Many students who have received admission offers and student visas from Australian universities may think that they only need to pack luggage and book flights before departing for Australia. But hold on. Make sure all pre-departure preparations are fully completed.

Keep Your Personal File Properly

Personal files are a unique document system in China that follow individuals throughout their lifetime. It is extremely important to properly place your file before going abroad. The storage location depends on your personal situation: arrangements differ for those who study overseas right after graduation and those who go after gaining work experience.

New graduates are advised to deposit their files at the China Service Center for Overseas Studies or at the household registration location. For people with work experience before overseas study, it is recommended to store files at the household registration location.

Book Flights

As everyone knows, flights are generally cheaper when booked earlier. Still, here is a key tip: book your flight only after your visa is granted. If you buy discounted air tickets before visa approval, you may have to change or refund the tickets, which can lead to heavy financial losses.

This again proves that overseas applications should be submitted as early as possible. You may check fares on travel platforms such as Qunar and Ctrip, then complete the booking on the official airline website. Overnight flights usually arrive in Australia the next morning.

Another important point is baggage allowance. Studying abroad involves far more belongings than a regular trip, almost like moving house. Fortunately, you can apply for extra checked baggage allowance for your first international flight as an international student by presenting your CoE and offer letter. Usually, you are entitled to one additional checked suitcase.

To apply for this allowance, book tickets through airline official websites, authorized ticket offices or airport counters. Travel websites do not offer the student baggage option. Bear this in mind and purchase student air tickets!

Arrange Accommodation in Advance

You need to secure accommodation before travelling to Australia. It is recommended to book short-term accommodation first. After arriving and getting familiar with the local environment, you can then search for long-term housing.

Besides, view properties online in advance and learn about reasonable market prices. Do not leave housing search until the last minute, as accommodation is tight around the start of semester and you are vulnerable to being overcharged.

Learn to Cook

Studying abroad is often described as pursuing two degrees at once: one in your major and another in cooking!

Students who can cook tend to have a better life overseas. There are plenty of Chinese restaurants in Australia, but the food can get boring after frequent visits, and the taste is never quite authentic. Most importantly, dining out is expensive.

Eating in restaurants costs at least twice as much as cooking for yourself. So pick up some simple cooking skills while still in China. You can be self-sufficient in Australia, and even host small dinner parties to entertain friends.

Apply for a Bank Account

You can set up an Australian bank account from China. Upon arrival in Australia, just collect your bank card with your passport or student ID, with no waiting period locally.

You may transfer your living funds to this Australian account before departure. The funds will remain frozen until you arrive in Australia and activate the account, after which you can access the money immediately. This is very convenient.

Get a SIM Card

You do not have to buy an Australian SIM card in advance; you can purchase one after landing. However, to avoid the awkward situation where you struggle to find a SIM card store or feel hesitant to ask for help after arrival, you can buy a travel SIM card on Taobao that works the moment you land.

Simply search for 'Australia SIM card' on Taobao. After selecting a product, contact the merchant to confirm compatibility with your phone model and set the activation date. It is suggested to activate it one day before you arrive in Australia, as temporary travel SIMs have a fixed validity period and will expire early if activated too soon.

Book Airport Pick-up

If it is your first time travelling to Australia with plenty of luggage, arrange airport pick-up well in advance!

Airport pick-up services are easy to find. Many universities offer free pick-up service if you apply one week ahead. If your university does not provide this service, you can contact senior students already studying there for pick-up. Many seniors offer this service. If that is not an option, numerous airport transfer services can be booked online.

Prepare All Required Documents

At the start of the first semester, some universities randomly select students to verify documents submitted during the application, such as academic transcripts and degree certificates. Remember to bring the original documents. Here is a checklist to avoid omissions:

1. Passport and visa grant letter
   
2. ID card (optional)
   
3. Printed confirmation emails for airport pick-up and accommodation
   
4. Offer letter and CoE
   
5. Original academic transcripts, degree certificates and officially stamped English translations
   
6. Original IELTS score report
   
7. Two colour passport photos
   

Regarding original graduation and degree certificates: bring them mainly for possible random checks by the university. Although the chance of inspection is low, keep them safe just in case.

Exchange Cash

Australian Customs sets limits on the amount of cash you may bring into the country. It is recommended to carry around 3,000 to 5,000 Australian Dollars.

The cash can cover your immediate expenses for the first few days after arrival, such as rent, daily necessities and meals.

Get Your Driver’s License Translated

If you hold a Chinese driver’s license, find a translator on Taobao to get it translated. The translated license allows you to drive in Australia.