First Week in Sydney Checklist for International Students

Before You Land: What to Confirm in Advance

Make sure your accommodation is confirmed and you have clear instructions for how to reach it from the airport. Whether you are staying in homestay, a student residence, or with friends, know the address, the access arrangements (key code, contact number), and how long the journey takes.

Save a few key phone numbers in your phone before your flight — your UEC student services contact, your accommodation host or manager, and a general emergency number. In Australia, emergency services are reached on triple zero (000).

Carry some Australian cash when you arrive. While Sydney is largely card-friendly, having AUD $50–$100 in cash for the first day covers transport from the airport, small purchases, and tipping if needed in some hotels. You can exchange currency at the airport (rates are usually not great) or at a bank or currency exchange in the city once you arrive.

Day 1: Airport Arrival and Getting Settled

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) is located in Mascot, approximately 8–12 km south of the CBD. The Airport Link train connects the international terminal to the city in about 13 minutes, stopping at stations including Domestic Airport, Green Square, Central, Town Hall, and Wynyard. A single trip from the international terminal to the city costs around AUD $19–$22 (this fee includes a special airport station charge). Purchase an Opal card at the airport newsagent or use a contactless bank card to tap on and off.

Taxis and rideshare services (Uber, DiDi) are available from the ground floor of the international terminal. A taxi to the CBD typically costs AUD $40–$60 depending on traffic. This may be more convenient if you have heavy luggage or are going directly to a homestay address outside the train network.

Once you arrive at your accommodation, rest if you need to. Your first day does not need to be packed with activities. Focus on unpacking, eating a proper meal, and getting your bearings. If you are in homestay, your host family will typically help you settle in.

Day 1–2: Get an Australian SIM Card

Getting an Australian SIM card early is a priority — it allows you to communicate with UEC, your accommodation, and new friends from your first days in Sydney. Major Australian carriers include Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone, plus budget MVNO brands like Woolworths Mobile, Boost, and Aldimobile.

Prepaid SIM plans are the most practical option for international students. Monthly prepaid plans typically cost AUD $15–$50 and include a data allocation, calls, and unlimited texts to Australian numbers. Optus and Telstra stores are located throughout the Sydney CBD and in major shopping centres.

Bring your passport when purchasing a SIM — Australian law requires identity verification for new mobile number registrations. Most stores can activate the SIM in a few minutes.

Day 2–3: Open an Australian Bank Account

Having an Australian bank account makes managing your finances significantly easier — rent payments, employer bank transfers, and everyday purchases are smoother with a local account. Most major Australian banks allow international students to open accounts, and many offer accounts with no monthly fees for students.

The "big four" Australian banks — Commonwealth Bank (CommBank), Westpac, ANZ, and NAB — all have student account options. Some allow you to open an account online before arriving in Australia; others require an in-person visit with your passport. Visit a branch in the first week to complete setup and receive your debit card.

You will need your passport and sometimes your visa details or enrolment letter from UEC to open an account. Ask at UEC student services if you need a letter confirming your enrolment.

Day 2–3: Set Up Your Opal Card and Learn the Transport Network

The Opal card is Sydney's reusable contactless travel card, used on trains, buses, light rail, and ferries. Load credit at newsagents, 7-Eleven stores, train station machines, or online. You can also use a contactless Visa or Mastercard bank card or a digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay) to tap on and off.

Download the Opal Travel app or use Transport NSW's trip planner to learn the routes between your accommodation and UEC (203 Clarence Street, Sydney CBD). Key city stations near UEC are Wynyard (walk via King Street) and Town Hall (walk via Druitt or Market Street).

Understand the daily and weekly fare caps — once your Opal spending reaches the daily cap (currently AUD $17.80 on weekdays), travel is free for the rest of the day. The weekly cap means Sundays are significantly cheaper or free if you've already hit the weekly limit.

Day 1–5: UEC Orientation and First Classes

UEC holds student orientation sessions for new students starting each week. Orientation covers campus facilities, timetables, student services, welfare contact, attendance requirements, and school rules. If you have not already received details from UEC about your orientation time, contact student services before your start date.

On your first day of class, arrive a few minutes early. You will likely complete or confirm a level placement test to ensure you are in the right English class. If you feel your class level does not match your ability after the first couple of lessons, speak to an academic coordinator — it is normal to make small adjustments.

Introduce yourself to your teachers and classmates in the first week. UEC's student body includes students from more than 130 countries — the first week of class is one of the best opportunities to form international friendships that often last well beyond your study period.

Full First Week Checklist

☐ Confirm accommodation address and access details before departure. ☐ Carry AUD $50–$100 cash for arrival day. ☐ Purchase or activate an Australian SIM card. ☐ Get an Opal card or set up contactless payment for transport. ☐ Learn the route between your accommodation and UEC. ☐ Open an Australian bank account (visit a branch with your passport). ☐ Register with UEC student services and attend orientation. ☐ Save key phone numbers: UEC welfare officer, accommodation host, emergency (000). ☐ Download useful apps: Opal Travel, Google Maps, your bank's app. ☐ Explore your local neighbourhood on foot — locate the nearest supermarket, pharmacy, and public transport stop. ☐ If under 18: confirm your homestay welfare contact is registered with UEC.

Many students also find it useful to locate the nearest Medicare office if they hold a visa that includes Medicare access (some bilateral healthcare agreement countries). Similarly, if you have prescription medications, identify a local pharmacy and GP clinic in your first week — it is much easier to do this proactively than in an emergency.

Give yourself permission to take the first week at a steady pace. Some students feel overwhelmed by the volume of new information; this is normal. Focus on the essentials above, attend your classes, and the rest of Sydney life will become familiar quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions