Before you start packing, use this checklist to make sure you have met all the requirements for getting started with your studies in Australia.
To give yourself time to settle into your accommodation and be prepared for study, we recommend that you arrive in Melbourne or Geelong at least two weeks before Orientation. Many students travel to and from Australia at the beginning and end of each trimester, so flights can become heavily booked in advance. We recommend that you book your flights as early as possible – ideally, as soon as you have confirmed your enrolment.
Learn more about our airports and your arrival.
When you go through immigration and border security at the airport, you will be asked to show your passport and other important documents. Please make sure you have the following available:
We recommend you keep all of your documents together in your carry-on luggage (not in your checked suitcase) so that it’s easy to access at the customs and immigration checkpoints. We also advise that you photocopy all of your important documents and keep copies with you or online (plus leave a copy with a family member or friend back home).
It’s also important that you are aware of all the conditions on your student visa regarding working, studying and health insurance.
Learn more about student visa conditions.
We recommend you bring a small amount of cash with you – just in case you have any problems with your credit or debit cards on your arrival.
There are banks and foreign currency exchanges at the airport where you can exchange cash, as well as several ATMs for withdrawing Australian dollars. If you have a bank card or debit card that works internationally, you can keep your funds in your bank account at home and just withdraw cash as needed from ATMs.
Once you have set up an Australian bank account, you may choose to transfer your funds from overseas. You may also choose to use a credit card (with a PIN – signatures are no longer accepted in Australia) or travellers’ cheques.
We recommend you will need at least $AUD1500–$2000 available when you arrive to cover initial accommodation and living expenses for your first couple of weeks.
“I like that Deakin College is student-centric which focus more on the student experience. They have range of support services available especially for international students like me to help settle into the Australian education system and environment. It is also great that there is always student activities happening which is a great way to socialise and meet new friends.”
Diploma of Commerce
Zambian student
If you are bringing a mobile phone from home, make sure that it’s unlocked and not restricted to your home network or country. You can then purchase an Australian SIM card to insert into your phone. SIM cards can be purchased at the airport or from a range of outlets including post offices, supermarket chains, petrol stations and mobile phone company stores.
Most mobile phone companies in Australia will allow you to purchase a pre-paid SIM card. Alternatively, you can sign up to a long-term contract and pay after each month of use.
If you are bringing a new laptop with you, we recommend that you have a receipt or other proof of purchase with you to avoid paying import duties.
If you plan to buy a laptop in Australia, find a student deal! Deakin staff and students may be eligible for educational discounts offered by hardware and software vendors, such as Apple or Lenovo.
As a Deakin College student, you will also have access to Deakin University’s free software library, which provides free access to Microsoft 365, for example.
Before buying a laptop, check our computing requirements.
Of course, you will also have access to computers, wifi and printers at Deakin College.
It will also vary depending on if you fly economy, premium economy, business or first class. We recommend that you contact your airline for details.
If you are flying domestically into Melbourne from within Australia, the weight limit may be significantly lower than your international flight, so please consider this when packing.
When it comes to what you should pack, make sure you have clothes for all four seasons – Victoria’s climate is variable. If you can’t fit everything in your case and still meet your baggage allowance, you can always purchase clothing upon your arrival. Keep in mind that clothes may be more expensive in Australia than in your home country.
Australians generally dress very casually and while you are on campus, you are welcome to wear comfortable, casual clothes. If you intend to work part time, you may be required to wear business attire.
