How to plan a successful arrival to Australia

Hello everybody,

I receive lots of emails from international students asking me what to bring  and when it is the best time to arrive to Australia.
From my experience, I suggest to arrive at least 1 week before your course starts. It will provide you enough time for settling-in, adjusting to the climate and overcoming jet-lag.

Have a look below at the checklist which will help you to plan your departure:

• Valid passport and Visa - your passport should be valid at least 6 months prior to your entry arrival in Australia; print out a grant notification letter with your student visa
  
• Student enrolment and orientation documents - Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE) and important documents  issued by educational provider

• Original or certified copies of your academic transcripts and qualifications
• Airfare details - print out your flight ticket and plan your trip to the airport with sufficient time prior your departure and find info how to get from the airport to your accommodation

• Insurance - get familiar with Overseas Student Health Cover policy and consider travel insurance which can cover flight cancellation, lost documents, dental or optical care; take with you medical records and /or prescriptions
• Contact details - have a list of contact details of your family, education agent, accommodation address, education provider
• Australian dollar - you can exchange money at the Australian airports but is it recommended to have some Australian dollar prior your arrival in Australia
• Other personal identification documents, e.g. birth certificate, ID card, driver's licence
• Work documents, e.g. resume & CV, work references, certificates, black pants, work boots, white shirt.

Keep all documents in your carry-on luggage. In case you lose the originals, make copies that can be left behind with family and sent to you. If you are travelling with your family you will need to include their documents as well. 

Customs and Boarder Protection

Students are often suprised by how strict Australian Customs Services and Quarantine can be. If you are in doubt about whether your goods are prohibited or not, declare it anyway on the Incoming Passenger Card which you will receive on the plane. This is a legal document. You must tick YES if you are carrying any food, plant material including wooden souvenirs, or animal products. 
When you pack your backpack, make sure that you don’t bring fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, poultry, pork, eggs, nuts, dairy good and seeds, as they will not be allowed in Australia.

Should you have any inquiries & questions, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you
Best regards,
Pavla