Student Survival Guide
Setting Up Your Life
Healthcare
Having access to healthcare is important as you make your way through university. Familiarise yourself with your closest pharmacy or medical clinic so you are able to get the help you need. If you are an international student you are required to have an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Allianz: allianzcare.com.au/en.html
Bupa: bupa.com.au
Medibank: medibank.com.au
Setting Up a Bank Account
Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, NAB, Bank of Melbourne are some of the most commonly used banks among university students. Utilise their online apps to carry out all of your online banking needs.Mobile Plan
There are three main providers of mobile plans in Australia. Have a look at the different plans using these websites at your convenience:
Optus: optus.com.au
Telstra: telstra.com.au
Vodafone: vodafone.com.au
NBN & Broadband Internet
If you need to set up wifi for your new home, all three of the major mobile providers also provide packages with broadband. Be sure to check with the company that your area has aconnection first!Access to Free Wifi
Your university will provide you with free wifi via your student name and password on its specified network. Use Eduroam when you’re visiting other university campuses! Take note of the public places that offer free wifi such as: State Library, Melbourne Central, Bourke Street Mall, and so much more.SOS
For any emergencies, please dial 000.Setting Up Your Life
Meal prep, meal prep, meal prep!
Make a bit extra for dinner and keep it in a container for an easy, grab-and-go lunch before class the next day. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, grab a FREE Woolworths food magazines for some meal prep inspo.Repurposing with Purpose
Save your jam or tomato sauce jars for housing all those knick knacks you will collect over the year. These also make great DIY cups, or flower pots.Shop Locally, and in Bulk
Bulk stores, discounted produce, market places, homebrand items, and ‘the Odd Bunch’ give you great opportunities to be eco-conscious, reduce your waste, and get great groceries for your meal prepped week.Extra Tip
Check if your regular supermarket has a rewards program every time you shop! Many of them will give you free deals and discounts when you’ve gathered enough points.Accommodation
Moving to Melbourne and away from home can sometimes be overwhelming. Planetshakers College has limited accommodation options. This predominantly a shared room set up, but there are options for a single room (at a higher price). Rooms are within walking distance from the College.
If these options are not suitable for your situation, Planetshakers College can attempt to assist. Most students tend to find housing together, so please let us know if you are looking for a place to live and we can point you in the right direction.
Getting Around with PTV
What is a Myki Card and where do I get one?
The Myki Card is your lifeline to all public transport in Melbourne. This includes trains, trams and buses. You can easily get a card at any Myki machine situated at train stations or major tram stops, on board a bus, 7-Eleven stores or any retailer that has a Myki sign displayed. Download the free PTV app to plan future journeys, top up your Myki card, and get notified on any travel changes.
For International Students
If you’re an international student, you are eligible to apply for the International Undergraduate Student Education Pass (iUSEpass), saving you $870 on public transport travelling. Register for one here!
Trams
Yarra Trams are a quick and easy way to get around Melbourne. With a Free Tram Zone in Melbourne CBD, getting around Melbourne has never been easier.
City Circle Tram (FREE) Experience a ride on one of the city’s much loved heritage trams with an audio commentary providing details of the city landmarks and major attractions! Simply lookout for tram stops that are specially marked with a City Circle sign.
Buses
There are over 340 bus routes across Melbourne, servicing cross-suburban travel, CBD trips, connections to train stations, major shopping centres, and leisure and sporting venues.Trains
Metro trains are the city’s metropolitan rail network operator. It runs services seven days a week, across 222 stations, and 17 lines, covering Zones 1 & 2.Regional Travel
V/Line is regional Victoria’s largest train and bus provider. It covers transport between all of Victoria’s regional hubs and is a convenient way to transit between Melbourne and Geelong.Nightrider Bus
Running between Melbourne's CBD and the outer suburbs, this late night (1.30am to 5am) bus service is a safe and cheap alternative to get home after-hours. The NightRider allows you to alight anywhere along the route (simply inform your driver) even comes with a courtesy phone on board for you to arrange for a taxi pick-up from your drop off point.Next Steps
Apply today! Or for more information, submit a general enquiry for a member of our academic team to get in touch with you.
Australia
Australia
+61 490 554 179 (Whatsapp)
[email protected]
In partnership with
Provider Name: Sydney College Divinity
CRICOS Provider Name: Sydney College Divinity
CRICOS Provider Code: 02948J TEQSA
Provider ID: PRV12045