Arrival and Settling-in Preparations
Money, airport pickup, public transport, accommodation and getting connected - what to organise in your first weeks in Perth.
Preparing Finances
Living costs, cash and cards
Most students need around AU$20,000 (excluding tuition fees) each year to cover their living expenses. It is advisable that you have some cash with you for the initial expenses upon arrival, but do not carry large amounts of cash. See the DoHA Document Checklist Tool (homeaffairs.gov.au). Details on how to provide the required evidence to cover the costs of your study, travel, stay and living expenses can be found at Subclass 500 Student visa (homeaffairs.gov.au).
Currency exchange is convenient in Australia. It can be done within all banks during business hours. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are available throughout Australia and are open 24 hours. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted credit cards.
Opening a bank account in Australia after your arrival is important. The most effective way to receive money from overseas is via a bank account. Students must open a bank account as soon as possible once they arrive in Perth.
International students living in Australia for more than six months, or who will earn money or interest from bank accounts, must obtain a tax file number. Tax file numbers can be obtained from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Airport Pickup & Public Transport
Airport pickup
All international arrivals to Perth are via Perth Airport. Perth's International Airport is located 12 kilometres, or a 20 minutes' drive, from the city centre of Perth. There are several transport options to take you to and from the domestic and international terminals.
You can make your own way to Perth's city centre via the Transperth bus service, bus number 935 (approximately AU$10 – AU$15 one-way trip), or a metered taxi (costing approximately AU$30 – AU$35 to the city centre).
Our college can arrange for you to be met at Perth International Airport and transferred to your arranged Perth accommodation if required. To request this service, you must complete the Arrival Services Form. There is a fee charged for this service.
Perth public transport
The cheapest and most convenient way for students to travel is by using the Tertiary SmartRider (transperth.wa.gov.au), which lets you travel at a discounted rate. Registration of your Tertiary SmartRider card is automatic - for more information, see Register SmartRider card.
Perth has a free bus service that operates around the central business district. Central Area Transit (CAT) buses are free - you may get on and off them as often as you like without paying a fare.
Accommodation & Living in Perth
Accommodation
New students often prefer to stay in temporary accommodation when they first arrive in Perth. This allows time to become familiar with the city and to find suitable permanent accommodation.
Our college will assist students in finding accommodation, with a small fee charged. What kind of accommodation you choose and where to live are important decisions you will make, and a number of options can be considered.
There are many private hostels in the city, offering a furnished bedroom, shared bathroom, living and leisure areas. Some hostels provide meals, while others provide kitchen facilities. Computer facilities may also be available. Weekly prices range from AU$150 – AU$380 (extra costs may include payment of a bond).
Accommodation is usually offered on a three, six (one semester), or 12-month basis. Students are advised to arrange hostel accommodation before they arrive in Australia.
Campus Perth is the newest student accommodation, located at 80 Stirling Street in Perth CBD. You will find yourself within a 15-minute walk from Contempo College, or you can hop on the CAT buses for a free drop-off at the closest stops. Student Accommodation in Downtown Perth | Campus Perth
Mobile phones
There are several major mobile service providers that offer pre-paid or contract services. It can be as cheap as AU$30 per month for phone and internet services.
Note: not all overseas mobile phones work in Australia. Before bringing a mobile phone into Australia, check that it is compatible with Australian networks.
City of Perth
Perth is a vibrant city. The official visitor website, City of Perth | Visit Perth, provides full information about life and events in and around the city.
We Serve Students Globally
Contempo College welcomes students from across the world to Perth, Australia. Our diverse community of learners comes from over 35 countries, creating a rich multicultural learning environment.