Public holidays
Several public holidays are observed in Melbourne and Australia
Most shopping centres and workplaces will be closed for business on these days, so keep this in mind when you book a day to arrive in Australia.
- New Year’s Day (1 January)
- Australia Day (26 January)
- Labour Day (First Monday in March)
- Good Friday / Easter Monday (will be over a weekend in March / April)
- ANZAC Day (25 April)
- Queen’s Birthday (Last Monday in September)
- Melbourne Cup Day (First Tuesday in November)
- Christmas Day (25 December)
- Boxing Day (26 December)
Useful mobile apps
Here are some handy apps to download before you arrive
- Public Transport Victoria App – Pre-plan your whole journey and make sure you aren’t late for class with this transport app.
- Uber – A cheaper alternative to a taxi. Just use your phone to book!
- Weatherzone – A popular free weather app.
- Google Maps – An essential map tool for getting around.
- Skype – Stay in touch with international friends and family for free.
- LinkedIn – Your online business card. It’s common for new business associates and/or classmates to say, “Find me on LinkedIn”.
- Google Translate – Few translation apps compare to Google Translate. It can quickly translate text or spoken words in more than 70 languages, and it works even when you’re offline.
- Dictionary.com – Regardless of your field of study, you will see words you do not know or have never seen before. This app gives you access to a full dictionary and thesaurus. It also works offline.
- DropBox – A remote hard drive to save files, which you can access anywhere, anytime. Consider it your backup, in case your computer crashes, you accidentally delete files or you’re travelling without your laptop. You can also share your folders and files with classmates.
- Lost on Campus – Australia’s biggest campus mapping app. Never get lost again!
- Student Edge App – Browse discounts near you with this handy app.
- SafeZone – Always have security on hand.
Tip: It’s also handy to download the app from the bank that you decide to open an account with, so you can quickly check your balances and transactions.
Australian laws
Important information regarding Australian laws
- It is illegal to smoke or buy cigarettes under the age of 18 years. It is also illegal to smoke in buildings and workplaces.
- It is illegal to drink alcohol under the age of 18 years. Photo ID is required for 18-year-olds to go into licensed premises that sell alcohol.
- Other drugs that are not sold through a pharmacy or genuine retail outlet are probably illegal – if in doubt, ask first!
- You must wear a seatbelt while in a car.
- You must not drive while under the influence of alcohol.
Important contact numbers
Know who to call when you need support
- Deakin Health Services 1300 72 206
- On-Campus Security 1800 062 579
- Emergency (Police, Fire & Ambulance) 000
- VIC Police Assistance 131 444
- City of Melbourne Surveillance Centre (24 hr CCTV centre) 03 9658 9658
- Public Transport Victoria InfoLine/SMS Service 1800 800 007
