This Pre-Departure Checklist will help you to get organised.

MONEY AND TRANSFERRING FUNDS

You need to have sufficient money to cover the initial costs of establishing yourself. These expenses may include bond money for your accommodation and utilities (electricity, gas, telephone, etc.), furniture, food, transportation, stationery, books, etc. For such initial expenses you need to bring at least AUD$200 in cash and AUD$1500 in traveller's cheques, or a bank draft.

Note that it can take 5 days to clear a foreign bank draft.

When you arrive, you are advised to open an account with any of the banks on campus ANZ Bank, Commonwealth Bank or with the UNICOM Credit Union. Branches of other major Australian banks are also close to the University.

WHAT TO WEAR

On campus, students usually dress informally. Jeans or trousers with casual shirts (often T-shirts) or blouses and sneakers or running shoes are commonly worn. In summer, Australian students often wear shorts and thongs or sandals.

For winter extra warm clothes are needed: a jumper/sweater/pullover or sweat-shirt and a winter coat, and raincoat will be sufficient.

A suit and tie for men and appropriate dress or suit for women are necessary for some functions like formal dinners, graduation ceremonies, student dances or balls. For festive occasions, you may want to bring traditional dress and accessories.

OTHER ESSENTIAL THINGS YOU MIGHT NEED

a spare pair of spectacles or contact lenses and a current optical prescription
prescriptions for any regular medication
vaccination certificates.

OPTIONAL ITEMS

The following useful items are generally more expensive to buy in Australia:

personal audio or communications accessories
camera
laptop/notebook computer

Temporary visitors including students can bring such personal items as desktop or laptop computers and similar electronic equipment duty free into Australia provided Australian Customs is satisfied you are taking these items with you when you leave Australia.

Note: The standard voltage for electrical appliances in Australia is 240 volts. Electric plugs typically have 3 flat pins (one earth pin) - so you may need an adaptor, or to change your appliance plugs when you arrive; this is best done by an electrician

Quarantine Regulations

You need to be careful about what you can bring with you. Due to strict quarantine regulations, you must declare all foodstuffs (including fruit and nuts), animal or plant products you bring into Australia. Items you do not declare may be confiscated, your luggage may be quarantined for several weeks and, in some cases, may be destroyed. Other prohibited items include guns and other weapons, or drugs.

For further information about Australian quarantine, please refer to the AQIS 'What can't I take into Australia ' brochure or visit the AQIS website at: www.aqis.gov.au or www.customs.gov.au