Online Orientation for International Students

Helpful information about coming to Australia and studying in Armidale

Before leaving home

Before arrival at UNE, you should ensure the following tasks have been completed:

  • Arrange your accommodation in Armidale and receive a reply confirming your choice has been booked and paid for.
  • If you need to be collected from Armidale Airport, bus, or train station let us know at least 5 working days before your arrival. Include the date and time of your arrival by completing the online Arrival Form
  • Read your Offer of Admission letter to know when to arrive as you must attend Orientation.
Arriving at UNE

On arrival at UNE, you should ensure the following tasks have been completed:

  • Make a list of Subjects (units) to study in your first year. Research the units that are required or desired. Visit the UNE Course Handbook.

  • Visit UNE International upon arrival at UNE. We are located  in building C30 opposite Dixson Library.  Office Hours are 9:00am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.

  • If you have not already done so, register for your UNE user account and email by completing the online registration form. You must register for your UNE account before commencing your studies.

  • Complete your online enrolment. To enrol visit the 'Applying' web page or drop into the Student Central for help with your enrolment.

  • Pick up your Overseas Student Health Care (OSHC) card. You can pick up your OSHC card from UNE International reception.

  • Familiarise yourself with the National Code by visiting the Australian Government Department of Education Website. Visit Information on UNE's policies under the National Code for further information.

  • Make sure you are aware of your Student Visa Conditions. These conditions are listed on your Student Visa. For more information on Student Visa conditions, including conditions for family members visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Living in Armidale

Schooling for Children

Armidale's excellence in education is well recognised from pre-school to university level. Armidale has 9 public schools and 3 private (independent) Schools.

Finding a home in Armidale

There are always houses for rent in Armidale, though during the 4-6 weeks before semester starts there is a much higher demand for housing. When deciding to rent a house or unit, please take into consideration whether you will live on your own or with others, the cost of bond, furniture, electricity connection, phone connection and other setup costs.

Businesses and services

For information on local businesses and services visit the Armidale Business Chamber website.

Transport

For information on transport options to and from Armidale visit the Armidale Tourism website.

For information on bus services within Armidale visit the Edwards Coaches website.

If you intend on driving in Armidale you will need to visit Service NSW . Visit the Roads and Maritime website for further information.

Living in Australia

While you're in Australia, your principle focus will be on your studies. But your study experience will be more than just what you learn in class. Living in a foreign country gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a language and culture different to your own. Engage with the local community, meet people and socialise – it will broaden your education beyond the classroom and enrich your study experience in Australia.

While you are living in Australia there will be many new things you will need to get used to such as food, communication services (postal services, telephones etc) shopping and public holidays (e.g. Anzac Day).

For more information visit the Study in Australia website.

Culture

While you are in Australia it is important you experience the wide breadth of Australian culture from, sports, music, art and history.

For more information visit the Study in Australia website.

Safety

There are many aspects of safety you need to be aware of when living in Australia including:

  • Bush walking
  • Home security
  • Water safety
  • Fire
  • Personal Safety

For more information about safety in Australia please visit the Study in Australia website.

Money

It's easy for visitors to Australia to access money. For information including banking, ATMs, currency and shopping etiquette visit the Study in Australia website.

Schooling and dependent children

If you are bringing children aged between 5 and 18 years old with you to Australia under a dependent visa, as part of the condition of this visa, they will be required to attend school full-time.

For more information visit the NSW Government website.

Working in Australia

For information on working in Australia, including finding work, visa conditions and work rights visit the Study in Australia website.

Health

It's important that you look after your physical and mental health while studying.  For tips on nutrition, sexual health, mental health and accessing health services visit the Study in Australia website.

For information about your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) visit the Study in Australia website.

Driving in Australia

For information on: Driver's licenses, buying a car, alcohol and driving, seat belts, child restraints and road safety visit the Study in Australia website.