Internet, phone and post
Internet
Internet access is available at all La Trobe University campuses. However, you will find that you will not be able to use most computers on campus until you have your log in and password details provided in your Statement of Account. You will be sent this after you have undergone the enrolment process.
- At the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus students can use computers in the library before they have enrolled.
- Bendigo campus students may use the computers in the Heyward Library prior to enrolling as no username is needed.
- Albury-Wodonga campus students are able to make arrangements with International Student Support Services for a temporary computer password before enrolment.
Most on-campus accommodation and some off-campus accommodation will already have arrangements in place to enable internet access for students. Please check with your accommodation provider.
In addition there are internet cafes located within the community. These cafes provide internet services on a pay as you go basis and are very convenient for accessing email. For information on internet cafe locations, please visit www.whitepages.com.au and type internet cafe into the business name search.
International phone calls
International calls can be made direct from all phones in Australia, including payphones. Simply dial the following:
- the international access code (0011);
- your country code (if you are unsure of the country code, dial 132 200 for information);
- the area code for your city (remember not to dial the first zero);
- your familys phone number (for example).
International calls are timed and charged according to the destination, time of day and day of the week. Weekend rates are often much cheaper than rates during the week.
Please note that it can be very easy to make several hundred dollars worth of international calls within a short period of time. Your may wish to consider buying pre-paid international phonecards which usually offer cheaper rates and are available from most newsagencies and post offices.
Mobile phones
We suggest you talk to students who have been in Australia for some time for tips on the best phone company and network to use. Some phone companies will not supply services to people who are temporary residents in Australia, but you can always use a pre-paid phone system.
Pre-paid mobile phones also ensure that you will never be faced with an unexpectedly high mobile phone bill. Pre-paid mobile phones may be purchased at a number of retail outlets, including Australia Post.
Postal services
Post offices are generally open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. Mail is delivered once a day on weekdays only. Mail within Australia has a flat rate of postage (55 cents) for a standard letter. Non-standard letters and parcels are charged by weight and size.
International mail charges are calculated by weight, size, destination and mode of transport. You can also pay many utility bills at the post office (e.g. phone, gas, electricity).
More information is available from the Australia Post website.
