As International students, what are the first  13 things you have to do in Australia?

Moving to Australia as a foreign student might seem exciting and thrilling, but it also comes with many commitments and responsibilities.  One of the best places for students looking for excellent employment opportunities is Australia. The early days after landing in this country play a very crucial role in your life, as they will affect your comfort, finances, safety, studies, and profession.

In an effort to make your journey easier, below are 13 things you should know and do when you find yourself as an international student in Australia.

1. Activation of International Roaming

Before leaving your home country, it is advisable to activate international roaming on your existing mobile number. This becomes extremely useful during your first few hours or days in Australia. To stay in touch with your family after arriving, obtain the OTPs for logins, and contact your lodging agents or pickup services after leaving the airport, it is often recommended to turn on your international roaming plan. It is crucial to maintain contact in the initial hours or days after landing, even though it is only a temporary solution.

2. Purchasing and activating the Australian SIM card

One of the first things you should do after landing is to purchase an Australian SIM card. SIM cards from major providers are easily available at airports, shopping centres, and mobile stores.

Having a local number is essential for:

• University communication
• Opening a bank account
• Applying for jobs
• Contacting accommodation providers

Always choose your network plans that are convenient to your financial situation. There is no rule to buy an expensive plan right after arrival; it can be upgraded later if necessary. Once activated, your Australian number becomes your primary mode of communication.

3. Travel Card

A travel or transport card is essential for commuting in Australia. Most of the public transport, such as ferries, buses, and trains, operates on prepaid cards rather than cash in Australia. Most of the time students get heavy discounts on fares on student identification cards, which significantly reduces the travel expenses. So, taking a travel card right away can make commuting to university, to jobs, or even exploring the country easier. 

4. Visiting Your University

The visit to the university becomes the top priority after settling, as it will help you get familiar with the academic buildings, libraries, academic offices, and other essential facilities. 

During this visit, you can:

• Collect your student ID card
• Attend orientation programs
• Meet academic advisors
• Understand campus rules and facilities

Feeling comfortable on campus early helps reduce anxiety and builds confidence.

5. Opening of an Australian bank account

Opening an Australian bank account is a crucial step for managing your finances. Most banks allow international students to open accounts easily, especially if they do so within the first six weeks of arrival.

• A local bank account helps you:
• Receive part-time job wages
• Pay rent and utility bills
• Avoid international transaction charges

When applying, you must bring a passport, a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE), proof of address, and your visa details.

6. Applying for a Tax File Number (TFN)

Filing to obtain a Tax File Number (TFN) is required if you intend to work freelance in Australia. For tax purposes, the Australian government issues a unique identifying number known as a TFN. You might pay taxes at a significantly higher rate if you don't have a TFN. The online application process is free. Use your TFN only for official usage and keep it private once it has been granted.

7. Australian Business Number

Some students decide to work as independent contractors, freelancers, or temporary service providers. You could require an Australian Business Number (ABN) in certain situations. You can legitimately bill clients and get paid using an ABN. However, maintaining your own tax liabilities is one of the responsibilities that come with working under an ABN. Before filing for an ABN, students should seek the right advice to ensure they meet the visa requirements.

8. Internal course transfer

After enrolling, many students discover that the program they chose may not align with their personal or professional aspirations. Internal course transfers are permitted at Australian universities, allowing students to switch subjects within the same school under certain guidelines. You can make well-informed academic judgments without jeopardising your visa status by being aware of this possibility early on. Before starting a course change, always seek advice from the university's foreign student assistance staff.

9. Printout Resume from University 

The format for resumes in Australia may be different from that in your native country. Through career services, most colleges offer free resume-building assistance. Your chances of finding part-time work are greatly increased by a well-structured resume that complies with Australian job standards. To create a compelling resume, make use of professional consultants, templates, and university courses.

10. Start to search for part-time jobs

Start aggressively looking for part-time work as soon as your resume is ready. Students can find plenty of employment opportunities in the hotel, retail, administrative, and customer service industries in Australia.

Start by:

• Examining job portals online
• Going to local shops with printed resumes
• Making use of employment boards at universities
• Making connections with other students
• Don't forget to adhere to the work-hour restrictions on your student visa.

11. Plagiarism and collusion

In Australia, academic integrity is highly valued. Collusion and plagiarism are regarded as serious academic infractions that carry consequences, such as failing a course or having your visa revoked. Students are required to ensure that every assignment is unique, appropriately referenced, and completed independently. To prevent errors, participate in educational integrity workshops and make use of the university's plagiarism-checking resources.

12. Completion of university enrollment

Ensure that every step of the enrollment process, including course enrollment, fee payment, and attendance confirmation, is completed. Access to classes, tests, and student services may be hampered by incomplete enrollment. To avoid unnecessary stress, keep track of key academic dates, including census dates, assessment due dates, and test schedules.

13. Checking the university career page 

The majority of colleges have a specific career portal that lists graduate positions, internships, part-time work, and career events. You can stay up to date on opportunities in your field of interest by visiting this page regularly.

• Additionally, career pages offer:
• Workshops for developing skills
• Events for networking with employers
• Opportunities for internships and placement
• Your post-study results might be significantly affected by early-career planning.

Conclusion

It is often exciting to think about restarting your life in a foreign country, especially in Australia as an international student, where you will encounter both opportunities and challenges. Even though academics are important and play a crucial role in your journey, the main factor that determines your experience in Australia is solely dependent on the actions you take once you arrive in your dream destination. Every step from start to finish, such as establishing the necessary services and understanding work rights to incorporate job hunts, helps ensure a successful career and a fruitful student journey.

With the help of these 13 things, you can avoid major mistakes made by most of the students during their academic journey and can settle confidently in Australia, which helps in boosting your academic performance as well as career objectives in Australia. To achieve the best class study abroad experience, you are required to have thorough preparation, broad awareness, and spontaneous action.