Planning

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:

• Visa/permit requirements
• Cultural differences and social norms
• Weather and seasons
• General health, including need for vaccinations
• Local, or commonly spoken, languages
• Currency and shopping
• Local transport availability
• Data/SIM compatibility
• Food
• Accommodation

Where’s the Information?

• Lonely Planet guide books
• Language Apps like Duolingo
• Smartraveller
• Google Maps can show you where the host university is in relation to the city centre and potential accommodation
• OANDA currency converter
• World Weather site
• Partner University Partner Profile Pages on the UniSA Study Overseas Website and Fact Sheets (and their own website)
• Download guides from The Global Society and chat to other Australian exchange students through The Global Society Forum

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.

Semester-Length Programs

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:

• Think about how you will travel to university from your accommodation. Transport details may be provided in your host university’s acceptance pack or on their web site. Don’t assume public transport will be readily accessible
• If there is university accommodation available, do you want to stay there? Or would you prefer to live more independently?
• Will furniture and basic utensils be included in the price of your rent, or will you need to account and arrange for this?
• Are basic amenities included? What about WiFi?
• Allow plenty of time to find suitable long term accommodation. You don’t want to be stressing about a place to live while you’re trying to settle into classes. It can be a good idea to book it in advance via a reputable provider, but make sure you are careful of scams or dodgy companies.

Short Term Opportunities

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.

Other Considerations

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.

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!

Important Things to Remember

• The regulations for weight and size of baggage can vary between countries and airlines. Check with your airline for specific regulations on the weight, size and number of suitcases, excess baggage, airfreight and costs. If you’re not checking your baggage through to your final destination, be sure to enquire about baggage regulations for your intermediate stops.
• Check out the weather of your host city and pack appropriately. If you are travelling to a colder climate, take enough clothes (especially a jacket) to make sure you will be warm when you first arrive. Other clothes can be bought once you settle in and might actually be more appropriate than what you can get back home anyway.
• Never carry items for strangers. Make sure you pack your own luggage and know what it contains.
• Everything you pack, you’ll also need to carry or wheel to your accommodation, so be practical. If you’re travelling before or after your program, think about how easy it will be to get around with all your luggage.

Essential Items in Your Hand Luggage

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.

• Passport and visa (also keep a digital photo of both of these somewhere!)
• Air ticket (and evidence of return ticket)
• Official acceptance letter from the host university or provider
• Immunisation document
• Prescription medication (along with receipts and labels and a copy of the prescription itself)
• Medical items such as EpiPens or spare glasses/contact lenses
• Essential toiletries (toothbrush, deodorant)
• Any electronic equipment (laptop, phone, camera), their power cords and foreign power adaptors
• Spare change of clothes, including underwear
• Battery pack (charged!)

Useful Items to Pack in Your Checked Luggage

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:

• Australian power board with minimum four outlets
• International adaptor
• Chargers for all electronics
• First aid kit – including over the counter medications, cold + flu tablets and painkillers
• Australian souvenirs for gifts
• Some favourite snacks from home (e.g. Tim-tams, Milo, Vegemite)

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.