Pre-departure guide

Before you travel to Australia, it’s important to be prepared for the range of tasks you’ll be required to undertake when you arrive. Keeping track of these tasks can be overwhelming, which is why we’ve prepared an arrival checklist to help you get settled.

• Visit the Welcome website for information to support you in your transition to on-campus study.
• Ensure you have completed your pre-arrival online enrolment via Orientation
• Find out about our Pre-Departure Webinars and eFriends program.
• Arrange your free airport pick-up.
• Finalise your accommodation.
• Open a bank account.
• Order your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) card.
• Apply for Tax File Number (TFN) online at the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website (if you’re planning on working in Australia).
• Download a map of your campus to help you find where you need to go.
• Check-in with La Trobe (see Check-in section below).
• Update your residential address at La Trobe within seven days of your arrival.
• Attend Orientation (see the Orientation section below).

Make sure you arrive in Australia in time for check-in, which is when you’ll register your arrival at La Trobe.

Your academic success can depend on how well you adjust to studying and living in Australia, so you also need to attend Orientation. This is compulsory because it gives you important information about your life at La Trobe, but it’s also a great opportunity to make friends.

Even if you can’t arrive in time for the scheduled check-in days, you still need to attend the compulsory Orientation.

Orientation is compulsory – it’s also lots of fun. It's full of information sessions, which will provide you with important information about your campus, student visa, starting your course, understanding Australian culture, keeping yourself safe and arranging your health insurance. You’ll also be able to take part in a range of social activities, events and tours.

Visit our Orientation page for more information about our Orientation schedule.

Want help with getting ready for overseas study? Our Transition @ La Trobe groups on Facebook connect you with trained eFriends and other new students before you leave home.

Our eFriends are experienced La Trobe students and International Student Services staff members. They’re active on our Facebook and Weibo pages answering any questions you may have about living in Australia and studying at La Trobe.

You can ask to join our Transition @ La Trobe – International Welcome Group Facebook group – but please ensure the name of your Facebook account appears the same as it does in your application to La Trobe.