Arrival
Here’s what you need to do in your first days in Australia and how you can get around campus.
Essential steps after arriving in Australia
Ensure you're enrolled in your subjects
Make sure you're enrolled in your subjects to secure your place in your course. Follow these steps to complete your enrolment.
Register for Orientation at La Trobe
Prepare for your first semester with our orientation events. You can create a personalised orientation plan using our Orientation Planner.
Be sure to register for the below essential sessions on the Orientation Planner which are available in various formats:
- International pre-departure webinar (on demand recording)
- International student essentials webinar (on demand recording)
- Course essentials (on demand recording)
- International students meet and greet events (on campus)
Update your contact details
As a condition of your student visa you must advise the University of your address in Australia within seven days of your arrival, and inform us within seven days if your address changes during your studies.
You can update your contact details on StudentOnLine including your Australian residential address and mobile number, as well as your emergency contact person and their details.
Activate your health cover
Once you arrive in Australia, you will need to activate your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
If you purchased your health cover through La Trobe with Medibank as your provider, you can activate your membership using the Medibank OSHC app (available on the Apple or Google Play store) or online via the Medibank website.
If you arranged your own health cover, please contact your OSHC provider directly to learn how to activate your membership.
Essential steps for living in Australia
Make sure you've ticked off a few essentials to make your everyday life in Australia easy.
Open a bank account
You may consider opening an Australian bank account within six weeks of your arrival, especially if you're planning on working while you’re studying. To open an account, you will need to provide proof of identification and enrolment. Australia offers a variety of banks that provide benefits for international students. You should contact your chosen bank to understand their requirements.
Apply for a Tax File Number
If you're planning on working in Australia while you study, you should apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) online at the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website.
Connect with other new students
You can join the Transition @ La Trobe group on Facebook to connect with other new students and experienced La Trobe students and International Student Services staff members.
Download a map of your campus
To get familiar with the campus and locate your classes on your first day, download a map of your campus.
Getting around La Trobe
Our campuses provide a variety of transportation options, ensuring you can reach the university safely and efficiently. Depending on the campus you are in, you can commute via public transport, cycling, or driving. If you live on campus or nearby, walking may also be an option.
Public transport options vary across Australia. Melbourne boasts an extensive network of trains, buses, and trams, while Sydney offers trains, buses, ferries, and a light rail system. If you're in a regional campus, buses are typically the primary mode of public transport.
Travel options by campus
Here's a breakdown of travel options for each campus. For more information on commuting to the university, visit Transport Central.
| Bus | Tram/Light rail | Train | Cycle | Car | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne Campus | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| City Campus | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sydney Campus | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bendigo Campus | Yes | - | - | Yes | Yes |
| Albury-Wodonga Campus | Yes | - | - | Yes | Yes |
| Mildura Campus | Yes | - | - | Yes | Yes |
| Shepparton Campus | Yes | - | - | Yes | Yes |