Pure experience, it would have been great to know these before coming to Australia.

Studying abroad, many people think that once they receive an offer, everything will be smooth sailing. They just grab their suitcase and go, only to realize upon arrival that not doing research in advance is really not ideal! For students starting in the fall of 2024, it's important to learn from the experiences of those who have been through it. Firstly, let's talk about booking flights: • For students departing from Beijing and Shanghai, I highly recommend Australian Airlines, as they offer direct flights to major cities in Australia. Cathay Pacific and China Eastern Airlines are also good options. • For students departing from Guangzhou, you can choose China Southern Airlines, which offers direct flights to Australia. After arrival, you can take an airport bus that goes directly to the city center. ✅Pro tip: Make sure to fill out the immigration card correctly. Also, note that different cities have different immigration checkpoints, so be careful not to end up in the wrong line. Next, let's discuss getting a SIM card for your phone: The three major telecom operators in Australia are Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. You can get a SIM card at the airport upon arrival, but there's no rush to sign a long-term contract. During the back-to-school season, there are usually promotions, so you can compare the offers later. Opening a bank account is a must: Australia does not allow carrying large amounts of cash upon entry, so it's necessary to open a bank account. The most commonly used banks for international students are Commonwealth Bank and ANZ Bank, which have many branches, including on campus. Shopping in Australia: When coming to Australia, you don't need to bring a lot of things as you can buy almost everything here. • Food supermarkets: Woolworths and Coles. • General supermarkets: Big W, Target, COSTCO. • Small home appliances: Kmart. • Asian supermarkets: You can find food from different Asian countries and regions. • Pharmacy and beauty stores: Chemist Warehouse (a paradise for shopping), My Chemist, Priceline. Daily transportation: Transportation cards and fares vary in different states. The most common modes of transportation are buses, trains, and trams. ⚠️Note: Buses don't announce each stop, and not all stops are made. Make sure to request your stop in advance. Also, never try to evade fares, as the fines are hefty. In case your card doesn't work, explain the situation to the ticket inspector, and they will let you swipe again.