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There’s no doubt that planning ahead can be time consuming, and not quite as exciting as the trip itself. However, every traveller who sets off to achieve something will tell you that preparation makes the trip go a lot more smoothly. While it won’t necessarily be possible to account for every potential hiccup or setback, preparation will put you in the best position possible to handle any unexpected challenges that come your way.
Some of your pre-departure tasks can take quite some time. It’s important to start planning early so you leave yourself enough time to get everything done.
Take some time to think:
Take a few minutes to write down what you want to achieve while overseas.
Knowing something about your destination will help inform some of your pre-departure decisions, such as what to pack, how much to budget and what kind of accommodation you’ll book. Here are a few things to consider in your research:
You can also check out what past students have to say about their experiences by reading some returned student reports to get a first-hand recount of past students’ experiences or follow us on Instagram (@unisaoverseas) to see shared pictures from other UniSA students around the world.
If you haven’t already, you should join the Global Society. The Global Society is a membership-based organisation for Australian University students with international study experiences. It provides the opportunity to network with other Australian Study Overseas students and access a range of resources on studying overseas.
Accommodation is a really important consideration for your overseas study experience, particularly if you’re planning on being away for more than a few weeks. For semester exchange students, accommodation is likely to be the single biggest expense for your trip, and also where you spend most of your time, so you want to make the best and most informed decision possible.
Most Study Tours and some independently run short programs will organise group accommodation for you, but the majority of programs will require you to make your own arrangements. We recommend you start looking into your accommodation options for the duration of your time overseas as soon as you have been notified that your application has been successful. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to make sure you have adequate accommodation for the duration of your trip, and to arrange any and all necessary payments and deposits.
You’ll also need to consider any arrangements you need to make regarding your accommodation at home, before you go. If you rent, will you give up your rental? Sub-let instead? It’s important to factor this in, too, as it might impact on your budget.
Applying for accommodation is different for each situation, and housing application deadlines may apply, so it is important you start looking into your options early. You may have to organise initial short-term accommodation prior to being admitted to your long-term accommodation, and this is best done before you leave Australia.
Many of UniSA’s partner universities have on-campus accommodation for exchange students but in some cases, you may also have the option of staying off-campus. You should be aware though that some partners may provide little or no assistance with finding off-campus accommodation. It’s your responsibility to research this and make appropriate arrangements.
You can check out the ‘Living’ tab on the Partner University’s profile page for more information, and don’t forget to read the returned students’ reports too, as they might have some info or advice on accommodation at the partner uni.
If your host university doesn’t provide on-campus housing, or if you have elected not to take advantage of the on-campus housing provided, you’ll have to find your own accommodation. Here are a few things to consider when deciding where to stay:
Accommodation options and requirements vary quite a lot between the different experience types. Most Study Tours will arrange group travel and accommodation for you, as will many of the Mobility Experience Providers. If so, this it typically included in the program fee.
If you’re undertaking a Summer or Winter school exchange through a UniSA partner they will usually help you with accommodation, and usually recommend that you stay on campus (or, with the other students on that program).
Check out the host organisation/provider website of your short term experience for what they offer.
Use every resource available to look for accommodation that works for you. Sites such as Airbnb or Booking.com, or similar services popular in your destination, are great resources. It’s worth checking if there is a Facebook group for rentals in that city, or even searching Google ‘Short Term Rentals in…’. Remember, if you’re unfamiliar with the area that a rental property is located, check with someone who knows the area and can give you some advice, such as an online travel forum or with the Global Opportunities team.
Tip |
Before departure, make sure you have somewhere to stay on (at least) the first night or first week you arrive. Even if you don’t have your long-term accommodation sorted and end up staying in a hostel or similar for a bit longer, make sure that your first night is taken care of! |
Think carefully about what to take with you. Returned students often comment that they took far too much with them. A two- or three-week trip is usually pretty straight-forward, but if you’ll be away for a few months then things can get tricky.
There are plenty of videos online providing advice on what to pack for a semester or a year studying abroad. Remember most of all to think about the climate/changing weather on your host country. What might be appropriate to take to Vietnam probably won’t be the same as what you’ll take to Sweden!
There are a few things that you should always pack in your hand-luggage. If something goes wrong and you get separated from your luggage these are the things you want to make absolutely sure you have with you. Keep in mind customs rules for liquids and electronics etc.
Most of what you pack will of course depend how long you’ll be away for, and exactly where you’re going. Lots of guides are available online, though we like this one here. Here are a few top suggestions from the Global Opportunities team:
Tip |
Bring a few mementos from home like printed photos of friends, pets, or family to stick up in your new room to make it feel more like home. Add to it while you’re away with pictures of friends you make during your travels! |
There are several additional considerations that international students need to be aware of, primarily relating to your Australian Student Visa and the potential implications of leaving the country, and receiving credit recognition for study completed offshore.
Please remember that, as an international student, you are obliged to complete your UniSA degree within the duration of your Australian student visa. Going on exchange does not exempt you from this obligation.
Should you need it, the Global Opportunities Team will provide a letter confirming details of your exchange. You may have to present this letter to the Department of Home Affairs prior to your departure.
If you will be leaving Australia for more than 30 days to participate in your mobility program, you could be eligible for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) credit. Please contact your OSHC provider for specific advice on eligibility requirements and procedures.
Australian students
Phone: +61 8 8302 2376
Enquiry: unisa.edu.au/enquiry
International students
Phone: +61 8 9627 4854
Enquiry: unisa.edu.au/enquiry
