australia on the weekend, be aware that some shops, currency exchanges and businesses will be closed. Of course, supermarkets and convenience stores will be open for you to purchase essentials, but you may have to wait until Monday to exchange money.
Airport pick-up
We recommend you organise to be picked up from the airport by our airport pick-up service. We offer free airport pick up for all new international students arriving in Australia, and your driver will drop you off at your short-term accommodation. You should book your airport pick-up as soon as you’ve booked your flights.
If you haven’t already, book your airport pick-up now.
Travel times
Melbourne is a large city and it can take some time to get around, depending on the location of your short-term accommodation. After your long flight, remember you may have some more hours of travel time once you land.
Learn more about living in Melbourne
Geelong is the second-largest city in Victoria. With a blend of ocean and urban beaches, thriving city precinct and growing food and entertainment scene, there is something for everyone in Geelong.
Learn more about living in Geelong
Surrounded by stunning beaches and breathtaking views, Warrnambool’s relaxed coastal lifestyle makes it an appealing place to call home. The city also offers a thriving culture, arts and music scene.
Approximate travel times from the airport are as follows (these may be longer during peak times):
- Melbourne International Airport (Tullamarine) to Melbourne CBD: 30 minutes
- Melbourne International Airport (Tullamarine) to Deakin Burwood: 45-60 minutes
- Melbourne International Airport (Tullamarine) to Geelong (CBD and campuses): 60 minutes
- Melbourne International Airport (Tullamarine) to Warrnambool: 3 hours
- Avalon Airport to Geelong (CBD and campuses): 30 minutes
- Avalon Airport to Warrnambool: 2.5 hours
Update your personal details
According to your student visa requirements, it is essential that you keep your home and postal address up to date in StudentConnect all the time. You should update your address when you arrive at your short-term accommodation, and again when you secure and move into your long-term accommodation.
Remember, your home address is your permanent home in your home country; your postal address is where you are during the trimester.
Keep in contact
Once you have arrived in Australia, you should let your friends and family know you have made it safely.
International phone cards are available at most convenience stores and they offer extremely cheap rates to overseas destinations (from 1 cent per minute).
Alternatively, there is also free wi-fi in many locations throughout the city and numerous internet cafes.