Moving into Sydney
This guide gives you a checklist, tips and advice to help you feel prepared and excited about moving to Sydney.
This guide gives you a checklist, tips and advice to help you feel prepared and excited about moving to Sydney.
We’ve put together a packing list to help you plan your move to Sydney. Don’t stress if you don’t have everything. You can buy most of it here, but this is a great starting point.
Australia has one of the strictest biosecurity controls in the world. There are things you cannot bring into Australia and things you need to declare when you arrive at the airport. Make sure you have read this list before you start packing.
If you bring in restricted items without declaration, it may cause heavy fines and even cancellation of your visa.
Telstra, Optus and Vodafone are the main providers for phone and internet services. You can get a SIM card at the airport or most supermarkets. You will need your ID, usually your passport, to register and activate your SIM.
Commonwealth, Westpac, ANZ and NAB are the ‘Big 4’ banks in Australia. Some international banks also have branches in Sydney.
There are ATMs on campus where you can deal with basic banking needs once you have a bank card.
Woolworths, Coles and IGA are the biggest supermarkets where you can get almost everything you need for groceries. There is an IGA store on campus near Gate 2 on High Street and a couple of Asian grocery stores along Anzac Parade.
You may need to purchase things like bedding, homewares, toiletries, cleaning products and other essentials. Myer and David Jones are the biggest department stores in Australia. You can also get some budget-friendly options at Target or Kmart.
Royal Randwick is the closest shopping centre to our Kensington campus, only 10 minutes walk from the upper campus.
We have plenty of programs to help new international students get familiar with their life in Sydney. Visit the International Student Welcome Centre to book a Cultural Mentor who will help you settle in.
Head to The Nucleus: Student Hub located on level 2 of the main library to take an ID photo and get your UNSW student card when you arrive. Remember to bring your passport when getting a student ID. You will use this card for identification, building access and borrowing books from the library.
Check out how to get a student ID card below.
Once you have your student ID, you can set up your student login to access UNSW online portals and software. Below is a checklist for you to start with.
An Opal card is a prepaid card for public transport in New South Wales, such as trains, buses, light rails and ferries. You can choose to use an Opal card for public transport, or you can use your bank card instead. You can either apply an Opal card online or get it from most convenience stores or news agencies.
Remember to tap on and tap off when you trip to get the correct fare.
If you plan to work during your stay, you’ll need a Tax File Number (TFN). This will be your personal reference number in Australia’s tax and superannuation system.
It is free to apply for a TFN and you should keep this number in a safe place when you have it.
Unfortunately, there are a small number of people who try to take advantage of international students and other members of the public. At UNSW, we offer a range of resources and support services to help you avoid scams. Read through the information we’ve gathered on the most common scams currently circulating in Australia so you know what to look out for.
Explore why UNSW Sydney should be your first choice. Study at a global top 20 university.
It only takes a few simple steps to apply to UNSW. Follow our guide to start your application.
If you have any questions about studying at UNSW or your life in Sydney, contact us below. We’re here to help.