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You just got off a long flight, you're jet-lagged, maybe a little scared, and everything feels unfamiliar. Take a breath — that feeling is completely normal. Every international student has been exactly where you are right now. Here's what to do first, in order of priority.

Day 1-2: The Essentials

Get a SIM Card

Your first priority is staying connected. Head to any of these stores:

• Optus — Good coverage, student deals
• Telstra — Best coverage, slightly pricier
• Vodafone — Budget-friendly options

Most stores are in shopping centres or near train stations. Bring your passport.

Set Up a Bank Account

You'll need an Australian bank account to receive payments and pay rent. Popular options:

• Commonwealth Bank (CBA) — Largest network of ATMs
• NAB — No monthly fees on basic accounts
• Westpac — Good app, student accounts available

Pro tip: You can start the application online before you arrive, then verify in-branch with your passport.

Day 3-4: Transport & Essentials

Get Your Transport Card

Each city has its own system:

• Sydney: Opal card
• Melbourne: Myki
• Brisbane: Go card
• Perth: SmartRider

Register your card online to protect your balance if lost.

Explore Your Neighbourhood

Find your nearest:

• Supermarket (Woolworths, Coles, Aldi)
• Pharmacy (Chemist Warehouse for best prices)
• Post office
• Medical centre

Day 5-7: Admin & Setup

Apply for Your TFN

A Tax File Number (TFN) is essential for working legally. Apply online at the ATO website — it's free and takes about 28 days to arrive.

Activate Your Student ID

Your university student card often gives you discounts on:

• Public transport (concession fares)
• Software (Microsoft, Adobe)
• Gyms and cinemas

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You're all set! These first steps will make everything else easier. Check out our other guides for finding a sharehouse, landing your first job, and understanding visa work limits.

Before you leave the airport

• Keep your passport, CoE, OSHC certificate and accommodation address in your hand luggage - never in checked bags.
• Declare food, plant material and wooden items on your incoming passenger card. Declaring costs nothing; failing to declare can cost thousands and creates an immigration record.
• Withdraw or carry a small amount of Australian cash for the first day. Card works almost everywhere, but not every airport shuttle.
• Do not accept lifts from anyone approaching you inside the terminal. Use the official taxi rank, a rideshare pickup zone, or the airport train.

Costs to expect in week one

Item	Typical cost (AUD)
Prepaid SIM with 30-40GB	25-40
Transport card and initial top-up	20-40
Two weeks of groceries	150-250
Bedding, towels, basic kitchen items	150-350
Temporary accommodation, per night	40-120
Bond and rent in advance for a room	1,200-2,500

Plan on 2,000 to 3,500 dollars for the first fortnight if you are moving into a sharehouse.

Choosing a SIM without overpaying

Prepaid is better than a contract for your first month because you may move suburbs. Amaysim, Boost (Telstra network), Kogan and Belong all run on the major networks at roughly half the price of the flagship brands. Boost is the only reseller with full Telstra coverage, which matters if you will travel regionally.

Opening a bank account

Most major banks let you open an account online up to three months before arrival, then verify with your passport in a branch. Ask specifically for a student account with no monthly fee. Bring your passport, your Australian address, and your TFN once it arrives.

Set up in this order: bank account, then TFN, then give both to your employer.

Health cover: activate it, do not just buy it

You already paid for OSHC as a visa condition, but most students never activate the membership. Log into your provider's app, get your membership number, and save it in your phone. Learn the difference now:

• Bulk-billing GP - no out-of-pocket cost, the clinic bills your OSHC directly. Search "bulk billing GP near me" and call to confirm they accept your fund.
• Non-bulk-billing - you pay 80 to 120 dollars up front and claim back a portion.
• Emergency (000) - police, fire, ambulance. Ambulance cover varies by fund and state, so check what yours includes.

University admin you must not skip

• Attend orientation, even the boring sessions - enrolment errors get fixed there in minutes.
• Confirm your enrolment is full-time. Dropping below full-time load can breach visa condition 8202.
• Update your Australian address in your provider's system within 7 days of moving. This is a visa obligation, not a formality.
• Find your international student adviser's name and email now, before you need them.

Week one social plan

Loneliness in the first month is the most common thing students underestimate. Two concrete steps: join two clubs during orientation week (one from your country, one entirely unrelated), and say yes to the first three invitations you get even if you are tired.

Quick reference

Need	Contact
Emergency	000
Non-urgent police	131 444
Health advice line	1800 022 222 (healthdirect)
Mental health support	Lifeline 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Workplace underpayment	Fair Work Ombudsman 13 13 94
Tax and TFN	ATO 13 28 61