Pre-departure guide
To prepare for your arrival in Australia, download the 2012 My life at La Trobe Guide (PDF 5.18MB).
Online Pre-departure briefings
La Trobe University organises the online Pre-Departure Briefings for international students to help you prepare for your study and life in Australia. All commencing international students will be invited to attend the session via webinar sessions.
Topics covered at the briefings include:
- Preparing for departure
- Accommodation
- Living in Australia
- Arrival and settling in
During the briefings you will be able to ask questions and receive immediate answers from our International Student Services staff.
Please check the Quick Guide for more information on how to join the session.
If you would like more information, email studentsupport@latrobe.edu.au
Pre-departure checklist
We recommend you plan to arrive in Australia at least one week before the Welcome Festival Orientation program commences. This allows sufficient time to register your arrival with La Trobe International and to search for and/or settle into your accommodation, before activities begin.
Download a copy of our Pre-departure checklist (PDF 916KB).
Book ahead:
- Airport reception booking form
- Temporary accommodation
- If you wish to live on-campus, visit our On-campus Accommodation page; consider the options and follow the links to the online forms.
Arriving on a weekend?
If you arrive on a weekend or public holiday you will find that most University offices are closed. Where possible, we recommend that you arrive on a weekday.
If you do arrive on a weekend, bring a copy of our Weekend Survival Guide. It contains important information that will help you to settle in and orient yourself:
- Weekend survival guide for Melbourne campus students (PDF 6.31MB)
- Weekend survival guide for Bendigo campus students (PDF 76KB)
- Weekend survival guide for Albury-Wodonga campus students (PDF 37KB)
What to bring with you:
- Valid passport containing a current student visa
- Letter of Offer and Acceptance Form
- Receipts for any payments made to the University
- Letter of award of scholarship (if applicable)
- Other official identification e.g. drivers licence, national ID card, etc
- Any medical records (particularly of immunisations), and necessary medication/prescriptions
- Australian currency for when you first arrive
- Your Pre-departure information
- Welcome Festival orientation and enrolment information
- A jacket or jumper (sweater) packed in your hand luggage in case its cold.
Before you leave home, why not:
- Listen to Australian radio e.g. via the Internet or Radio Australia
- Read Australian books, newspapers, magazines (online and hard-copy) to keep up-to-date with current affairs
- Explore publications and websites on Australian society and culture
- Introduce yourself to the Australian educational culture via publications such as Studying in Australia, B Ballard and J Clanchy, Longman Cheshire, Melbourne, 1988.
- Consider opening a bank account in Australia before you leave home. You can open a student account with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, enabling you to transfer funds to Australia before you arrive.
Reminders from home
Don't forget to pack photos of your home, family and friends, as well as any items to make your new surroundings feel more comfortable and familiar. Bring your favourite music or recipes for cooking some of your favourite dishes. Even simple things like newspapers, books and magazines from home can be nice reminders.
When you arrive, check out our Arrival checklist for guidance.
