Bendigo Arrival Checklist


Now that you're here there are a number of steps you will need to take begin settling in to life at La Trobe. The following checklist will help you ensure you're well prepared to begin your studies.

Register

Visit the International Office (IO) to register your arrival and collect Welcome Information. IO opening hours are Monday to Friday 10.00am - 12:30pm and 1:30 - 4.00pm.

Health Insurance

You pay for a year of Overseas Student Health Cover with your first instalment of tuition fees. Visit the Admissions Officer in the IO upon your arrival who will give you your health card and additional membership details. Please keep in mind that holding current health insurance is a condition of your student visa, and it is your responsibility to renew your OSHC before it expires. Exception: Most Norwegian and Swedish students already hold adequate health cover from their home government.

Enrolment

If you are attending the Welcome Festival, enrolment in your course is included in these activities. Details are available in the flyer sent to you prior to arrival, and at the IO. If you arrive after the Festival, please go to your Faculty office as soon as possible for instructions on how to enrol.

Tax File Number

You will need a TFN if you are planning to work, and you may decide to pass it on to your bank also. Applications are done on-line . More information about the tax file number can be found on the Australian Taxation Office website.

Accommodation

Do you already have a place to stay? If you are staying in temporary accommodation and want advice on finding permanent housing, contact Residential Services located in the West Wing of the Old Engineering Building across from the Student Services Centre. You may wish to view the "Market Place" section of the Bendigo Student Association website in order to find off-campus accommodation with current students. Alternately you may wish to check listings with any of the local real estate agents in the Bendigo City .

Bank Account

Open an account at one of the banks in Bendigo . Be sure to inquire about student accounts, as they generally attract lower fees than other accounts. A full list of bank names, addresses and phone numbers will be included in your Welcome Pack.

Phone Home

Family and friends may be waiting to hear from you! You may want to purchase a phone card in Runes, the stationary shop on campus, or at the nearby newsagent only a few moments' walk from the university. Public phones can be found at a variety of points around campus. Once enrolled, you have access to a free University email account and computing facilities. In the meantime you may be able to check web based email accounts at computers in the Library.

Permanent Address

Update your address in the Student Online system as soon as you can. You will have access to this system once you are enrolled, and directions for accessing Student Online are available in the IO. You are required to give the University your address within 7 days of arrival, and keep us informed of any changes within 7 days via the Student Online system, as a condition of your student visa. You must update your correspondence address with your Overseas Student Health Cover company as well. Remember to notify your embassy too, if required, and any other relevant companies (ie banks, phone companies, etc.)