The first few weeks in a new country are a blur of admin. Opening a bank account, getting a local SIM, applying for a Tax File Number, and figuring out public transport all compete for your attention at once, usually while you are also jet lagged and trying to find your way around campus or a new suburb.

This section walks through the essentials in the order most people actually need them: banking, phone plans, Medicare and OSHC claims, your Tax File Number, transport cards, and settling into share housing or student accommodation. Work through it in your first two to three weeks and the rest of your move gets a lot easier.