Arriving in Melbourne as a new international student is exciting, but there's a lot to sort out in your first week. Work through this checklist and you'll have the essentials covered.
In your first few days
- Get a local SIM card. Providers like Telstra, Optus, Vodafone and Amaysim sell prepaid SIMs at the airport, supermarkets and phone shops. A prepaid plan with data is the quickest way to get online while you set up everything else.
- Set up transport. Buy a Myki card from a station, 7-Eleven or the PTV app to use trains, trams and buses. Melbourne's city centre has a Free Tram Zone — check the map before you tap on.
- Find somewhere to stay. If you don't have long-term accommodation yet, see our guide on finding a room in Melbourne, or browse listings on HamroRooms.com.au.
In your first week or two
- Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN). You'll need one before you start any paid work. Follow our step-by-step guide on how to get a TFN.
- Open an Australian bank account. Many banks let you open an account online before you arrive. See how to open a bank account.
- Confirm your student health cover (OSHC). Your visa requires Overseas Student Health Cover for its full duration. Save your membership card to your phone and know how to make a claim.
- Attend your university orientation. Enrol in classes, collect your student ID card, and connect with the international student support team — they can help with everything from academic questions to visa concerns.
Settling in
- Learn where to shop for groceries. Coles, Woolworths and Aldi cover the basics; suburbs like Footscray and Dandenong have South Asian grocers stocking Nepali staples, spices and lentils.
- Know your visa work conditions. Student visas allow limited work hours during study periods. Check the current cap on the Department of Home Affairs website before accepting a job.
- Connect with the community. Nepali student associations and community groups are a great way to make friends, find share houses and hear about events and casual work.
Keep digital and printed copies of your passport, visa grant, CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment) and OSHC details somewhere safe — you'll need them more than once.