Your first week in Australia

Opening a bank account

You might consider opening an Australian bank account to manage your money, especially if you are a planning to get a job while you’re studying. Otherwise, it may be easier to just withdraw money from your overseas account.

Australia has a variety of banks to choose from that offer discounts, internet banking and free financial advice for international students. You can set up your bank account as soon you arrive in Australia. You can then withdraw cash from ATMs which can be found in most areas. However, most stores and businesses in Australia accept payments via bank card, so you will rarely need cash.

To open a bank account, you will need:

Your Letter of Offer.
Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Your passport with your student visa in it.
A second form of photo identification.

Once you have set up an Australian bank account, you may choose to transfer your funds from overseas. You may also choose to use a credit card (with a PIN – signatures are no longer accepted in Australia) or travellers’ cheques.

We recommend you have at least AUD$1500–2000 available when you arrive to cover initial accommodation and living expenses for your first couple of weeks.

Securing a private rental

When you arrive at your short-term accommodation, it will be time to start researching long-term accommodation for yourself. If you haven't applied to Deakin Res or for a homestay arrangement, you will need to secure a private rental.

When you opt for a private rental, you have the flexibility to select a location and property that aligns with your preferences. Whether you wish to live independently or share a space with others in a pre-established setting, the choice is yours. In Victoria, it's common for rental properties to come unfurnished.

It's crucial to personally inspect a private rental before finalising a lease or housing agreement.

You can search for a private rental on Realestate.com.au or Domain. You can also use Deakin's online accommodation finderHouseme.

The following articles have more information and tips about how to find a place to live:

Connecting with Study Melbourne

Study Melbourne is a Victorian Government initiative that provides support to international students in Victoria. You are supported from the moment you arrive in Australia and while you are studying in Victoria.

Study Melbourne’s resources include:

finding accommodation
work and graduate opportunities
events
information on holidays, short trips and fun things to do for free
free professional development and leadership opportunities
student stories.

Either before your arrive in Australia or when you get here, you should sign up to the Study Melbourne Student Update monthly newsletter for offers, tips, tools, news and events to help you live and study in Victoria.

You can also ask questions or request support by getting in touch with Study Melbourne.