Note: transcript taken from auto-generated audio captions.

Welcome everyone to the International Student Pre-arrival Briefing. My name is Ayesha Chhabra, and I work in the Deakin Orientation team. Our team is one of the first groups you will meet when you arrive at one of our Deakin campuses for orientation. Our goal is to make your transition to life in Australia smooth and enjoyable. Today, we are presenting information to ensure your journey and studies in Australia have the best start. Joining me is one of our wonderful international students, Antara, who will share her experience of moving to Australia and studying at Deakin later in the session.
Before we start, I want to introduce you to a common custom in Australia where we honour our heritage by acknowledging our indigenous peoples, who are the custodians of the land. This custom is known as the Acknowledgement of Country at Deakin and in the community. You'll witness this respectful practice many times on campus and at community events. Today, to introduce you to this custom, I'm going to share our Deakin Acknowledgement of Country video. This video not only educates you about our connection to the land, but also showcases our beautiful campuses at Bowen Ponds, Waterfront, Burwood, and Warrnambool, giving you a sneak peek at where you'll be studying very soon.
Deakin University would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of all the unseated lands, skies, and waterways on which our students and staff come together. As we learn, teach, innovate, and research through virtually and physically constructed places across time, we pay our deep respect to the elders and ancestors who have cared for the country that you join us from. This is an ancient place where education, innovation, and knowledge transfer have taken place for many thousands of years. At Deakin, we aim to nurture and continue this important legacy whilst encouraging our communities to walk softly on country in the spirit of sustainability. In particular, we give gratitude to the elders and ancestors of Wurundjeri country, Boon Wurrung country, and all other lands where our physical campuses are located. Their contributions to our learning communities and environments are rich and highly valued. Deakin is committed to embedding Indigenous knowledge and perspectives in all disciplines that we teach, as well as advancing the self-determined interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including treaty and truth-telling. As you move around our physical and virtual environments, take a moment to consider, appreciate, and listen deeply to the country beneath your feet.
So, what will we be covering today? We can imagine you may be feeling excited, a little nervous, or maybe a bit anxious about your move to Australia, but rest assured, we are here to help every step of the way and provide you with information we feel is most necessary at this stage. We strongly encourage you to read the emails received from Deakin regarding orientation information. Today, we'll be covering preparing for your arrival, packing, travelling, and arriving, as well as preparing for study and life in Australia.
We are so excited to welcome you to Deakin, and here are the steps you should take to plan your studies and organize your trip here. It is crucial to arrive on time to be able to commence the study period, having had the whole orientation experience. Here we have the key dates which we recommend noting for Trimester Two. The International Student Welcome is held during Prepare Week, where you can connect with other students, ensure you are fully enrolled, and also be provided with tailored information and resources. O-Week is when the campuses come alive with club showcases, fun activities, and pool sessions. Weeks one and two are considered late arrivals. If you do arrive after Friday, the 19th of July, unfortunately, you will not be able to commence your studies.
To start studying at Deakin as an international student, it’s good to follow these steps. Once you accept your offer at Deakin, a Confirmation of Enrolment will be issued. Then apply for your study visa as soon as you get your Confirmation of Enrolment. You must be in Australia to start on-campus studies before O-Week.
You will also receive an email to activate your student account and enroll. This email will include links to course information where you can find or request a course map to guide you through the enrolment process. We encourage students to do this prior to arriving onshore to allow you to select your timetable before arrival. If you require more guidance, you can attend our enrolment information sessions or contact a student advisor within Student Central. It's also important to begin the visa application process early due to processing times. For more details, please visit the link below.
Enrolment support in general sessions: There are a range of general support sessions on offer, and after this session, you will receive an email with a link to register for the following sessions that will include enrolment, navigating Student Connect, and enrolling online. Other sessions include recognition of prior learning, money matters for international students, and timetable information sessions. A good tip is to have your course map handy to ensure a seamless transition. Enrolment support includes course maps, which have general and tailored maps available online, course information sessions, which are online Zoom sessions, and enrolment appointments for Zoom or face-to-face. Enrolment information sessions in Trimester Two will be held between Wednesday, the 12th, and Monday, the 17th of June.
Now to accommodation: Planning and organizing accommodation is one of the most important things to consider because that's where you will be making so many memories. Your offer of study is to an allocated date and campus, so you will not be able to change your campus during your first study period. Accommodation considerations include budget, living alone or sharing, location, and transport. We recommend you find accommodation near to campus and close to public transport for ease and convenience. Never sign any documents from real estate agents or landlords that you do not understand. Deakin recommends all students inspect off-campus properties prior to moving in. You may also need to think about short-term accommodation for a week or so when you arrive and long-term accommodation for the duration of your first study period and beyond. A good tip is to look at the PTV Journey Planner app or Google Maps to see travel times to campus.
On-campus accommodation, also known as Deakin Residential Services, offers accommodation at Burwood, Geelong, and Warrnambool campuses. They offer 24/7 student support staff, a reception desk, and Deakin Security. It is a private, comfortable, and modern environment. They also include social programs such as fun events, academic and sporting activities. You will have access to student peer support and residential leaders. Recreational and sporting areas are also provided within Deakin Residential Services, as well as flexible rental agreements ranging from $200 to $360 per week depending on the campus. Now let's take a look at what the on-site accommodation experience is like.
Here is Deakin Res Rose's story: "I moved around a lot when I was young, spending time in Vietnam, Germany, Canada, and Australia. I just moved from Canberra at the start of this year to study and live at Deakin. I chose Deakin because the flexible degree allows me to pursue my many interests such as visual arts, creative writing, and more. I chose to live in residence because I wanted to experience dorm life, and it's so close to campus. I love the idea of making amazing and lifelong connections with dorm friends. You see this in books and TV, and I wanted to see whether it lives up to it. And it does. I was also very interested in meeting other international students and getting to know their world. It's super multicultural here, and I get to meet people from all over the world. It's so nice to be in a communal space, like walking into an elevator and seeing six people you know, or walking into the lobby and seeing another ten. It's so nice to know so many people at uni from residence.
Life here is very different from where I grew up. At home, I lived with a full family, so everything was taken care of for me, and I didn't have to worry about making my own lunches or breakfast. Since coming here, you start to trust yourself more as an adult because you are the one making decisions in your life at the moment. I've attended Indian dinners, Afrobeat parties, and Indigenous Australian workshops. This is so rewarding about residence. As a Vietnamese person, we are very social, so being able to socialize all the time is wonderful. I also find solace in talking to some of the reception staff who I have gotten to know and adore, and the campus life coordinators who I absolutely love. I'm stoic when it comes to studying, with an all-or-nothing mentality. I absolutely love the common study rooms—they make studying an absolute blast. I get so much done there. I love attending all the clubs and societies events which are on after hours at Deakin, where I can socialize and do sports. My work is at Deakin as a student mentoring staff member, a student partner in a research project, and a Deakin Art Gallery staff member. So, it's super close for me to go to work, and the events are just down the lobby, making attending them super fun."
Now onto off-campus accommodation: Living off-campus is a great way to get to know the local area as well. Using the online accommodation finder to find a housemate or a place to live is a great resource. You can access off-campus housing resources to get help with your application, as well as information on your rights and responsibilities while renting in Australia. Explore areas to live near Deakin campuses and use Google Maps to check distances to your campus for convenience. This could include brief details about the area, transport to campus, accommodation types, and pricing guides.
Homestay accommodation: The Australian Homestay Network is a great option for new students in a new country. The agent helps students find accommodation that is affordable, safe, and comfortable. Included are selection, screening, and orientation processes, a quality homestay close to Deakin, internet access, utilities, and meals, 24/7 access to critical incident hotlines, and an automated payment system. Benefits include no lock-in contracts, a minimum of a four-week stay with the option to extend, cultural immersion, and a local support system with a range of payment options.
Now I'm going to hand the mic over to Antara to share about flights and free airport pickups. Thanks, Ayesha. When it comes to booking your flights, there are several things to take into consideration, such as the pricing of the flights and when you're arriving. The closer you get to the date, the more expensive the flights can get. There are several websites that help you compare the prices of flights across different airlines. I highly recommend using these. When I was booking my flight, I found that different airlines showed varying prices, but I was able to find the cheapest one. It's important to arrive early, at least a week or two before Prepare Week, to accommodate and assimilate to the surroundings.
Deakin offers a free airport pickup service. You can Google 'Deakin free airport pickup' or click on the link on the slide below to fill out a form with your flight details. This service needs to be booked at least three working days before your flight. The pickup is completely free, and once you arrive, there will be a driver to pick you up. I recommend emailing them to confirm where they will be meeting you. When I first used the free airport pickup, it was my second time in Australia, so I had an Australian number ready to call them since the driver was running late. Confirming the details beforehand is very helpful.
Thank you, Antara. Now for under-18 students and bringing your family: If you are under 18, you can study at Deakin, but there are important guidelines to follow to ensure your wellbeing and help you get the most from your studies here in Australia. For Australian immigration regulations, you can study in Australia if you are under 18 and accompanied by a parent or legal custodian, or stay with a suitable relative, or if your education provider provides a written statement saying that your accommodation, support, and welfare arrangements are appropriate if you're under 18 and apply to study at Deakin.
You will need to demonstrate that you have had adequate welfare arrangements in place before you can be granted a student visa. For more information, please visit the link below. Your student visa usually allows your spouse and dependent children to join you in Australia, resulting in a temporary residence visa for them. Financial responsibilities for bringing family to Australia include ensuring sufficient funds for your family's stay, budgeting for family round trip affairs, and comprehensive health insurance for your family, such as overseas student health cover. You will need to cover higher rent for a larger home, daily expenses, additional transport costs in Melbourne, childcare, and education fees for school-aged children in Victoria. The Victorian Government Schools International Student Program provides necessary enrolment details.
Regarding health, wellbeing, and safety, you are financially responsible for your healthcare costs in Australia before you leave as an international student. You should consider having a medical check-up with your doctor before you leave home, arranging prescribed medication with a letter from your doctor in English, and arranging overseas student health care. It is important to maintain approved SHC while in Australia, and note that there is no smoking or vaping on any campuses. Bring a copy of your medical history if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, as some courses may require vaccinations. You will also need an individual health kit identifier to receive medical treatment in Australia, which can be arranged once you arrive. Deakin's preferred OSHC provider is Bupa Health Insurance, which offers great cover for students and extra benefits for Deakin students, including friendly doctors, insurance cover for both public and private contracted hospitals, money back for medications and prescriptions, mental health benefits, support on and off-campus, special health and wellbeing events for international students, and discounts with the Big Pop Plus program.
As a Deakin student, you have a strong support network around you, and health and wellbeing are our first priority. Free services to support your health, wellbeing, and safety while you're in Australia include medical centres with general practitioners available on and off-campus, counselling and psychological support, disability support, multi-faith chaplains and prayer rooms, safer community, LGBTQ+ community, fitness centres, and student advocacy. We understand that living in a new country can be nerve-wracking, so it's important to be mindful of different safety tricks and key safety tips. Study Australia provides a personal safety guide, and it's essential to be water safe by swimming between the red and yellow flags and learning about water safety. Check the Safe Victoria website for fire risks and procedures. Stay safe at night by avoiding isolation and being cautious in public spaces. Follow traffic safety rules and stay alert, especially at night. In emergencies, dial 000 and request a translator if required. Be aware of cyber threats and scams, secure your digital devices, protect personal information, and recognize scams.
Studying overseas is a significant financial undertaking, and it's important that you consider your living costs and plan how you're going to pay for expenses. One of the conditions of your student visa is that you have enough to cover your travel, student costs, living expenses, and your stay in Australia. You will need to consider your fees, which will require payment at regular intervals during your studies, your accommodation (including rent and utilities such as electricity, gas, and internet), transport, groceries, activities, and incidentals. You will need enough money to fully pay for your first study period plus about 2000 to 4000 AUD for immediate costs such as accommodation, groceries, utilities, and transport. Living in Australia as an international student can cost on average $24,500 per year for living expenses, depending on your lifestyle and preferences.
You need to think about how your money can be kept safe while in Australia. Deakin does not accept cash payments for university fees, and there are no discounts for paying upfront. Any offers of this type may be considered a scam. Remember not to bring large sums of cash with you to Australia and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. University fee payment methods are outlined on your fee invoice located in Student Connect. Never make any other form of payment than what is outlined on your fee invoice in Student Connect. If you have concerns, please reach out and communicate with Student Central regarding fee payments. You can set up bank accounts before you arrive in Australia or after you get here. Opening an Australian bank account as soon as you arrive will mean that it's safer and you do not need to carry cash. Your family can deposit into your account, you will have a card that you can use anywhere, and you'll be set up and ready to go. We also have banks on campus, including Deakin University Community Bank in partnership with Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, with profits being returned to Deakin students and community projects such as scholarships, research, and support.
Soon you'll be preparing to get on a plane to Australia. How exciting! Here's some advice on packing, documentation, customs, and planning your first few days. It is extremely important you bring the required documents with you, carrying essential documents in hand luggage for Melbourne Airport immigration checks. These include your passport with a valid student visa, Deakin University offer letter, confirmation of enrolment, payment receipts and bank statements, insurance policies, academic transcripts and qualifications, additional ID such as your birth certificate and driver's license, medical records and prescriptions if needed, and if under 18, a confirmation of appropriate accommodation and welfare.
Packing for your trip to Australia is exciting, but it might be hard to know exactly what you need. In Melbourne, it can get very cold, so it's always recommended to pack a variety of clothing. Pack casual wear for university like jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers. Include work and smart clothing if you plan to work, bring both winter and summer clothes as layers are key due to the changing weather, and in Victoria, a jacket is essential. Pack traditional clothing for cultural events if you have them. Prices for shopping might be higher than in your country, but department stores and shopping centres offer affordable clothing. Deakin branded clothing is also available for purchase upon arrival and is very comfortable. Before you start packing, it is important to know your baggage allowance to ensure a seamless trip.
Australian Customs has some of the strictest border controls in the world, so take note of the items you must declare, including commercially prepared foods such as biscuits, bread, cakes, pastries, chocolate, confectionery, and packaged tea. For declared items, this can include coffee, honey products, seeds, spices, and plants. We recommend not bringing laser pointers, pepper spray, whole eggs, and weapons.
Most international students will be on a student visa. The visa you currently hold will be based on individual circumstances and could be a student visa subclass 500 or Student Guardian Visa Subclass 590, temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485, or an alternative temporary basis that may have full or restricted study elements. Entitlements can include bridging visas, temporary residency visas, working holiday visas, or even, in some circumstances, tourist visas. It's important that you know what type of visa you are on, so that you can meet the requirements of that visa. Please visit the Department of Home Affairs website for more information on visas and conditions. As an international student on a student visa, you must comply with the following: maintain your enrolment in a previous course and maintain a valid confirmation of enrolment, complete six months in your principal course before switching providers, finish your course within the confirmation of enrolment timeframe, have overseas student health cover throughout your stay in Australia, notify your education provider of your residential address within seven days of arrival and any changes, ensure schooling for school-age dependents, don't exceed permitted work hours, and check other visa-specific conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website to keep your visa valid.
English skills improve with daily use, and Australia is a multicultural society offering a diverse linguistic environment, especially in cities like Melbourne and Geelong. Here at Deakin, we offer language support to our students to assist you in developing strategies for your academic English while studying for your degree. We have a free four-week program which includes online resources and activities, weekly zoom seminars, and opportunities to get feedback on your writing and individualised support with the Language and Learning Advisor after the program has been completed. We also have on-demand resources such as English language development strategies to get you started.
As an international student, you have equal rights here at Deakin. You must adhere to your visa conditions, which include adhering to Deakin student rights and responsibilities, keeping up with your enrolment, paying tuition fees, maintaining good academic progress, informing Deakin of any residential changes, ensuring continuous overseas student health care, and reporting any issues.
Study leave, online studies, transfers, discontinuation release letters, and early completions are required to monitor compliance and report discrepancies to the Department of Home Affairs, which could lead to visa cancellation. For more information, please visit the link below.
International students' rights and responsibilities continue with Daikin providing accurate information on your program, university services, and facilities. A letter of offer will detail fees, study options, key degree information, a privacy and collection statement, and the university’s use of personal data services provided to you, such as academic progress requirements and support services. The complaints resolution process and policies, including appeals and guidelines on deferral, suspension, or cancellation of enrolment, are also included. This information is provided as part of your pre-arrival briefing, orientation, and throughout your study at Deakin.
Working in Australia, it is important to understand your rights regarding pay, conditions, and safety. If you work in Australia, review relevant resources on workplace rights and check your visa conditions to ensure you are eligible for work entitlements. All student visa holders have capped work restrictions of 48 hours per fortnight. These work restrictions ensure that student visa holders can focus on achieving study goals while also being able to financially support themselves, gain valuable work experience, and contribute to Australia's workforce needs. There are many part-time employment opportunities, but securing employment in Australia may take several weeks. Salaries are competitive, and employers are required to provide good working conditions. For more information on work in Australia, please visit the link below.
Deakin offers a range of services to support you in finding work while you study. Deakin Talent, Deakin Careers, and Employment Services assist with searching for part-time and casual jobs, internships, volunteering, career consultations, and application checks. They also have on-demand online resources and career events which are great to attend. Fair Work Australia provides information to help you understand your minimum rights and conditions as a part-time employee. Now, I'll hand the mic back to Antara to share her experience of moving from Bangladesh.
Thank you, Isha. I'm Antara, an international student from Bangladesh. I arrived towards the end of 2021 and am currently doing my Bachelor's in Forensic Science. I've been here for a while and have learned a lot and had to adapt to many things. One significant adaptation was understanding the cultural differences, which became easier over time through meeting new people. Settling into life in Australia, I didn't expect to experience homesickness, but it did happen, and it's important to stay connected to your family. Joining Facebook groups for international students and faculty, participating in Deakin orientation events, and engaging in campus events can help you meet peers and others in similar situations.
Regarding the weather in Australia, it can change multiple times in a single day. When I arrived in December, it was summer, but it was 15 degrees, so always carry an umbrella or jacket and check the weather app daily. For travel and transport, public transport is recommended, with buses, trams, and trains available. Download the PTV app for up-to-date information on public transport timings. International students can get a discounted public transport card. There are free shuttle buses between Geelong campuses, and if you drive, bring your driving license from home. Learn the road rules as they can be different from your home country. Lime bikes are available on campus, and you can rent them through an app or use personal bikes.
Food options are plentiful, with fresh vegetables and fruit encouraging home cooking, which saves money. Campus cafes accommodate various dietary requirements, including halal, gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. The student association offers a food pantry every two weeks during the trimester, providing free groceries. Tap water is safe to drink, and there are stations to fill water bottles across the campus. Cooking your own meals can save money and be healthier, although ordering food is also an option during hectic times.
To build connections and a sense of belonging, join your faculty's peer mentoring program, where mentors guide you through the first few weeks. Register for International Student Connect, which offers free events like bowling or zoo visits. Follow Deakin Life and Deakin Student Association (DSA) on Instagram for updates on university events. The DSA has over 120 clubs catering to various interests, offering a chance to meet like-minded people. Deakin Active, the campus gym, offers classes and facilities for working out. Study Melbourne or Study Geelong events are aimed at international students and are free, providing opportunities to connect with others.
Orientation includes an international student welcome on the 27th of June, with various sessions on studying in Australia, life in Australia, and studying online at Deakin. These sessions provide essential information and opportunities to meet other international students. Campus tours and Friday Friends events help you familiarize yourself with the campus and meet fellow students.
Thank you, Antara, and thank you, everyone, for joining this pre-arrival briefing session. We wish you all the best for your journey here and look forward to meeting you soon. If you see us around campus in pink shirts, feel free to say hi. We are here to help you and can't wait to welcome you to the Deakin community. Safe travels.