Pre-departure information

To prepare for your arrival in Australia and facilitate your smooth transition to university life at La Trobe, it is important that you read the resource guide for international students, the 2013 My life at La Trobe Guide (PDF 5.18MB).

It is recommended that you arrive in time for the University Orientation. For Melbourne campus, the University Orientation schedule is as below. Detailed information and schedules for regional campuses are available on the University Orientation page.

University Faculty Enrolments and Orientation (Melbourne)
 18 February to 1 March 2013 (Check your faculty dates in the Orientation brochure as different faculties have different dates)

Online pre-departure briefings

All commencing La Trobe international students and their families are invited to participate in a live one-hour pre-departure webinar, to help you prepare for study and life in Australia. During the briefing you will be able to ask questions and receive immediate answers from our International Student Services staff. You can access the webinar from the convenience of your own computer at home.

Topics covered at the briefings include:

  • preparing for departure
  • accommodation
  • living in Australia
  • arrival and settling in.

When:

  • Wednesday 16 January 2013, 11am-12pm (AEDT)
  • Thursday 17 January 2013, 5-6pm (AEDT)
  • Wednesday 23 January 2013, 4-5pm (AEDT)

New students will receive an invitation email a month before the commencement of their course with more information on how to join the sessions. Our online pre-departure briefings will be run on the Blackboard Collaborate Platform; please check the Quick Guide (PDF 485KB) on how to set up the systems.

For more information, email studentsupport@latrobe.edu.au

Pre-departure checklist

Before you leave home, there are some important things you will need to do. Download a copy of the Pre-departure checklist (PDF 916KB).           

Upon acceptance and before leaving home

  • Apply for your passport
  • Arrange your student visa
  • Arrange for immunisations, medications and any medical records from your doctor
  • Apply for a credit card and/or arrange for access to sufficient funds. If you open an Australian bank account while overseas, you can then transfer funds and confirm overseas access to your funds with your bank
  • Make travel arrangements - for students who have only booked temporary accommodation, we recommend you arrive at least two weeks before the University Orientation to allow sufficient time to register your arrival with La Trobe International and to search for and settle into your accommodation, before activities begin
  • Arrange travel insurance
  • Arrange personal references that might assist with accommodation or employment if required
  • View the University Orientation program for your campus
  • Book your airport reception
  • Check if you require temporary accommodation or wish to apply for on campus accommodation
  • Join Transition @ La Trobe (E-Friend) Facebook/ RenRen group.

What to bring with you

  • A valid passport and a current student visa (or Visitor’s Visa if you are from an Assessment Level 1 country)
  • Your Letter of Offer from La Trobe University and a copy of your Offer Acceptance Form including Refund Policy
  • Original transcripts if you only have a Provisional Offer
  • Receipts for any payments already made to La Trobe University
  • Letter of award of scholarship/sponsorship (if applicable)
  • Other official identification (e.g. driver licence, national ID card)
  • Any medical records (particularly of immunisations) and any necessary medication prescriptions
  • Some Australian currency for the first few days ($300-500)
  • A personal reference, if you plan on looking for privately-owned accommodation
  • A reference from your previous employer/s and your CV, if you plan to seek part-time employment after your course has commenced
  • A copy of Airport Reception instructions if you have arranged that
  • A copy of the relevant Weekend Survival Guide.

When you arrive

  • If you have arranged Airport Reception, follow the instructions from our website on how to meet our driver at the airport, or make your own way to your accommodation
  • Phone or email home – your family and friends will want to know that you have arrived safely
  • Register your arrival with La Trobe International as soon as possible
  • After you register, follow the instructions given to you by the registering staff on how to order your Overseas Student Health Cover membership card online (if applicable) and any other instructions
  • Get to know the area where you will live, and how to get to the campus and shops
  • Open a bank account, or if you opened one when overseas, take your passport into the bank to withdraw funds
  • Attend the University Orientation, including International Welcome Festival and any faculty enrolment sessions
  • Get involved in student clubs and societies (e.g. music, sport and special interest clubs)
  • Contact Residential Services if you're looking for accommodation.

Arriving on the 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, read the Weekend Survival Guide beforehand.