Tips for students who are new to Sydney: What you need to know

Moving to Sydney is extremely exciting, however, there is a lot to think about – particularly if you are coming internationally. At Be.Accommodation it is important to us that all our residents are equipped with all they need for their year at university. Here are a few tips that will help you kickstart your year the right way!

Find accommodation before you come

First, and foremost, finding the right student accommodation can help you settle into Sydney easily and quickly. It is not just about having a place to stay when you arrive, as you will be asked to fill in your intended residential address in Australia on your Australian Incoming Passenger Card. Be.Accommodation can become your safe haven, we are located near some of the best universities in Sydney, and offer a safe and friendly environment for students to live and learn in.

Exchange cash

It is important to exchange some AUD cash from the bank in your home country or have access to a bank card that can be used in Australia. These things can take a while to set up and get settled with, so in the meantime try to bring $500 to $1000 in cash to get you through the first couple of weeks. This is because international transfers often take several businesses days, and it can take one to two weeks for you to get your bank card from an Australian bank. Having this organised before you arrive will save you time and stress.

Bring the right clothing

In Sydney you will experience all temperatures, from cold winters to very hot summers. So, pack a variety of cool summer clothes, like t-shirts and shorts, and warm winter clothes, in particular a warm jacket. Also, don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and other sun protection, as the Sydney sun can be harsh on your skin.

Don’t forget the important documents

Print any important documents and bring them when you come to Sydney, including the offer from the university you will be attending, Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and VISA Granted Letter. By bringing these documents with you, customs check will be an easier process. You will likely need to do some business such as banking in the first few days in Sydney, so by bringing printed copies of important documents will save you a lot of time.

There is a lot to see and do in Sydney

Once you have arrived, and settled into the student accommodation, it is time to explore the town. Sydney is home to many of Australia’s star attractions, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. It also boasts a non-stop calendar of events, including world-class sporting events, the iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks, and endless dining options.

Public transport is the easiest way to get around

Sydney’s public transport includes trains, buses, ferries, and the light rail, and you will need an Opal card to use it – luckily as a student, you can apply for a concession card which gives you discount rates. You can use your Opal card on the transport network extending beyond the city to the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Hunter, Illawarra, and Southern Highlands regions surrounding Sydney.

At Be. Accommodation, it is important to us that our residents have all they need to prepare for their time in Sydney. What is wonderful about our cheap student accommodation Sydney students love, is the location, safety, and wonderful community. For more information contact us on +61 2 9167 9356.