Your first few days and weeks in Australia

Your first few days

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

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. 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, as well as on-campus at Deakin.

Your first few weeks

Opening a bank account

You might consider opening an Australian bank account to manage your money, especially if you are a planning to get a job while you’re studying. Otherwise, it may be easier to just withdraw money from your overseas account.

Australia has a variety of banks to choose from that offer discounts, internet banking and free financial advice for international students. You can set up your bank account as soon you arrive in Australia. You can then withdraw cash from ATMs which can be found in most areas. However, most stores and businesses in Australia accept payments via bank card, so you will rarely need cash.

To open a bank account, you will need:

Your Letter of Offer.
Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Your passport with your student visa in it.
A second form of photo identification.

Once you have set up an Australian bank account, you may choose to transfer your funds from overseas. You may also choose to use a credit card (with a PIN – signatures are no longer accepted in Australia) or travellers’ cheques.

We recommend you have at least AUD$1500–2000 available when you arrive to cover initial accommodation and living expenses for your first couple of weeks.

Securing a private rental

When you arrive at your short-term accommodation, it will be time to start researching long-term accommodation for yourself. If you haven't applied to Deakin Res or for a homestay arrangement, you will need to secure a private rental.

When you opt for a private rental, you have the flexibility to select a location and property that aligns with your preferences. Whether you wish to live independently or share a space with others in a pre-established setting, the choice is yours. In Victoria, it's common for rental properties to come unfurnished.

It's crucial to personally inspect a private rental before finalising a lease or housing agreement.

You can search for a private rental on Realestate.com.au or Domain. You can also use Deakin's online accommodation finder Houseme.

The following articles have more information and tips about how to find a place to live:

Connect with Study Melbourne

Study Melbourne is a Victorian Government initiative that provides support to international students in Victoria. You are supported from the moment you arrive in Australia and while you are studying in Victoria.

Study Melbourne’s resources include finding accommodation, work and professional development opportunities, events, information on holidays, short trips and fun things to do for free, and student stories.

Either before your arrive in Australia or when you get here, you should sign up to the Study Melbourne Student Update monthly newsletter for offers, tips, tools, news and events to help you live and study in Victoria.

You can also ask questions or request support by getting in touch with Study Melbourne.