Pre-departure guide
We’re looking forward to welcoming you to La Trobe. Here’s some of what you’ll need to know before you leave home.
La Trobe is ready to welcome back all international students
La Trobe is dedicated to supporting our international student community to transition to on-campus study.
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.
- 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.
- Update your residential address at La Trobe within seven days of your arrival.
- Attend Orientation (see the Orientation section below).
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.
Have more questions?
You can always contact our helpful ASK La Trobe team.