Preparing for your journey

Once your Confirmation of Enrolment comes through and you have secured your student visa, it's time to start thinking of some of the practicalities of traveling to Australia. ATMC is committed to providing detailed information and arrangements for the following services before you leave home:

• General information regarding Melbourne and Sydney
• Visa guidance
• Health insurance advice
• Banking facilities
• Support in finding a school for school-aged dependents accompanying parents/guardians. Parents with school-aged dependants are required to enroll their children in schooling and may be liable to pay full fees.

About Sydney and Melbourne

Sydney is Australia's most famous city, with the majestic Sydney Opera House, the impressive steel arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the sparkling waterways and the white sands of Bondi Beach, Sydney is a never ending city of magnitude, fun and opportunity. Find out more information about what's on near you at www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.

With Melbourne's combination of world-class dining, art galleries, homegrown fashion and a packed sports calendar, it's no surprise Victoria's capital is regarded as one of the world's most liveable cities. To find out more information on Melbourne and to see what's happening in areas near you, please visit www.melbourne.vic.gov.au.

Researching your move

You may think Australia is not so different from your home country, that it will be easy to study abroad there and you really don't need to prepare much. Sure, Australia probably won't be as challenging as studying abroad in a developing country with a different language and no running water, but that doesn't mean it's easy. And if you don't do your research, you may find yourself in a bind or facing some difficult surprises once you're abroad. From the logistics of getting your visa to being prepared for the cost of living, here are a few websites to help you further understand studying in the land down under.

• www.studyinaustralia.gov.au
• www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/community/community-support/international-students

Overseas Student Health Cover

Australia has a special system of health cover for international students called the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). You will need to buy OSHC before you come to Australia to cover you from when you arrive. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship requires you to maintain OSHC for the duration of your time on a student visa in Australia.

ATMC has an agreement with a preferred OSHC supplier BUPA (for Federation University and WSU Students). You can choose to take out OSHC with these providers, or with the Australian OSHC provider of your choice. For detailed information, please visit Bupa. If you are feeling sick, it is important to know what to do.

BUPA offers a 24-hour helpline – myBUPA – to ATMC students.

Short-term Accommodation

It's a good idea to try to organise a permanent place to live before you arrive in Australia. However, you may decide to wait until you arrive to get an idea of distances between your campus and surrounding suburbs, or to inspect private rental accommodation.

Study Melbourne

Visit the Study Melbourne Help and Support page to find extra help and support during your study journey. The Study Melbourne Student Centre provides information for international students, runs events and workshops, and is a great place to meet and hang out with new friends.

Study Sydney

Visit Study NSW to access information and resources to help you get started with study and life in Sydney. The site has useful information on fun activities as well as information on your rights when it comes to studying, living and working in Sydney. Study NSW also runs a welcome desk at Sydney airport which provides a friendly greeting when you land (hours of operation vary click here for information).