Arriving & Living in Australia

A little preparation now makes everything easier when you land.

Moving to Australia is one of the most exciting things you’ll do — and one of the most complex. This guide covers everything in one place: what to do before you leave, what to expect when you arrive, and how to settle into life in Australia once you’re here.

Part 1 — Before you leave

When to arrive

We recommend arriving 2–4 weeks before your course starts. This gives you time to find accommodation, open a bank account, get a local SIM card and transport card, and adjust to your new city before classes begin.

Book your travel

• Flights: book as early as possible for better fares — typically AUD $500–$2,000 depending on your country of origin.
• Accommodation: arrange at least your first few weeks before you arrive. Budget AUD $180–$650 per week depending on city and type — homestay, student accommodation, share houses and private rentals.
• Airport pickup: book your free Evantaa airport pickup at least one week before departure.

What to pack — documents (carry in your hand luggage, never checked bags)

• Passport and any current visa documentation
• Offer letter and eCoE (Confirmation of Enrolment)
• OSHC confirmation and policy details
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Emergency contact list (family and Evantaa Institute)
• Accommodation confirmation
• Medical records and any prescription details

Melbourne — what to wear

Melbourne has four seasons and famously unpredictable weather. Pack layers — a warm jacket, a rain jacket, and lighter clothes for warmer days.

• Summer (Dec–Feb): 20–35°C — light clothing, sunscreen
• Autumn (Mar–May): 10–20°C — light layers
• Winter (Jun–Aug): 5–15°C — warm coat, scarf, boots
• Spring (Sep–Nov): 10–22°C — layers and a light jacket

Brisbane — what to wear

Brisbane has a subtropical climate — warm to hot most of the year, with a wet season from November to April.

• Summer / wet season (Nov–Apr): 22–32°C — light clothing, rain jacket
• Winter / dry season (May–Oct): 12–22°C — light layers; bring one warm jacket for air-conditioned spaces

Other essentials

• Adapter: Australia uses Type I plugs (230V, 50Hz). Bring a universal power adapter.
• Electronics: a laptop or tablet for classes — required from day one.
• Cash: bring AUD $100–200 for your first day, and arrange AUD $500+ for your first week before your bank account is set up.
• Medication: bring enough of any prescription medication for your first weeks, plus a doctor’s letter explaining your prescription.

Australian biosecurity rules

Australia has strict biosecurity laws. Certain food, plant material and animal products are prohibited or must be declared on arrival. Failure to declare can result in significant fines.

• Declare all food, plant material and animal products on your incoming passenger card
• Do not bring fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy or eggs
• Wooden items, seeds and soil must be declared
• Medicines in quantities greater than 3 months’ supply may need a permit

Part 2 — Arriving in Australia

At the airport

When your flight lands, follow the signs to immigration and customs. Have these ready:

• Passport
• Incoming Passenger Card (completed on the plane or via the SmartGate app)
• Any items to declare for biosecurity

• Immigration: present your passport at the immigration counter or SmartGate. Your visa is linked to your passport electronically — you do not need a paper visa label.
• Customs and biosecurity: collect your luggage, then pass through customs. Declare anything required on your passenger card. Biosecurity officers may scan or inspect your bags.
• Money exchange: currency exchange is available in the arrivals hall, but rates are typically better in the city. For your first day, the airport rate is fine.

Your free airport pickup

If you booked a pickup with us, look for an Evantaa Institute team member holding a sign with your name in the arrivals hall. If you didn’t book in advance or can’t find your driver, call us immediately:

• Melbourne: (03) 7068 8413
• Brisbane: (07) 2146 3166

Getting into the city — if not using the pickup

• Melbourne: SkyBus runs from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Southern Cross Station in the CBD — approximately 30–45 minutes, from around 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM daily, tickets from about AUD $36. Licensed taxis and rideshare (Uber, DiDi) are available from the taxi rank outside the terminal.
• Brisbane: the Airtrain connects Brisbane Airport directly to the city (Roma Street, Central, Fortitude Valley stations) — approximately 22 minutes, from around 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM, about AUD $23 one-way. Taxis and rideshare are available from the terminal.

Your first day — priority checklist

• Get to your accommodation and rest if needed
• Get a local SIM card (7-Eleven, Woolworths, Telstra, Optus or Vodafone stores)
• Get your transport card — myki (Melbourne) or go card (Brisbane) — from a convenience store or station
• Withdraw some cash from an ATM
• Email or call family to let them know you’ve arrived safely
• Check your Evantaa orientation email for your campus details and start time

Settling in — the first few days

• Bank account: open an Australian bank account as soon as possible. The major banks (ANZ, Commonwealth, NAB, Westpac) all have accounts designed for new arrivals — bring your passport and CoE. Some can be opened online before you arrive.
• Tax File Number (TFN): if you plan to work, apply for a TFN at ato.gov.au/tfn. It’s free and takes 1–4 weeks. You can start work without one, but you’ll be taxed at the highest rate until it’s registered.
• Transport card: top up your myki or go card at a station, 7-Eleven or online — you’ll use it for all public transport.
• Medicare: international students are generally not eligible for Medicare. Your NIB OSHC covers you — make sure it’s activated.

Part 3 — Life in Australia

Australian culture — what to expect

Australia is one of the most multicultural countries in the world — you’ll find people from almost every country, speaking almost every language, in both Melbourne and Brisbane. A few things that often surprise new arrivals:

• Informality: Australians are genuinely friendly and informal. First names are standard — even with teachers, managers and doctors. Don’t be surprised if your trainer calls you mate on your first day.
• Punctuality: Australians take punctuality seriously, especially in professional and educational settings. Arrive on time for class.
• Directness: Australians tend to be direct and say what they mean. This isn’t rudeness — it’s just how communication works here.
• Tipping: tipping is not expected in Australia. It’s appreciated in restaurants but never obligatory.
• Outdoors culture: both cities have a strong outdoor culture — cafés, parks, beaches and sport are central to daily life.

Cost of living

Budget around AUD $450–$750 per week for typical living expenses. Brisbane generally sits at the lower end of this range.

Expense	Melbourne (approx.)	Brisbane (approx.)
Accommodation (share house)	$200–$400/wk	$150–$320/wk
Groceries	$80–$120/wk	$70–$100/wk
Public transport (weekly)	$30–$50	$20–$35 (50c flat fare)
Phone plan	$15–$40/month	$15–$40/month
Eating out (casual)	$15–$25 per meal	$12–$22 per meal
Entertainment / social	$30–$60/wk	$25–$50/wk
Total estimated	$450–$750/wk	$380–$650/wk

Melbourne vs Brisbane — a quick comparison

Feature	Melbourne	Brisbane
Climate	4 seasons, changeable	Subtropical, warm year-round
Public transport	Tram + train + bus (myki)	Train + bus + ferry (go card, 50c flat fare)
Living costs	Moderate–higher	Generally 15–30% lower
Campus location	North Melbourne (inner city, 3 km from CBD)	Fortitude Valley (300 m from train station)
Vibe	Arts, coffee, sport, laneways	Relaxed, outdoor, river city
Population	~5.3 million	~2.6 million

Culture shock — it’s normal

Even if you’ve travelled before, moving to a new country for an extended period is different. Most students go through some version of culture shock — a period of disorientation, homesickness or frustration that’s completely normal and usually passes within a few weeks.

Things that help:

• Explore your neighbourhood — find your local supermarket, café and transport stop
• Connect with other students — orientation is a great starting point
• Stay in contact with family and friends back home, but also make time to be present where you are
• Get outside — both cities have excellent parks, walking trails and free events
• If you’re struggling, reach out to Evantaa Student Support at support@evantaa.edu.au — that’s exactly what we’re here for

Safety in Australia

Australia is one of the safest countries in the world, and both Melbourne and Brisbane have low rates of violent crime. That said, standard common sense applies:

• Keep your valuables secure in public places
• Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas
• Keep digital copies of your important documents (passport, CoE, OSHC)
• Save the Evantaa emergency number and the Australian emergency number in your phone

<strong>Non-emergency police:</strong> 131 444

Studying in Australia

Australian vocational education emphasises practical, hands-on learning — you’ll spend most of your training time doing, not just listening. Your trainers are industry professionals who bring real workplace experience into the classroom.

A few things to know about studying here:

• Academic integrity: plagiarism is taken seriously. Always submit your own work and reference sources properly.
• Open-book assessments: many knowledge tests at Evantaa are open-book — you can refer to your learning resources. This doesn’t make them easy; it means you’re assessed on your ability to apply knowledge, not just memorise it.
• Ask questions: asking questions in class is encouraged — it’s a sign of engagement, not weakness.
• Speak up early: if you’re finding something difficult, tell your trainer early. Don’t wait until assessment time.

Need help or have a question?

Our Student Support team is here to help with everything — from arrival logistics to settling in to academic support.

• Student Support: support@evantaa.edu.au
• Admissions: admissions@evantaa.edu.au
• Melbourne campus: (03) 7068 8413
• Brisbane campus: (07) 2146 3166

<strong>Book your free airport pickup:</strong> email support@evantaa.edu.au at least one week before your arrival date.