Pre-departure
Preparing to travel Once an offer has been accepted, it is time to prepare for departure.
In order to have a smooth transition from home to Melbourne, you should prepare for the following:
- obtain your passport and visa (the passport must not expire until six months after the visa)
- book flights, travel insurance and collect ticket
- arrange for airport pickup and accommodation through agency or school International Services
- check customs regulations
- have medical check-ups
- Important documents to bring with you:
· passport with student visa
· school offer letter
· course acceptance agreement
· electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE)
· international driver’s licence(if have one)
· birth certificate or country identification card
· accommodation arrangement
· emergency contact details, e.g. relatives, friends, government embassy in Australia - Bring enough money to cover expenses for the first week after arrival, and have access to AU$1 500–AU$3 500 via credit card, or bank draft to establish yourself.
Booking the flight
You are advised to book your flight to Melbourne immediately upon receiving your student visa. You should plan to arrive in Melbourne early, allowing enough time to find accommodation, organize finances and settle into your new environment prior to attending enrolment (details regarding enrolment can be found in the offer letter).
Late enrolment often means you have no choice of class times and you may miss out on vital program orientation activities in your School. If you cannot arrive by the commencement date indicated in your offer letter, you must contact the school and seek permission to arrive late.
What to pack
The essentials Melbourne’s four distinct seasons require a flexible wardrobe. You will need clothes suitable for hot, warm and cool daytime temperatures ranging from 13 to 35 degrees Celsius.
There is no uniform dress code at Australian colleges. Most students dress informally in clothes such as jeans, T-shirts, pullovers/jumpers, sweaters, casual shirts and sports shoes. A strong umbrella is needed since Melbourne’s Winter can be rainy and windy.
For electronics adaptor plugs, the voltage used in Australia is 220 –240 volts AC. The sockets for plugs are three-pinned. Adaptors can be bought in Australia for approximately AU$15 – AU$40.
Things not to pack
Do not bring prohibited items such as animal or plant products (e.g. dried meats or seafood, seeds, herbs and spices) as these are against Australian customs regulations.
Never agree to bring a bag or other items to Australia for someone else as it may contain something illegal and you will be held accountable for it.
Customs regulations Australia’s quarantine laws are very strict and many foodstuffs, plants, animal products and some medicines may not be brought i
The import of drugs, guns, weapons and pets is prohibited, with severe penalties for bringing prohibited substances into Australia. www.customs.gov.au