7 things you should know before moving to Australia

Australia is a popular destination for international students and workers alike, thanks to its natural beauty, unique animals, pristine beaches, world-class schools and laid-back local people. It’s also consistently rated one of the safest countries in the world.

If you’re thinking of moving to Australia, here are some handy things to know before you arrive to make your transition easier.

Boasting the fourth highest number of international students in the world and home to six of the 50 best cities in the world for students, Australia has seven of the top 100 universities in the world and over 22,000 courses across 1,100 institutions.

While you could travel through several countries in a few hours across Europe, four hours on a train, bus or car will often leave you in the same state in Australia! The beautiful and diverse landscape makes travel around the country popular on weekends and holidays, but many underestimate how long it can take to get to each destination, so plan ahead and plan carefully. In some cases, it may not be easy to make your way from place to place without public transport or a car.

The summer months will be hot wherever you live, with some areas reaching over 45 degrees Celsius. The weather makes beach going and lake swimming very popular, but be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen, reapply often, and cover up with hats and long sleeves. And, carry plenty of water – it can be easy to get dehydrated when you’re not used to the heat.

Australia offers a wide variety of options on everything from accommodation to dining out, shopping to entertainment and transport costs. Fuel is expensive in Australia, so being close to public transport is far cheaper than the costs associated with driving a car.

Before coming to Australia, you will be required by law to purchase medical insurance to cover the full period of your student visa. To get nib health cover that meets your visa requirements in less than five minutes, visit OSHC.

There are many free services available for international students, some provided by schools or universities, and others provided by a range of state, territory and federal government departments.

University student services and facilities may be able to provide language and academic support, orientation programs, childcare, health and counselling, employment services or prayer and worship rooms. They might also be able to help with practical advice, from banking and local shopping options to managing and promoting social clubs and sport and fitness facilities.

For a complete list of services, visit Study in Australia.

Your student visa permits you to work up to 40 hours every two weeks during the academic year or full time during the holidays as an international student in Australia.

For more information about all things Australia, visit the dedicated Life in Australia section of The Check Up.