G'day,

Welcome to Australia - you made it. Here are some important things to do in the first few days in your new home. 

• Ensure you activate your OSHC card as per the instructions on the certificate (if you have not done so already)
• Collect your bank card or open a student bank account if you have not already. You will need to provide information including passport, visa copy and any other documents that may be requested. Check out some common banks: Commbank, ANZ, Westpac and NAB, or compare HERE
• Come and pick up your Circles.Life free sim card at reception

Now, let’s get you ready for your upcoming orientation day. Please follow the steps below carefully:

Step 1: Take an online placement test as soon as possible. Click on the following link to start. Please do not use any help and/or online resources. The test is not meant to be perfect, we simply want to place you in the right class so you get the best of your studies with us.

PLEASE NOTE

If you have completed a placement test with Greenwich College in the past 6 weeks, or if you are starting a closed course (Cambridge, EAP, IELTS), you do not need to take the placement test again

Step 2: You must complete the online registration by clicking on the following link.

Step 3: You must email us your profile photo to student.qld@greenwichcollege.edu.au so we are able to create your Digital Student Card*.

*Your photo must be clear and have a plain white background. Make sure your eyes are open and not obstructed by hair or glasses.

You are now all set with the basics and ready to attend your orientation day at Greenwich College. We cannot wait to welcome you. So what is next?

The big day is almost here. In order to make your orientation day as smooth as possible, please make sure you know the below details. 

Your Orientation will be on the Monday of the commencement date of your course with us.

Find out where your Greenwich College orientation campus is located. Click here to access Google maps.

• Your passport
• Pen and notebook
• Water
• Excitement and good mood

Have you done your online placement test and online registration?

Have you sent your profile photo to student services to request your student card?

Have you read the welcome emails from Greenwich College?

Have you located your orientation campus and know when and how to get there?

If you answered yes, you are all set for your orientation day. 

If still in doubt, check out our student handbook with useful information about Greenwich College and Australia.

Don’t worry, we are not going to leave you to it at this stage. Below are some useful tips to find your feet in Australia. Enjoy the process.

• If you intend to work in Australia, you will need to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN). Applying for a TFN is free and you can apply online here. Please note, you will need an Australian address and other documents to apply.
• Find a permanent place to live: This can be difficult at times depending on the time of year. It is definitely wise to put some extra money aside for accommodation for your first days in Australia if you have not booked or found anything yet. There are many resources online you can use to find a place such as Flatmates, Gumtree, Realestate and Domain. There are also many different groups on Facebook where you can search for a place and/or get advice from others, even in your language.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• common accommodation types include homestay, renting and/or sharing a unit (flat), room or house
• accommodation in the city closer to our campuses is generally more expensive, but you will also save money for transport (depending on your city, public transport costs range between $31 and $87 per week)
• when inspecting property, make sure you ask if the rent includes bills (internet, gas, electricity, water etc.) or not 
• once you have found a place you like, find out about the notice period and bond (deposit)
• never pay anything without having signed an agreement and avoid any cash payments
• record the state of your rented space when moving in and communicate any existing damages to the agency/ owner
• for any furniture and other homeware, check out marketplace and gumtree 

If you encounter any problems, find the right contacts here: ACCC

And to keep you safe and sound, here are some additional things to be aware of:

• Watch out for scams: these are usually text messages, emails and/or calls that require you to provide your details. Remember: never provide your details or transfer money to unknown people. Block any suspicious emails, messages and/or calls and report these. 
• For public transport, always tap on and tap off (scan your travel card on the reader).

Thank you for taking the time to read through this information. You are ready to start your classes and we wish you a wonderful time here at Greenwich College. Watch out for some news and updates landing in your inbox in the next weeks. You will smash this!

If you have any questions, we are here to assist you. Simply contact us at student.qld@greenwichcollege.edu.au

We look forward to welcoming you to campus!

Student Services Team