Tips for Study in Australia

Tips for Study in Australia

Pre-departure preparation

• Articles for daily life
  Though there is no winter in some cities in Australia, the real situation may not be what you imagine. In summer, the temperature is not high but the sunshine is very strong. You should avoid of exposure under the sun for too long time, otherwise there remains a risk of skin cancer. It is cool indoors, sometimes you even may feel a bit cold. Most Australian families don't have air-conditioners at home. The temperature at night is very low, you may need a thick blanket.

  Every international student study in needs to have the medical insurance(OSHC) and it's not very expensive to see doctor here. However, you can also bring some medicine yourself (need English instruction).

  
  
• Electronic products
  

  Mobile: in Australia, the mobile is normally more expensive and not many advanced ones to choose. Therefore, it's a good choice to buy a mobile and take it to Australia to join the network. Otherwise you can sign contract here to get a free mobile. But the contract usually takes one or two years. There are several ways of fee charging, some is free within same network during certain period of time (yes freetime, etc), some has discount during weekend. You need to be clear about the terms.

• Computer: here computer is not expensive. You can buy a desktop for around $1000. By spending AU$3000 you can get a really good one. Besides, the customer service is quite good in Australia, you can exchange any hardware of your computer during the warranty time. Some even has the insurance for the computer. However, the additional appliance is quite expensive. A mouse cost at least $10. Therefore, you can bring mouse, web camera from your home country, as well as some essential software and DVD.

• File and foreign currency: You need to prepare several copies for your important files for safety sake. You also need to take one copy with you, including COE, passport, academic results and passport photos.
  Foreign currency: you can t elegraphic transferred the tuition fee to the school account or prepare a bankdraft for us to pass to school. Living expenses can be sent by t/t or bankdraft. Some people may deposit money into the credit card account. Don't forget to bring small amount of Australian dollars for immediate use.

  Luggage: Usually you can bring 20 kg plus carry 7 kg by hand, such as small case, laptop or some clothes for change.

Customs

People are always asking which queue they should go? The red one or green one? The answer is go through red path will be better, if you bring goods which need to be declared. However, even you have nothing to be declared, and choose to go through green path, sometimes you might still be checked thoroughly.

The first several days

You need to open bank account, get enrolled in the school and buy essential daily articles. If you want to change foreign currency here, you need to compare the rate of different banks. And the exchange rate varies all the time as well. In Australia, you can't deposit foreign currency into normal savings account, and it's also dangerous to carry too much cash. At this time, you can go to City Smart Brisbane office,the staff there will give you a lot of help.

Study

No need to worry about the major, because it's quite easy to shift from one to another, if you can give a proper reason. However, some hot majors maybe competitive and you need to apply early, such as accounting and IT courses.

Driving license

The driving license in you home country can be used here. You need the translation if it is not in English. However, this is limited to three months. Therefore, you can also have an Australian driving license (need test). It is a very important document to use as an ID card, much safer and more convenient than passport.