A pre-departure checklist of tasks that are much easier and cheaper to do at home — from medical appointments to bank accounts to apps.
Some things cost ten times more in Australia than at home, and some things simply can't be done remotely. Do these before you leave.
Book a full medical checkup, dental cleaning and any needed work, and an eye test before you leave. In Australia: a GP visit at a non-bulk-billing clinic costs $80–$150 out of pocket. A basic dental checkup is $150–$250; fillings $200–$400 each; glasses $200–$500. If you need a new prescription, get it filled at home. Get your vaccination records updated and bring a copy — some universities and workplaces (particularly aged care and healthcare) require proof of certain vaccinations.
Wise and Revolut are multi-currency accounts that let you receive money from your family abroad and spend in AUD with low (0.5–1.5%) conversion fees instead of the 3–5% your regular bank charges. Crucially, both apps require identity verification that works much more smoothly from your home country with your home documents. Set up your account, verify your identity, and load it with some funds before you arrive. This saves real money — on a $30,000 annual remittance, a 3% fee difference is $900/year.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required to drive in Australia on a foreign licence. You can only get an IDP in your home country — usually from your national automobile association in 1–2 days. In Australia, a full local licence requires passing a hazard perception test and driving test, which takes months. If you think you might want to drive at any point, get the IDP before you leave.
ANZ, CommBank, and NAB all allow international students to open an account before arriving in Australia. CommBank's international student account is popular — you can open it online up to 3 months before arrival, receive your BSB and account number, and have your card waiting when you arrive. This matters because you need an Australian bank account to get paid, set up utilities, and start a lease — and it can take 1–3 weeks to open in person after you arrive.
Search for '[Your University] international students [year]' on Facebook. These groups are where students share accommodation leads (before they go on public listing sites), warn each other about scams, organise group buys, and share advice. Join before you leave so you can ask questions and potentially arrange to arrive at the same time as future housemates.
Every Australian university has an International Student Office (or equivalent). Email them before arrival. Ask specifically: Is there an airport pickup service? Is there temporary accommodation for the first week? Are there orientation events I should register for? What's the first thing I need to do on campus? Many services exist that students only discover months in — contact them early.
Install before leaving: PTV (Public Transport Victoria — for Melbourne trams, trains, buses), MyGov (for TFN and government services), Myki (for checking your balance), Google Maps with Melbourne downloaded offline, Gumtree (for buying second-hand furniture on arrival), Facebook Marketplace, and your bank's app. Also set up international roaming or a plan so you have data when you land before you get an Australian SIM.
Melbourne is a big city and your experience varies enormously depending on where you live. Look up: walk score to your university, nearest supermarket, nearest bulk-billing GP, nearest train/tram stop. Read recent posts in suburb-specific Facebook groups. Don't rely on a university's general advice about 'good suburbs' — speak to current students at your specific campus.
Dental work requires multiple appointments. Bank account verification can take a week. IDP processing takes 1–3 days. Vaccination records may require a GP visit. Start working through this checklist at least 6–8 weeks before you leave.
While CommBank and ANZ advertise quick online account opening, verification sometimes gets stuck and takes 2–3 weeks. Apply early, follow up if you don't hear within a week, and have a backup plan (Wise account) for your first expenses.
OSHC covers basic medical care but not dental, most mental health services, or elective care. Consider whether additional cover is worth it for your situation. Read your OSHC policy before you arrive so you know what it does and doesn't cover.