Things to do in your first week in Australia
1. Tax File Number (TFN)
TFN is required by both employers and banks. Failure to provide your TFN to banks as a student will result in annual account service payment to the banks. TFN will be posted to you by post, so make sure your postal address is correct and accessible.
Visit https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/tax-file-number/ to apply for your TFN for free.
Please note, you only receive one unique TFN in your life time in Australia. It doesn’t change, even if your move from temporary visa to permanent or even become a citizen
2. Bank account
The three big banks with easily accessible ATM are Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, NAB. You can register with any one.
Please notify the cashier that you are student when opening your account and that you just applied for your TFN. They will inform you to notify them of TFN once received so that you will not be charged annually.
3. Enrollment
Try to attend the orientation day of your college or University to farmilarize yourself with the environment. Also, make sure you complete your enrollment by the due date, failure to do this can result in cancellation of your enrollment, which might result in cancellation of your visa.
4. Transportation
The general means of transportation in Brisbane is by train, ferry (Citycat) and buses.
To access the train, ferry and buses you need a GoCard. You need to buy a GoCard for $10 and put some credit in it.
You can get easily the GoCard at any train station and some retail outlets. If you are a student, you need to register your GoCard with Translink receive a concession on your adult GoCard. (https://mobile.gocard.translink.com.au/webtix/tickets-and-fares/go-card/online/concession/step-one)
Please try and register your card as difference in fares can be as much as $2 plus.
If you are in need of a GoCard please meet with Ushering & Integration Team of RCCG Jesus Worship Centre, Brisbane Queensland.
5. Groceries shopping
Believe it or not, getting groceries of your choice can be sometimes challenging. The normal groceries can be bought from Woolworths, Coles and Aldi.
If you need Asian and African groceries you will need to visit Inala. Inala is also a good place to buy cheap meat and fishes.
6. Accommodation
For singles, you can easily get shared accommodation ranging from $120-200 per week, internet and electricity inclusive.
If you are married, we will advice that you get at least 2 -3 bedrooms apartment in order to have your privacy. This can range between $170 – 400 per week, depending on your taste.
But we list the suburbs where you can get cheap accommodation.
- Durack
- Oxley
- Richlands
- Doolandella
- Ellen Grove
- Forest Lake
- Acacia Ridge
- Redbank
- Redbank plains
- Wacol
- Collingwood Park
7. Jobs
As a student, you will need a job to pay your bills if you are self sponsored. Even if you are on scholarship, we will encourage you to find a job to do, even if it is just once a week. It will give you the opportunity of meeting people and knowing the city and their culture.
The 2 main search engines for jobs in Australia are Seek (www.seek.com.au) and Indeed (www.indeed.com.au). If you like to know how and when to submit your CV through Seek or Indeed, please send an email to admin@rccgvictorychapel.com.au
It is important to mention that one of key requirements in getting a job in Australia is your driver’s license. We hope you brought your international drivers license and we hope it is still valid.
Having a car before or after you get a job is important but if you don’t have much on you, please do not buy a until you have some income coming in.
Also, when you are ready to buy a car, we have people who can assist in assessing the car.
If you need guidance on the job search please contact admin@rccgvictorychapel.com.au