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Your First 30 Days in Australia

A practical landing checklist every international student should follow.

Deepika Narula By Deepika Narula Education Consultant 4-minute read

Landing in Australia is exciting, but the first few weeks can feel overwhelming. Use this simple 30-day checklist to get organised, settle in and start your Australian journey the right way.

Your first 30 days in Australia hero
Week 1

Get Yourself Organised

1Update Your Residential Address

Under visa Condition 8533, students must notify their education provider of their residential address within 7 days of arriving in Australia, and within 7 days of any subsequent change.

Visa Condition 8533: students must notify their provider within 7 days of arrival, and within 7 days of any address change.

2Get Connected

Your phone is your lifeline in Australia.

Local SIM
Student email
University App
Emergency Contacts
Internet Access

3Learn Your City

Take time to explore and get familiar with your surroundings.

Public Transport
Supermarket
Medical Centre
Favourite Cafe
Campus Route

4Create Your USI

Your Unique Student Identifier (USI) is your personal education number in Australia.

You will need: Australian passport, valid visa, and to be physically in Australia.
Week 2

Set Up the Essentials

5Apply for Your TFN

A Tax File Number (TFN) helps ensure you are taxed correctly. Apply online as soon as you arrive.

  • Australian passport
  • Australian residential address
  • Australian mobile number
  • Email address and visa details
Aspire OZ Tip: apply online through the ATO website. It is free.

6Open Your Australian Bank Account

A local bank account makes day-to-day life much easier.

  • Australian passport
  • Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE)
  • Proof of Australian address
Remember: once TFN is issued, provide it to your bank so savings interest is taxed correctly.
Week 3

Discover Your University

7Do Not Skip Orientation Week (O-Week)

It is one of the best ways to start strong at university.

Meet classmates
Find lecture rooms
Career Centre
Student clubs
Student support

8Explore Student Support Services

Australian universities provide extensive support. Visit your International Student Office in the first week for help with accommodation, wellbeing, academics and local information.

Week 4

Feel at Home

9Make Australia Feel Like Home

University is more than classes. Step out, explore, join events, and connect with people. Small actions in month one create confidence for years ahead.

This checklist is general guidance only. Always refer to official sources and your institution for the latest requirements.