The Iglu Guide | Blog
International students’ arrival admin checklist
So you’ve landed in Australia, congratulations! Whether you’ve just touched down in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, the excitement of starting a new chapter is real. But before you dive into campus life, there are a handful of admin tasks you’ll want to knock over in your first week. Getting these sorted early means less stress and more time enjoying everything Australia has to offer.
Here’s your no-fuss checklist to get settled quickly.
1. University enrolment and student ID
Your first stop should be your university. If you haven’t already confirmed your enrolment online, do this before anything else. It unlocks access to everything from library resources to student discounts.
What to sort:
- Confirm your enrolment and check your subject registrations
- Collect your student ID card (usually from a student services counter)
- Activate your student email address and log into your university’s student portal
- Register for orientation sessions if you haven’t already
- Download your university’s student app. Most unis have one and it’s genuinely useful
Your student ID is your golden ticket on campus, so get it early.
2. Open an Australian bank account
You’ll need a local bank account to receive money, pay rent, and manage everyday expenses. The good news is that most major Australian banks (Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, NAB, and Westpac) allow international students to open an account before they arrive, so this might already be done.
What to bring if opening in-branch:
- Passport
- Student visa
- Proof of address (even a lease agreement or a letter from your uni confirming your accommodation is fine)
If you want something simpler to set up, digital options like Wise or Up Bank are popular with international students and can be opened entirely from your phone. They’re great for low fees on international transfers too.
3. Get an Australian phone number
A local number is essential as you’ll need it for two-factor authentication, job applications, setting up accounts, and just everyday life. Prepaid SIM cards are easy to grab and there’s no lock-in contract required.
Where to buy: at the airport on arrival, or from any supermarket, convenience store, or phone retailer.
Main providers to compare:
- Telstra: best coverage nationally, slightly pricier
- Optus: solid coverage, good value
- Vodafone: competitive plans, good in metro areas
- Woolworths Mobile: budget-friendly, runs on Telstra’s network
A basic prepaid plan with calls, texts, and data typically starts from around $10–$30/month.
4. Get a public transport card
Australia’s major cities each have their own tap-on, tap-off transport card. Cash isn’t accepted on most public transport, so getting a card is a must.
Important: register your card online so you can get a refund if it’s lost or stolen. Also check whether you’re eligible for a concession fare. Depending on which state you’re studying in, you may be eligible for discounted concession fares, but eligibility varies by state and isn’t guaranteed for international students. Check with your university’s student services team or the relevant transport authority to confirm whether you qualify before assuming you do.
5. Other key admin items
Once the big four are sorted, work through these as soon as you can:
- Tax File Number (TFN): Apply through the ATO website (ato.gov.au). You’ll need this if you plan to work in Australia. It’s free and takes about 1–2 weeks to arrive.
- OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover): Most student visas require this to be in place before arriving in Australia. It ensures you have a basic level of healthcare to cover any medical costs while studying here. Confirm your policy is active and that you know how to make a claim.
- Medicare: If your home country has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia (including the UK, Ireland, Italy, and others), you may be eligible to enrol in Medicare. Check the Services Australia website to see if you qualify.
- Proof of address: Keep a couple of documents handy (lease, bank statement, or a letter from your uni). You’ll be asked for this more than you expect.
You’ve got this
The first week in a new country can feel overwhelming, but working through this list will set you up for a much smoother start. Tick these off early and you’ll have more headspace for the things that actually matter, like making friends, exploring your new city, and settling into your studies.
Frequently asked questions
The key documents to have on hand when you arrive are your passport, student visa, and proof of enrolment from your university. You will need these to check in to your student accommodation, open a bank account, apply for a Tax File Number, and potentially register for concession fares on public transport.
Yes. Most major Australian banks including Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, NAB, and Westpac allow international students to open an account before they even arrive in Australia. If you prefer a digital option, services like Wise and Up Bank are popular with international students and are straightforward to set up from your phone.
While it is not a legal requirement, having a local Australian number is strongly recommended. You will need it for two factor authentication when setting up bank accounts and other services, and it makes everyday life significantly easier. Prepaid SIM cards from Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, or Woolworths Mobile are available at airports and supermarkets and are the easiest option when you first arrive.
Each major city has its own transport card. Sydney uses the Opal card, Melbourne uses Myki, and Brisbane uses the Go card. In Sydney and Brisbane you can also tap on directly with a credit or debit card, which is convenient when you first arrive. Melbourne is currently rolling out contactless payments on its train network, though trams and buses still require a Myki. Always register your card online in case it is lost or stolen.
It depends on the state you are studying in, as eligibility rules vary. In some states international students qualify for discounted concession fares, while in others concessions are limited to domestic students. Check with your university’s student services team or your state’s transport authority to confirm your eligibility before assuming you qualify.
