The International Student Essentials (So You Can Hit the Ground Running in Australia): Part II

Studying abroad is often described as the experience of a lifetime, but it can also be pretty stressful.

We’ve come up with a list of things all incoming international students need to know; from basic stuff like finding accommodation and opening a bank account, to ordering coffee and knowing the local lingo.

(For accommodation details and everything you need to know about utilities, check out Part I!)

Getting/Transferring Your Driver’s Licence

If you already have a license in your home country, you may be able to transfer it over. Otherwise, you can start from scratch and apply for a new licence. In any case, you’ll need to visit a motor vehicle registry office. Here’s where you can go for your relevant state or territory: ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC, WA.

Public Transport:

Getting around on public transport (buses, trains, ferries) usually requires a travel card. Paper tickets still exist (in some states) but it’s usually much more convenient to get yourself a pre-pay card that you load money onto as you go. Read up on the state relevant to you: ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC, WA.

Private Health Insurance:

Though you won’t be covered by Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare, you may be eligible to apply for Overseas Student Health Cover. This scheme helps you meet the costs of medical and hospital care while you’re in Australia.

Another good idea is looking into private health insurers, of which, there are many to choose from. It’s best to know that you’ve got yourself covered, in case of any emergencies or just general sickness. Some of the largest private health insurers are ahm, Australian Unity, Bupa, HCF, HBF, Medibank Private and nib.

Seeing a Doctor or Dentist:

Most medical and dental centres will require you to make an appointment before you see a doctor or specialist. Make sure you check the claims process with your chosen health insurance provider. When booking an appointment, have your health insurance information on hand as the medical centre administrator will need them.

Doctors don’t dispense medicine in Australia. Instead, they provide you with a prescription (aka, a “script”) which you’ll need to take to a chemist (aka “pharmacy”) to purchase your medicine. Unlike other countries, many medicines in Australia are classified as ‘prescription only’, so you won’t be able to buy them over-the-counter.

Getting a Mobile Phone and Internet Provider:

Australia has four major mobile phone providers: Telstra, Optus, Virgin Mobile and Vodafone. (There are also smaller ones if you want to shop around.)

If you sign up to a prepaid plan, you will need to load credit onto your phone, which is a great way to control your spending. A post-paid contract involves agreeing to an arrangement where you pay a monthly fee for a fixed period (usually 18 to 24 months).

Unlike in some other countries, free wireless internet is hard to come by in Australia (most require a password). If you want to set up your own broadband (or portable) internet access, the main providers are Telstra, iiNet, Optus and, TPG.

Know Your Supermarket Chains:

The largest and most well-stocked supermarkets are: Coles, IGA and, Woolworths. There are also service stations (BP) and convenience stores (7 Eleven) where you can get everyday essentials.

Know Your Work Rights:

It’s important to know your work rights if you plan on being employed. There are certain rules around hours of permitted work, your rights as a worker and the responsibilities of your employer. In any case, make sure you give the Fair Work guide a thorough read.

Know Your Coffees:

First thing’s first: Starbucks hardly exists in Australia.

The closest equivalent is Gloria Jeans or Michel’s Patisserie. Here's everything you need to know about Australian coffee culture and etiquette. (It'd be irresponsible not to share that!)

Know Your Drink Sizes:

For a detailed guide of drinks and their alcoholic content, go here. There are also specific terms for different drink sizes, which you can learn about here.

Know Your Lingo:

If there’s one thing Aussies have a lot of, it’s slang. Here’s a dictionary to help equip you with all the lingo you might need.

For accommodation details and everything you need to know about utilities, check out Part I!

Photo: iStock