As mentioned in a previous post, moving to Australia I had next to nothing set up for my arrival bar my flight, visa and my stash of cheap Vietnamese medicines and toiletries (I could have probably started up a pharmacy). In my first week I could have really done with a to do list of everything I needed to sort.
So here it is. A list of how to start up a new life in Australia for those considering a move down under. Having now been here three weeks, everything is now starting to fall into place, and though the thought of organising everything seems a little daunting, I'm here to tell you it really really isn't.
SIM card
Get one of these ASAP, just so when you're making friends it's easier! And also so potential employers can give you a ring.
Bank account
Make sure to set up a bank account in your first few days too. This takes two minutes and all you need to do is go into a branch with your passport. I'm no bank expert, but I'm with Commonwealth Bank and they seem pretty alright. It's worth having doing a little research before you get out here.
Housing
Book into a hostel for your first week or so. It's the best way to meet new people and it's a lot of fun. Though it can be a little more expensive, and most nights you will have to drink through the hangover from the previous night, you'll meet so many like-minded people. And you could end up finding people that you want to rent somewhere cheaper with. For me, having stayed in way too many hostels over the past months, I was craving unpacking and a living room where I could sloth in front of a TV. Ten days and I was all moved in.
Gumtree was the best way to find somewhere, and we have definitely struck lucky with our two bed flat. So much so, we even bartered down the price and almost feel a little bad at how cheap we got it. One thing is that most of my friends have bills included, however we don't. So it depends on what you want.
Tax file number
Apply for this in your first few days in Australia. It's simple and takes 5 minutes and enables you to work here. You can however have up to 28 days before an employer needs it, but it's always good to get it done sooner rather than later.
Job
Again gumtree is fab. Unlike England where I always thought gumtree was about selling random shit, there are so many jobs advertised. Most of them you just need to upload a CV rather than a cover letter as well, which I feel are so time wasting. I have no passion for waitressing...just gimme the dollar.
Hospitality seems to be where all the jobs are at now it's coming into the summer season. Though, I was adamant I never wanted to be a waitress after my £3.60 an hour village pub days, the wages are great. I'm working Melbourne Cup on the public holiday for $50 an hour! Take that village pubs.
Medicare
Having a Medicare card means you can see a doctor for free. All you need to do is to go to a Medicare office with your Australian bank details and passport, and then it's all set up.
Friends
Be prepared to drink a lot, sacrifice your me time and, especially if you're in Melbourne, bump into people from home you haven't seen in years. A bit weird but quite cool.
Library
I'd got my library card before I'd found a house or a job! It's definitely worth getting one. Unlike in Asia, a lot of places you have to pay for wifi here (madness) so the library is a good place to get internet access for applying for jobs and flat hunting.
Hard rubbish
When kitting out a flat that isn't fully furnished, roam the streets. So far, we've found a couple of bed side tables, some chairs and a shoe rack. I got told Thursday was the day in Melbourne that people put out there unwanted stuff. Gumtree again is a saviour. We got the worlds biggest TV from here for free, and though it was the size of a baby elephant, we somehow managed to get it home in a taxi.
After a few weeks, everything does fall into place. Though it seems like a bit of a stress, setting everything up is all part of the fun. So just go with it. It will all work out in the end.
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