Boarding Pass

“Read, absorb, and understand your refund policy. Then read it again.” Lara, Student Advisor

“Take a moment to read all the documents that are sent to you. This is a big deal—give it its due.” Jaime, Director

“Take a sec to make sure you feel comfortable with the offer. You can always change your mind, but in most cases, you can take a moment, speak with your family, and have a good think. And in the cases were time is of the utmost importance, try to do that beforehand!” 😊 Jaime, Director

“If there’s anything you’re unclear about in your offer letter, we’re just a call or email away! We’ve seen hundreds of offer letters and we’re here to help.” Heather, Operations Coordinator/Office Administrator

“Review your CoE and please make sure your name, DOB etc. matches your passport to a T.” Leanna, Applications Specialist

“If you can’t find your policy number for Medibank, you can activate it here.” Amanda, Ar. Student Advisor

“If you bought your OSHC through the uni, your policy number will look like this: Your student ID + your uni (caps), all in one with no spaces. (e.g., XXXXXXXXUQ for University of Queensland). In the case of Melbourne,  BUPA creates the ID for you.” Jaime, Director

“There isn’t actually a card for OSHC. The card is, basically, you printing a little fake card and tucking it in your wallet. You will be unable to do this until 1 – 2 weeks prior to your program’s start date.” Jaime, Director

“You only need to get a health examination as part of your visa if you’re prompted to do so.” Casey, Territory Manager, Vancouver

“Take some time to celebrate. You’ve made it one step closer to achieving your dream!” Matthew, Sr. Applications Specialist

Loans, bursaries, scholarships

“I also would recommend getting a provincial student loan, especially students from Alberta (can receive up to $41,220 year), which is what I plan to do for year 2 onwards.”

“I received $2000 from my old college for an overseas bursary.” (aka, check out your old uni’s scholarship options!)

Transferring Money

“There are a lot of [money transfer] services now and after conducting extensive research of our own, we decided to use TransferWise.”

“You can create an Australian bank account while overseas through HSBC Australia! They have a multi-currency Everyday Global Account you can apply for and you just send them some ID for verification.”

Budgeting for materials, living expenses, travel, etc.

“Living expenses and transportation has been expensive. You therefore have to come in the city financially ready.”

Living in private housing? “Budget for buying a fridge, washer and dryer! Very expensive for a ‘unknown’ expense.”

“Financial aspects of living in Sydney. It’s hugely expensive on top of tuition and equipment needed for the program.”

“[There are] extra costs that you find out about when you get there e.g., uniforms, physio kits…”

“The price of living expenses is higher than I expected.”

“The location of classes and the required commuting between the campus and hospitals.”

“All the additional purchases you have to make for dental tools once you enter the program.”

“A lot of items here that you use every day are ridiculously expensive! Pack maple syrup for pancakes” 🙂

Sometimes the best advice comes from those who’ve gone before you! Here are some of the top tips from former OzTREKK students:

Finding a place to live

Once you’re able to enter Australia, one of your biggest choices will be finding a place to live. Below, we’ve included some recent student feedback about finding accommodation!

• Invest time in finding roommates that you are compatible with. Sharing a house provides much needed social interaction.
• Always inspect a place before signing, but some virtual video tours are great and save you time and money.
• Get a cell phone as early as possible so landlords can reach you.
• Try to find a shorter, more flexible lease in case you need to return to Canada.
• Have a folder ready with printed documents of rental history and references from previous landlords, proof of financing, identification, etc. Be sure to get everything in writing and get printed receipts from landlords.
• If you won’t have a car, live within 1km of regular transit routes and where you buy will buy your groceries, go to the gym, etc.
• Find a place with air conditioning. And consider using an electric blanket during the winter months. Australian homes are not insulated as they are in Canada.

Settling in

Now more than ever, you need to create a healthy, balanced, positive environment! Here’s what former OzTREKKers have to say about settling in:

• Take time and set up a good study environment and an ergonomic chair and desk. You may be spending a lot of time where you live!
• Learn how to cook before you move out on your own!
• Attend orientation day events, especially the department student associations ones.
• Make sure you have a good computer, internet connection and headphones with a mic.
• Don’t be afraid to make friends with Aussies, Canadians, Americans—they’re all friendly!
• Stay connected with family, friends and classmates so they’re there when you need them.
• Connect with senior students in the program for help with specific courses, prof and activities.
• Budget some time/money to get out, stay active and see Australia.
• If eligible, make sure to apply for credit early as it can save you money.
• Check sites like Flatmates or Domain to find a place to live, and OzBargains and Gumtree (Aussie Kijiji) for purchases.

Overall advice for when you can finally go there in person

• Get a cell phone as early as possible so landlords can reach you.
• Come early and view accommodation in person. Real estate agents handle rentals in Australia, and they take Christmas holidays like everyone else. Finding a place can be hectic, but you also don’t want to rush into anything, so be prepared to see at least 10 places for “showings.”
• Have a folder ready with printed documents of rental history and references from previous landlords, proof of financing, identification, etc. Be sure to get everything in writing and get printed receipts from landlords.
• Apartment showings are done in blitzes, so come early and come prepared to “outbid” others if you really love the place.
• Consider transit when you’re looking for a place to live. What’s nearby? What is the schedule like and does it fit your needs? What are your other options? Definitely consider getting a vehicle.