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Preparing to Arrive

From visa grant to Institute orientation – the following information will ensure your arrival in Australia is quick and easy. Please visit the Australian Government, Study Australia site for the latest information on student arrivals, travel and visas, including covid-19 vaccine information.

Adelaide is one of Australia’s most affordable places to study with cost-of-living expenses more affordable compared to other developed countries or other Australian capital cities.

With a wide range of accommodation options, students may opt to take advantage of inner-city, student accommodation, experience living with an Australian Homestay Family, or share a house with like-minded students. Ironwood Institute is centrally located in the heart of the City with nearby transport networks which make for a hassle-free commute to classes.

It’s advisable to settle in as early as possible into your permanent living arrangements. You can choose from a range of accommodation options including temporary accommodation such as hotels, motels, youth hostels, and backpackers upon arrival, and permanent rentals for long-term living.

Study Adelaide states that Adelaide has quality student housing options to suit any budget. Adelaide Student Housing is Study Adelaide’s student accommodation portal for over 18-year-olds. The site has been designed to make it quick and easy for you to find, compare and apply directly to your preferred student housing provider in Adelaide, South Australia. 

 

University managed

Owned and managed by the Universities themselves, and only open to students that attend those individual Universities. Fully furnished rooms and inclusive of rent and utilities with a simple application process. Usually located on or very close to main University campuses.

 

Residential Colleges

Residential colleges have a focus on community with the pastoral and academic support of students. Choose from private study rooms with shared facilities to shared apartments with a lounge, kitchen, and bathroom. Residential colleges include all meals, furniture, and wireless internet.

 

Managed Housing

Living in managed housing is like renting your own place but in a property that has been specifically designed for students. Managed student housing generally comes fully furnished to save having to purchase items like in a private rental property. They often require you to sign a rental agreement but come with the support of having a dedicated student accommodation company managing them giving you peace of mind.

 

Purpose-built student accommodation

Think hotel for students. The accommodation has been purpose-built specifically for students. Located close to campuses with great facilities. Meals are not included, but properties and rooms have kitchens, common areas, student facilities, and more.

 

Student Hostel

Located in the suburbs around Adelaide, student hostels are like share houses specifically for students. You make your own meals, do your own washing, pay your own bills.

 

Private Rental

Self-managed is where students enter into a rental agreement with a landlord or property owner. Private rental offers maximum independence, and students will be responsible for total utility costs such as gas, water, electricity, and the internet, as well as meals. Options are available to rent properties that come with furnished, partly furnished, or not furnished at all.

Homestay

Homestay is when a student lives with a local Australian family in their home. It usually includes a furnished room and meals, and access to cooking and laundry facilities. Living in a homestay arrangement is great for students to improve their English language skills, and directly experience Australian culture and lifestyle.

 

Accommodation Questionnaire

Ask yourself these questions when you are looking at accommodation and what will work for you.

  • Do I want to live with other international students?
  • Do I want to live alone?
  • What is my budget?
  • How long will I stay?
  • Is it close to public transport?

 

Pricing Guide

  • Hostels and Guesthouses – $90 to $150 per week
  • Shared Rental – $85 to $215 per week
  • On-campus – $90 to $500 per week
  • Homestay – $235 to $325 per week
  • Rental – $165 to $440 per week
  • Boarding schools – $11,000 to $22,000 a year

Arriving in Adelaide

Adelaide international airport is approximately a twenty-minute taxi ride to the city.
Taxis are readily available at the designated taxi rank which is located to the left-hand side of the main terminal as you exit.

You may wish to arrange an airport pick-up service by contacting Student Services

Ironwood offers free airport pick-up and greets the student at the airport to provide the student with the desired level of support. You must submit an application form for free airport pickup to Ironwood at least 7 days before your arrival date in Australia and pickup is only available from Adelaide airport.

We have put together some information about arrival preparation and what you can expect when you arrive in Adelaide. We recommend all international students planning to study at Ironwood Institute review this information before coming to Australia.

  • It’s a good idea to become familiar with the customs and quarantine lawsof Australia before packing.
  • Australia has strict biosecurity and quarantine laws to keep foreign pests and diseases from entering the country. Read more about what you can and cannot bring into Australia.
  • Your economy air travel will cost between AUD$1,200 – AUD$2,000.
  • Arrange your travellers’ cheques and/or cash – we recommend that students bring a minimum of AUD$100 for on-arrival expenses and no more than AUD$5,000.
  • Photocopy or scan all of your documents and your passport, visa, travellers’ cheques, bank drafts, and any return air tickets – keep these separate from the originals, and leave a set safely at home.
  • You may wish to arrange accommodation or organise an airport pick-up service by contacting Student Services

The orientation program is designed to help prepare you for your studies at Ironwood Institute.

Ironwood offers an Orientation program to its newly enrolled students to help them to familiarise themselves with Ironwood’s expectations, rules and facilities, and introduce the social and cultural norms which overseas students need to be aware of while in Australia. Orientation is provided to each student at no additional charge to the student.

For the next Orientation Session please contact Student Services.

Before you jump on the plane, use this information to make sure you’re fully prepared for your journey to Adelaide.

Pre-departure preparation includes:

Travel arrangements: Book your ticket as soon as possible to obtain better rates and avoid the last-minute rush.

Travel insurance: See if your ticket provides you with insurance for yourself and your luggage, otherwise you may need to think of getting insurance for your journey.

Luggage bags: Buy better quality, light luggage bags with a locking facility. Keep items handy which you are to declare to Customs and Quarantine. Also, label your luggage clearly and keep a copy of your contact details inside it.

Personal effects: Carry adequate clothing as per the climate of the place of your campus. Do not bring food items animal products or plant products as most of them are not allowed entry into Australia. Food, animal, or plant products are required to be declared on your passenger card.

Have any necessary medical, dental and optical checkups:  Most Overseas Student Health Cover (OHSC) policies do not include dental or optical services.  As such these services in Australia can be quite expensive, and so it is a good idea to get yourself checked before coming to Australia.

Medicines: Medicines with doctor prescription may be allowed for a short duration. They are to be declared on your passenger card.

Passport size photographs: You may require some photographs on your arrival and carrying your latest photographs may help you.

Personal documents: Bring original or certified copies of your academic transcripts including IELTS, work reference, birth certificate, letter of offer and eCoE, and a copy of your visa application documents. Documents not in English should have a translated copy in English. Translation of a document page may cost you over AUD$35.  Keep your enrolment letter, eCOE, and contact details of your international office of education provider with you at all times once you have boarded your flight.

Other documents: Collect your passport with visa issue letter, airline ticket, and health insurance details.

Have at least $500 in cash: Cash will be important to pay taxi fares and buy food and other essentials when you first arrive before you can set up a bank account. Please note that if you are carrying more than $10,000 in cash into Australia, you must declare this to Customs (though we do not recommend you carry this much cash with you).

You must bring enough Australian currency in cash to meet your initial expenses and have access to AUD$2000 to AUD$3000 in traveller’s cheque/bank drafts in your name.

Pack your suitcase Make sure you pack clothes for the time of year you’re arriving. Adelaide winters are wet and cold (average daily maximum 16° Celsius, minimum 8° Celsius), while the summers are hot and dry (average daily maximum 28° Celsius, minimum 16° Celsius). At Ironwood, there is no dress code. Most students wear casual clothes on campus; for example, jeans, t-shirts, shirts, sweaters, blouses, and sneakers. However, you may also want to pack some more formal clothes, as well as any traditional cultural clothing, for special events.

Bringing others’ bags: Never bring other’s items or bags as they may contain something illegal. If you do so, you will be held accountable for it.

Check Australian Customs and Quarantine information: Australian biosecurity laws prohibit certain food and animal products from entering the country. To avoid fines or visa issues, it’s important you check what you’re allowed and not allowed to bring into Australia. Check out the Studying in Australia – Biosecurity guide from the Australian Government for more information about what you can bring (and send) to Australia

Consider your accommodation options: Accommodation includes University-managed properties, other student accommodation, and private rental properties. If you do plan on staying in private rental accommodation, we strongly advise against signing rental contracts before you arrive in Adelaide. It’s always best to inspect a private rental property in person and seek advice from the Student Service if you encounter any issues.

Advice on arrival in Australia:

Insiders Guide to Adelaide please download this great guide here (17MB)

Incoming passenger card: Read it carefully and enter the correct details. In case of doubt seek assistance from the Custom or Quarantine officer on duty. Follow the red or green channel as per your declaration on the card.

Duty-free goods: Visit www.customs.gov.au

Quarantine matters: Visit Customs & Quarantine for information on bringing food items, medicines, and animal products into Australia.

Permissible limit: For the latest information visit www.customs.gov.au

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