Key Points
- Creating a checklist of the things to do upon arriving in Australia can help international students settle steadily.
- Individuals are encouraged to be knowledgeable and cautious from getting a new SIM card to the transportation system of the country.
- A Filipino international student in Melbourne shares her experience as she navigates a new journey.
What are the essential things you need each day to ensure your security and well-being?
Like you, international students in Australia have various needs too but some of them have already addressed a few.
Filipina international student Kaye Serrano arrived in Australia last October 2023.
"I don't have any plans to study here but I found it interesting to further my knowledge. Some of my relatives reside here, so they helped me settle some of my needs," says Serrano.
Upon arriving in Melbourne, she went straight to a currency exchange stall, opened a bank account, and provided some necessities for herself as she embarked on a new journey.
"I had a hard time adjusting during my first few months but I realized Australia is a country for a long-term living [and I focused on my goal]."
LISTEN TO
Kwaderno: A new podcast series about the international students in Australia
SBS Filipino
24/01/202405:53
Here are some points that may help you, like Serrano, to be well-prepared as a new international student in the land down under:
How can you familiarise yourself with the Australian money?
As an international student, you can exchange your homeland money for Australian dollars at currency exchange stalls near you or the airport. Be aware of the exchange rates on the day.
To familiarise yourself with the currency of Australia, you may visit the Reserve Bank of Australia website (rba.gov.au) and select "Banknotes" from their top bar.
You will be directed to a web page about the country's currency.
Reserve Bank of Australia banknotes website
When opening a bank account as an international student, you can directly go to your chosen bank nearest to you and bring the requirements listed on their website.
Generally, the primary documents requested are your passport and your visa grant document.
Some of the banks in Australia Source: ABC Australia
You can purchase a SIM card at any convenience store or grocery store in Australia.
Similar to the Philippines, you also need to register your SIM card to officially use it. You can visit the website of your chosen telco and look for instructions about registration.
You can use Kaye's tip about prepaid services: Prepaid is cheaper than a postpaid plan.
Similar to the Philippines, you also need to register your SIM card to officially use it. Credit: PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay
Here are the public transport networks in Australia:
- Sydney - Opal
- Melbourne - Myki
- Adelaide - Metrocard
- Brisbane and South East Queensland - Go Card
- Canberra - MyWay
- Northern Territory - Tap and Ride Card
- Perth - SmartRider
- Tasmania - Greencard
What are the things to do after arriving in Australia as an international student? Source: Pixabay
As the saying goes, every beginning is difficult but it gets easier from there on.
Kwaderno (Notebook) is a podcast series of SBS Filipino that focuses on the experiences of international students who are navigating their lives in Australia. This will offer engaging and informative content for every international student residing in the country.
Disclaimer: The information in this podcast and article serves only as a guide. For additional information regarding your particular issue or situation, consult with legal, financial, and tax experts, and/or respective agencies.
