Pre-Departure Guidelines
Your checklist for a smooth transition from home to Perth - documents, flights, packing and customs.
Pre-Departure Checklist
In order to have a smooth transition from home to Perth, you should prepare for the following.
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01
Obtain your passport and visa (the passport must not expire until six months after the visa).
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02
Book flights, travel insurance and collect your ticket.
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03
Arrange airport pickup and accommodation through your agency or the school's International Services.
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04
Check customs regulations - Can you bring it in? (abf.gov.au)
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05
Have your medical check-ups.
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06
Bring enough money to cover expenses for the first week after arrival, and have access to AU$1,500 - AU$3,500 via credit card or bank draft to establish yourself.
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07
Read the International Student Pre-Departure Handbook 2026.
Download PDF
Important documents to bring with you
Booking the flight
You are advised to book your flight to Perth immediately upon receiving your student visa. You should plan to arrive in Perth early, allowing enough time to find accommodation, organise finances and settle into your new environment prior to attending enrolment (details regarding enrolment can be found in the offer letter).
Late enrolment often means you have no choice of class times and you may miss out on vital program orientation activities carried out at Contempo College. If you cannot arrive by the commencement date indicated in your offer letter, you must immediately contact the College and seek permission to arrive late.
What to pack
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The essentialsPerth's four distinct seasons require a flexible wardrobe. You will need clothes suitable for hot, warm and cool daytime and night time temperatures ranging from 13 to 45 degrees Celsius.
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Everyday clothingThere is no uniform dress code at Australian colleges. Most students dress informally in clothes such as jeans, T-shirts, pullovers/jumpers, sweaters, casual shirts and sports shoes.
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Electronics & adaptorsThe voltage used in Australia is 220-240 volts AC and the sockets for plugs are three-pinned. Adaptors can be bought in Australia for approximately AU$15 - AU$40.
What not to pack
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Prohibited itemsDo not bring animal or plant products (e.g. dried meats or seafood, seeds, herbs and spices) as these are against Australian customs regulations.
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Other people's bagsNever agree to bring a bag or other items to Australia for someone else, as it may contain something illegal and you will be held accountable for it.
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Customs regulationsAustralia's quarantine laws are very strict and many foodstuffs, plants, animal products and some medicines may not be brought in. The import of drugs, guns, weapons and pets is prohibited, with severe penalties for bringing prohibited substances into Australia. Can you bring it in? (abf.gov.au)
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.