Your first 72 hours in Melbourne: find your footing before tackling everything

After a long flight, it is easy to feel you must do everything immediately: buy a SIM, open an account and find a home and job. I would set a different goal — make the first three days predictable. You need somewhere safe to sleep, communication, access to money and a clear route to classes. Everything else can be scheduled.

Day one: arrive and recover

Before boarding, check your booked accommodation’s address, late check-in arrangements and airport transport. Save the details offline. After arrival, do not commit to long-term arrangements simply because you are tired of comparing options.

Take your time with mobile service too. Compare the allowance, validity and renewal terms. Check whether your phone supports eSIM; an operator may require identity evidence. Confirm requirements with your chosen provider rather than relying on someone else’s experience.

I would reserve the evening for food, sleep and a brief message home. Exhaustion is not a good companion for financial decisions.

Day two: money and your neighbourhood

Check how to pay for purchases, your cards’ fees and the documents your chosen bank needs to open an account. There is no universal checklist for every bank; ask beforehand. Do not hand TFNs, passport copies or bank details to random “helpers”.

Locate groceries, a pharmacy and your route home. Where possible, avoid buying a complete furniture set immediately. Find out what is already supplied and what you will need after moving into longer-term accommodation.

Temporary accommodation can give you time to inspect longer-term options without pressure. Study Melbourne recommends this approach.

Day three: connect with your course and support

Try the journey to the actual building. Save an alternative for delays. Check payment arrangements and fares for the particular service with Transport Victoria.

Contact student services about orientation, learning-system access and anything required before your first class. These are not questions to leave until a deadline day.

Save Study Melbourne Hub details: 17 Hardware Lane, Melbourne. It supports international students settling in and provides appropriate referrals. Employment and housing support is available through its legal program.

You do not have to prove everything in three days

You need not immediately choose the “perfect” suburb or secure a job. Avoid unexplained money transfers and keep agreements and confirmations.

To me, a successful first 72 hours ends with a simple feeling: I know where I live, where to go tomorrow and whom to contact if something changes.

Checked on 13 September 2026. Confirm bank, operator and institution requirements directly.