Prepare for life in Australia as an international student at Deakin University.

Soon, you’ll be flying to Australia. Here’s some advice on packing, important documents, customs and planning your first days.

After you land, Immigration and Border Security will need to see these important documents. Make sure to keep them organised in your carry-on bag. It’s a good idea to pack a set of copies in your checked bag and leave and additional set with a family member or friend back home.

Baggage allowance for checked and carry-on luggage depends on which airline you fly with. Make sure to check what your maximum allowed capacity is before you start packing.

You should pack your laptop, your mobile phone and any other valuable devices in your carry-on luggage.

We recommend you bring a small amount of cash, preferably in Australian dollars, with you in your carry-on luggage.

You will receive an orange card from a flight attendant while you are on the plane before you land. This is your Incoming Passenger Card. You must tick ‘yes’ to declare if you are carrying any food, animal products, wooden items or plant-based materials in your luggage.

If you are having trouble understanding anything on the form, please ask for assistance.

We suggest that you arrive at least two weeks before your course is about to start. We can pick you up from the airport for free and transport you to your accommodation. Make sure to book before you depart for Australia.

You must update your address in StudentConnect when you arrive at your short-term accommodation and again when you secure and move into your long-term accommodation. Don’t forget to let friends and family know when you have arrived safely.

Now that you’ve arrived and settled in, consider these steps to help you get set up.

You might want to organise an Australian bank account to manage your money, especially if you plan to work while studying. If you haven’t secured long-term accommodation, now is the time to start searching for a private rental.

Access Study Melbourne, the Victorian Government initiative, that provides support to international students in Victoria. You can also sign up for their monthly newsletter before you arrive in Australia to get a head start.

It’s very important to have everything in order before you depart for Australia. Use this checklist to make sure you planned appropriately for your travels.