by Getting ready to study in Australia? As you commence your educational voyage to start a new chapter of your life in Australia, there are a lot of things you need to gear up with prior preparations. Leaving for a foreign country requires careful planning and packing for a seamless transition.
This article is your help buddy with a curated pre-departure checklist of important things before you jet off for your Aussie adventure! Keep reading and get ready to begin your study in Australia with our essential checklist.
Pre-departure Essentials Checklist to Study in Australia
1. Passport
First things first, make sure your passport is ready to roll and won’t expire soon. Your passport is the foundation and golden ticket for your international educational journey. Ensure its validity extends at least six months beyond your intended return date. Check the important details related to your passport with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
2. Visa
Just as crucial as a passport, apply for an Australian student visa well in advance, as processing a visa could be time-consuming and the whole process takes around 4 weeks. To obtain an Australian ‘Subclass 500 Student Visa’ you need to pay the online visa fees of around (AU$715) on the Australian Immigration website operated by the Department of Home Affairs, Government of Australia. Gather all required documents, including the certificate of Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) provided by your applied institution when you pay your Australian university fees, financial evidence, proficiency test scores cards and overseas health insurance coverage. These documents become the cornerstone of your international student identity.
3. Flight Tickets
Plan! Book your flight tickets in advance, so you secure the best flight deals. So, while calculating cost of education in Australia, this will save you a lot of dollars. Craft your flight itinerary by keeping a track of your departure and arrival dates, international time zones, as well as any layovers or connecting flights. Keep both digital and physical copies of your itinerary within arm’s reach, ensuring a harmonious flight path to your Australian study destination.
4. Book your Accommodation
A home away from home awaits you in the land of promises. One of the pre-departure essentials is arranging your accommodation for the host country well in advance from the home country itself. As per visa condition 8533, you are obligated to inform your accommodation details to your education provider within 7 days of your arrival in Australia, so ensure that you have your accommodation finalized before you reach Australia. Many universities offer on-campus housing, while others provide assistance for off-campus dwellings. Homestay with a local Australian family is a very popular concept among international students these days. This gives them a chance to blend themselves into the cultural and local learnings. Research and secure accommodation options considering convenient factors like rent, safety, amenities, food etc.
5. Checklist of What to Pack
Packing is like a puzzle – get it right, and you’ll have a blast in your educational arsenal. Here’s a list of things that you need to pack like a pro
Important Documents: Carry copies of your Passport, Visa, Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), health insurance, and academic transcripts. Store digital copies in secure online cloud storage as well.
Climate-ready Attire and Medicines: As you pack stuff in your trolley bags, pack clothes appropriately considering Australia’s diverse climate conditions. Depending on the region, you might need warm clothing for cooler months or summer wear for the warmer months. Pack personal hygiene products and any prescribed medications you require.
Tech Gear: Don’t forget to pack your digital tools like your laptop, charger, and any other electronics you’ll need for your studies. Also, Australian outlets use Type I plugs, so ensure you have the right adaptors or universal voltage converters if needed.
Financial Essentials: Notify your bank of your travel plans and ensure access to funds through Australian banking channels so you carry some local currency and payment cards.
6. Checklist of What Not to Pack
Leave these behind while packing, remember to avoid bringing items that may be prohibited, restricted or unnecessary. Some things to leave behind include.
Banned or Illegal Items: Make sure not to carry any illegal substances or items as they can lead to severe legal consequences. To check the full list of banned items in Australia you should consider the official website of Australian Embassy.
Certain Foods and Agricultural Items: Australia has strict biosecurity regulations, so avoid carrying certain foods, plants, and other agricultural items.
Cash Caution: Avoid carrying excessive cash and rely on digital payments or cards for financial transactions. Also, check the official government website for an allowed limit of cash inside the Australian region for international students.
Unnecessary Valuables: Minimize the risk of theft or loss by keeping expensive jewellery and items of sentimental value safeguarded at home.
Preparing for your grand adventure for your study abroad journey in Australia requires careful planning and attention to detail. Pack smart by packing the right items and leaving behind what you don’t need, and you’ll set yourself up for a successful and enriching experience as an international student in the land of Koalas and Kangaroos. Keep this checklist handy and you are all set for your Aussie adventure with confidence!
