It is likely that as a U.S. student preparing to venture off to a foreign country for further education, you’re feeling a bunch of different emotions. While some of those emotions may include excitement, curiosity and enthusiasm, they may coincide with emotions such as confusion, anxiousness and feeling stressed. There are some ways to ease this mix of emotions. By hiring professionals movers, a migrant agent, and other qualified persons as support and assistance, you’ll more liable to experience a smoother, less complicated relocation.
Obviously, there will be a lot that you’re held responsible for in regards to the relocation. Perhaps one of the most tedious tasks of them all is the act of collecting all the documents mandated by Australian law. This could take a few months to prepare and will need your direct attention considering there is a lot involved and an assortment of different types of paperwork and proof to gather before you can apply for a student visa with confidence.
Documents You’ll Need
- Passport (it mustn’t expire during the entire duration of the study program)
- Student visa relating to your study program or the type of education you’ll be receiving in Australia
- Offer letter, Acceptance letter, Confirmation of Enrolment Letter and all other formal documentation sent to you from your institution (scholarship letters are accepted)
- Documents outlining your academic history including transcripts, education and work qualifications, referrals, and any course outlines
- Formal identification papers (ex: Birth Certificate, Proof of Citizenship, credit cards, etc.)
- Medical and immunization records
- Receipts of valuable new goods
- Legal documents needed while in the nation
- Certified copies of your passport
- Valid Drivers License and/or an International Drivers License
How to Prepare for Relocation after Being Granted a Visa
After all has been completed in regards to your student visa and immigration approval, you’ll have other things you must do and prepare for the relocation before the big day arrives and you’re on your way over to the Land Down Under. With as much as there is to do beforehand, it’s wise to give yourself at least a few months to thoroughly prepare.
Student Housing
One of your biggest responsibilities involves finding housing nearby the facility or facilities that you’ll often attend. Whether you rent or buy, you must find somewhere to reside that suitably meets your needs and your budget. If you’re moving to the country under a scholarship, you may receive assistance with housing and other living expenses while you’re studying abroad. Make sure you look into the details of your scholarship and what it includes before you make any decisions on your own.
Housing in Australia isn’t the cheapest but you can certainly find something that is within your means if you dedicate time and research to this facet of your relocation. The average cost of housing for students in Australia is between $200 and $400 in U.S. currency or AUD$240 to AUD$500 a week in Australian currency depending on the size of your rental unit or home.
Figuring Out Your Living Expenses
Managing living expenses as a non-native student in Australia is often a struggle. To start off comfortably in the country, it’s recommended that you bring at least a couple thousand U.S. dollars. Of course, this money should be exchanged for Australian currency before you bring it over with you.
As a student in a foreign country, it might be hard for you to find a job. Often check career boards, online job sites, and Australian publications for job openings. There are plenty of jobs without any or much experience required. Around Australia’s educational facilities is where students can find employment easier. The privately owned stores, restaurants and retail shops around these campuses are often hiring students to fill part-time positions.
The cost of food, household items, clothes and entertainment are all relatively inexpensive around the campuses in Australia. It’s safe to say that the average student spends around AUD$200 aside from their housing, schooling and utility expenses. This figure heavily depends on the student’s spending habits and lifestyle.
Arranging to Transport Your Belongings
If you wish to ship some of your favorite belongings to Australia such as household goods, clothes, furniture and other such possessions, it’s best to hire an overseas mover for help. They’ll make sure all your stuff arrives safely and lawfully to your place of residence in the country. To have your stuff sent over, you must first comply with all import requirements so that you can earn the certificate of import approval through Customs. Australian import laws are more lenient than those of other nations. However, it’s wise to bring over as little as possible to cut the costs of moving services to Australia as well as the time it takes to comply with the import policies.
Written By:Joe Webster
Joe Webster began his journey in the auto transport field by attending the University of Southern California (USC), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Marketing.
After college, he started his career in the auto transport industry from the bottom up and has done virtually every job there is to do at A-1 Auto Transport, including but not limited to: Truck Driver, Dispatch, Sales, PR, Bookkeeping, Transport Planner, Transport Manager, International Transport Manager, Brokering, Customer Service, and Marketing. Working with his mentor Tony Taylor, Joe Webster has learned the ins and outs of this industry which is largely misunderstood.
With over 30 years experience in the industry, we've been helping people ship their vehicles, motorcycles, RV's, heavy equipment, household goods and more across the country or overseas without a hitch. Ask us anything.
