Moving to Australia: A Student's Practical Guide (Visa, Money, First Week)

This article is process-first. If you've already decided you're coming and you just want to know where in Sydney to live, read our 5 Best Sydney Suburbs for Students. This one is about everything else: visa, money, packing, and the first seven days on the ground.

3 months out, visa and enrolment

• Confirm your CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment) from your Australian institution. You can't apply for the student visa (subclass 500) without it.
• Apply for the student visa via ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website. Standard processing is 4-6 weeks; allow longer in peak intake months (Jan-Feb, Jul-Aug). The visa fee is currently around AUD 710 (check current rate before applying).
• OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is mandatory for the entire duration of your visa. Compare providers (Bupa, Medibank, Allianz, nib), most institutions partner with one and offer a default. You don't have to use the default.
• Reserve accommodation early. Sydney student housing fills up by early January for February intake. CDA Coliving accepts overseas applications with just a passport and CoE, no Australian rental history required.

1 month out, money setup

• Open an Australian bank account before you arrive. CBA, ANZ, Westpac and NAB all allow remote account-opening for international students 3-12 months before arrival. Activate the card once you land with your passport.
• Set up a multi-currency / international card (Wise, Revolut, your home-country travel card) so you have an Australian-fee-free way to spend before your bank account is active.
• Budget for the first 4-6 weeks. Plan on AUD 2,000-3,500 for arrival expenses depending on city (covers OPAL card, phone plan, groceries, contingencies, fortnightly rent until your first paycheque if you'll work).
• Tax File Number (TFN): apply online after you arrive (you need a local address). Without a TFN, you'll be taxed at the highest marginal rate on any work income.

2 weeks out, what to actually bring

If you're moving into furnished student accommodation, you don't need to bring furniture, bedding bulk, kitchenware, or appliances. Pack light. Things worth bringing:

• Passport + visa grant + CoE + OSHC certificate (printed AND digital).
• Prescription medication for ~3 months, with the original packaging and a doctor's letter.
• Universal travel adapter (Australia uses Type I plugs, 230V).
• One season of clothes only. Sydney has mild winters; buy what you need locally rather than over-packing.
• Cultural staples that are hard or expensive to find in Australia (specific spices, family items). Skip generic toiletries.

First 48 hours after landing

1. Activate your phone plan. Boost, Optus, Telstra and Amaysim all have airport kiosks. Aim for a plan with 30GB+ data, you'll need it for Maps, Uber, and figuring out the trains.
2. Buy an OPAL card at any train station, 7-Eleven or major newsagent. Tap on/off; the system is unified across train, bus, ferry and light rail in NSW.
3. Activate your bank card at any branch with your passport.
4. Locate the nearest supermarket (Coles, Woolworths, Aldi) and pharmacy (Chemist Warehouse is cheapest).

First two weeks

1. Enrolment + ID: register at your university's international office and get your student ID. Required for student-pricing on transport and many discounts.
2. TFN application via the ATO website. Takes 10-28 days; needed for any paid work.
3. OSHC card activation: register with your OSHC provider and download their app. Save the after-hours number to your phone.
4. Open a Medicare equivalent claim system only if your home country has a reciprocal agreement (some EU countries, UK, NZ). Otherwise OSHC is your healthcare.
5. Find your local GP via HotDoc or HealthEngine, even if you're healthy, having one chosen before you need one is worth the 5 minutes.

First semester rhythm

Two practical notes most international students learn the hard way:

• Work cap: student visa holders can currently work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester (unlimited during breaks). Check current rules before accepting hours.
• Cultural calibration: Australian university teaching is far more independent than many home-country systems. If your assignment grade is lower than you expected, it's almost never because your tutor dislikes you. Use feedback hours.

The accommodation side, choosing where in Sydney to actually live, by campus and budget, is covered in detail in our 5 Best Sydney Suburbs for Students.