After arriving in Australia, there will be many things you want to do: explore your neighborhood, buy essentials, meet new friends, visit campus, try public transport and adjust to a new rhythm of…
Overview
After arriving in Australia, there will be many things you want to do: explore your neighborhood, buy essentials, meet new friends, visit campus, try public transport and adjust to a new rhythm of life. But your first week is also the time to complete several important administrative tasks.
Key priorities include getting a SIM or eSIM, opening a bank account, checking your OSHC, updating your Australian address with your education provider, applying for a Tax File Number if you plan to work, joining Orientation Week and learning your route to campus.
VNIS Education tip: divide your first week into three groups — compliance and provider requirements, daily-life essentials, and academic orientation. First-week priorities
1. Update your residential address International students should notify their education provider of their Australian address within seven days after arriving. 2. Check your OSHC Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the duration of your study in Australia. 3. Open a bank account You may need your eCoE, passport and proof of address in Australia, depending on the bank. 4. Attend Orientation Week Orientation helps you understand campus, student support services and how to start your academic journey. 7-day planner
This schedule is a practical guide. Adjust it based on your flight date, accommodation check-in, Orientation Week timetable and your institution’s specific requirements.
01
After a long flight, your first priority is to arrive safely at your accommodation, check your room, contact your family and make sure you know who to contact if something goes wrong.
02
Log in to your student portal to check your student email, Orientation Week schedule, timetable, enrollment tasks and personal details. Make sure your provider has your current Australian residential address.
03
An Australian bank account helps you receive money, pay daily expenses, manage rent and receive wages if you work part-time. Study Australia notes that opening an account commonly requires an eCoE, passport and proof of your address in Australia.
04
Overseas Student Health Cover is required for international students for the duration of their study in Australia. Check your policy number, coverage dates, provider app and how to find a doctor or clinic near your accommodation.
05
Each Australian state or territory has its own transport system and payment card or app. Learn the route from home to campus, check peak-hour travel time and find out whether you are eligible for any student travel concession.
06
A Tax File Number is used for work and tax matters in Australia. The Australian Taxation Office states that applying for a TFN is free. If you plan to work part-time, apply through the official ATO channel once you are in Australia and eligible.
07
Before classes begin, review your timetable, course enrollment, classroom locations, LMS access, required materials, remaining orientation activities and key support contacts. Start building a routine for sleep, meals and commuting.
Quick checklist
Use this table to separate must-do compliance tasks, administrative essentials and practical settling-in actions.
Task First-week priority group Why it matters Reason to complete early Suggested action Practical next step
| Must-do Update your residential address | Your education provider needs your current Australian address to contact you and maintain correct student records. | Log in to your student portal or contact international student support to update your address within seven days of arrival. |
|---|---|---|
| Must-do Check your OSHC | OSHC helps you access healthcare and is required for the duration of your study in Australia. | Check your policy number, coverage dates, provider app, nearby doctors and claim process. |
| Admin Open a bank account | You will need an account to receive money, pay bills, manage rent and receive wages if you work. | Prepare your eCoE, passport and proof of address, then visit or contact your chosen bank. |
| Admin Apply for a TFN | A TFN is useful if you plan to work, receive wages or handle tax-related matters in Australia. | Apply for free through the official Australian Taxation Office channel after arrival, if eligible. |
| Daily life Learn public transport | Knowing your route helps you arrive on time, avoid stress and manage transport costs. | Download the local transport app, test your route to campus and ask about student concessions. |
| Study Attend Orientation Week | Orientation helps you understand campus, academic systems, student support, library services and community life. | Register for campus tours, international student sessions and faculty or program briefings. |
Note: requirements can vary by state, city and education provider. Always check your provider’s official emails and student portal instructions. Settling in
Not everything in the first week is paperwork. A few simple habits can help you adapt faster and feel more confident.
Start with bedding, toiletries, power adapters, basic food and study supplies. Avoid overspending before you understand your routine.
Try traveling from your accommodation to campus at the time you would normally go to class. It helps you estimate real travel time.
Agree on a convenient time to call home, share your address and provide emergency contact details so your family feels reassured.
International student support, student mentors, library staff and accommodation teams are all useful contacts during your first week.
Record food, transport, rent, phone and setup costs from day one so you do not exceed your first-month budget.
Save emergency numbers, learn your local area, avoid carrying too much cash and check your route before traveling late.
Study in Australia with VNIS Education
Your first week in Australia is only the beginning. A successful study journey starts earlier, from school selection and application preparation to visa planning, finance, accommodation and pre-departure readiness.
Study in Australia Explore practical articles and guidance for Vietnamese students planning to study in Australia. Back to Study in Australia VNIS Education
VNIS Education can support students and families with school selection, application preparation, visa planning, financial readiness, accommodation guidance and pre-departure checklists so the first week in Australia feels more manageable.
Contact VNIS Education More About Study in Australia
Settle into accommodation, get a SIM or eSIM, contact your family, update your address with your provider, check OSHC, open a bank account and attend Orientation Week.
Yes. International students should notify their education provider of their residential address in Australia within seven days after arrival and update it if it changes.
You commonly need your passport, eCoE and proof of your address in Australia, though requirements may vary by bank.
OSHC stands for Overseas Student Health Cover. It is health insurance for international students and is required for the duration of study in Australia.
A TFN is especially useful if you plan to work, receive wages or manage tax-related matters in Australia. Applying for a TFN through the ATO is free.
Yes. Orientation Week helps you understand campus, academic systems, support services, study expectations and student life before classes begin.
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