Pre-departure checklist

Before you leave home there are some important things you will need to do. We've prepared this checklist to help you make sure you don't overlook anything.

  • Visa: Organise your student visa. See visa requirements to learn more.
  • Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for the intended length of your study period in Australia.
  • Medical care: Have medical, optical and dental check-ups and organise any prescribed medication you may require including a letter from your doctor (in English) detailing any prescribed medicines.
  • Airport pickup: Find out about our free on-arrival airport pickup and complete the online booking form to be greeted at the airport.
  • Accommodation: Book temporary accommodation before you leave your home country. Accommodation services can point you in the right direction. Start looking for long-term accommodation as early as possible.
  • Arriving in regional SA? Check travel and accommodation details if you will be living in Whyalla or Mount Gambier. Contact the Accommodation and Facilities Coordinator by phone +61 8 8647 6069 or email.
  • Enrol online: Take a closer look at what you need to do to prepare to enrol. If you have any difficulties enrolling online, you can complete your enrolment during orientation.
  • Money: Organise to have at least A$2,000 available to you on arrival in Adelaide (approximately A$500 in cash and A$1,500 in travellers' cheques or accessible by ATM). Learn more about how much money to bring.
  • Consular assistance: Make a note of the contact details of your country's embassy in Australia.
  • In case of emergency: Make a note of the University of South Australia's emergency contact numbers for international students: +61 8 8302 0000 or +61 8 1800 500 911.
  • Documentation: Pack a document folder containing your offer letter, Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), academic transcripts from previous study, identification documents, important contact numbers, a written character reference (translated into English) to help in securing accommodation, details of pre-arranged accommodation and important medical records.
  • Customs and quarantine: Check customs and quarantine regulations and pack any items you wish to declare separately. More information about what not bring into Australia is detailed in Pre-departure and arrival.
  • Orientation: Note the dates for University's Welcome week and orientation program.
  • Insurance: Organise insurance for your personal belongings.