Welcome To Sydney!

Sydney’s public transport network includes trains, light rail, buses and ferries. It’s easy to jump on board with contactless payments available on all forms of transport.

If your bank card shows the contactless symbol you can use it to pay for your travel. American Express (AMEX), Mastercard and Visa credit or debit cards are accepted.

You can also use an Opal card, a smartcard for public transport. Use it to pay for travel on public transport in Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, the Hunter and Illawarra regions.

Make sure you tap your debit or credit card or Opal card when you get on and off public transport in Sydney.

Buy one over the counter from Opal retailers, including convenience stores and newsagents. Add value before you travel and tap on and off to pay your fare.

Understanding Your OSHC Policy

1. Coverage Details: Familiarise yourself with what your OSHC policy covers. This typically includes visits to the doctor (GP), some hospital treatments, ambulance services, and limited pharmaceuticals.

2. Policy Duration: Your OSHC should cover the entire duration of your student visa.

Finding a Doctor or Medical Service

1. GP Visits: For most medical issues, your first point of contact should be a General Practitioner (GP). You can find a GP who "direct bills" (see point 3) or one nearest to you.

2. Specialists and Hospitals: If you need specialised treatment, a GP will usually give you a referral to see a specialist or admit you to a hospital.

Billing Process

1. Direct Billing: Some GPs and medical centres have direct billing arrangements with OSHC providers. This means they can bill the insurance company directly, and you may not have to pay upfront.

2. Pay and Claim: If the medical provider does not have a direct billing arrangement, you will need to pay for the service and then claim reimbursement from your OSHC provider.

Making a Claim

1. Claim Process: To claim a refund, you will typically need to submit a claim form to your OSHC provider, along with the receipt or invoice from the healthcare provider.

2. Online Claims: Many OSHC providers allow you to submit claims online or through their mobile app, making the process more convenient.

Pharmaceutical Benefits

1. Prescription Medication: OSHC usually covers a portion of the cost of prescription medicines. You will pay a co-payment for the medication, and the insurance covers the rest up to a certain amount.

Emergency Services

1. Ambulance Cover: In many cases, OSHC policies cover the cost of emergency ambulance services. It's important to check if this is included in your policy.

Understanding Exclusions and Waiting Periods

1. Policy Exclusions: Be aware of what is not covered by your OSHC. This may include certain dental, optical, and physiotherapy services.

2. Waiting Periods: Some treatments may have a waiting period before you can claim the benefits.

Renewing or Changing OSHC

1. Policy Renewal: Ensure your OSHC is renewed on time if you extend your stay in Australia.

2. Changing Providers: If you are not satisfied with your current OSHC provider, you have the option to change providers, but you must always maintain continuous health cover.

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Lease Agreement

1. Understanding the Contract: Ensure you fully understand the terms of the lease agreement before signing. This includes rent amount, lease duration, and conditions for renewal or termination.

2. Bond/Security Deposit: Typically, landlords require a bond (security deposit) which is usually equal to four weeks' rent. This should be lodged with the state's fair trading agency, not kept by the landlord.

Condition Report

1. Property Inspection: Before moving in, conduct a thorough inspection of the property and note any existing damages or issues. This condition report can protect you from being wrongly charged for pre-existing damages when you move out.

Repairs and Maintenance

1. Landlord Responsibilities: The landlord is responsible for maintaining the property in a livable condition and for fixing any major problems, such as plumbing or electrical issues.

2. Requesting Repairs: If repairs are needed, notify your landlord in writing. They are required to respond and address significant issues within a reasonable timeframe.

Privacy and Property Access

1. Notice for Entry: Landlords must provide notice (usually 24 hours) before entering the property, except in emergencies.

2. Privacy Rights: As a tenant, you have the right to enjoy the property peacefully and without unnecessary intrusions.

Rent Increases and Evictions

1. Controlled Rent Increases: Rent can only be increased at intervals specified in the lease and with proper notice. Check the local state laws for specific rules.

2. Eviction Process: Eviction must follow a legal process, including formal notices and appropriate timeframes. A landlord cannot evict a tenant without a valid reason and must follow the legal procedure.

Ending a Lease

1. Notice Period: If you intend to leave, you must provide the landlord with the required notice period as mentioned in your lease agreement.

2. Breaking a Lease: Breaking a lease early can result in penalties. Understand the conditions and potential costs before making such a decision.

Dispute Resolution

1. Resolving Disputes: If disputes arise with your landlord, try to resolve them amicably. If that fails, each state in Australia has a tribunal service (like the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal) for resolving rental disputes.

Understanding Local Laws

1. State-Specific Laws: Tenancy laws can vary by state in Australia. Familiarise yourself with the laws specific to New South Wales (NSW), where Sydney is located.

Support Services

1. Tenant Support Services: There are services and organisations that offer advice and support to tenants, such as Tenants' Advice and Advocacy Services in NSW.

One of the perks of working as a student in Australia is that you are allowed to work part-time. This part-time job can be in any field and you have lots of options you can explore (retail, hospitality, health, etc).

A good way to start your job search journey is to look out for job openings in popular retail outlets like Woolworths, Coles, BWS, Kmart, and Target. They usually hire many applicants during the Christmas season.

If you’re looking into internships or entry-level opportunities, there are a few websites you can start looking into:

1. Employability Connect

2. GradAustralia

3. GradConnection

4. ReadyGrad

5. Ribit

FInd Out More On Our Freshers Guide Careers Page