Your first 30 days in Brisbane
A calm, practical checklist for arriving students in Brisbane: housing, money, a phone, and health cover, in the order you’ll actually need them.
See live housing near Brisbane →Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you use them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. We only list options we’d point a friend to.
Before you fly
Line up a room or a roommate through listings and curated posts. Video-tour before paying anything.
Open an Australian bank account. You can usually start the application before you fly and collect the card with your passport after you arrive.
Set up an eSIM so you have data the moment you land.
Airalo: eSIM data plans — View offer →
Your first week
Move in, sign the lease, and keep all receipts.
Send your first rent or deposit safely with a low-fee transfer.
Wise: send money abroad — View offer →Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a visa condition. Confirm your policy is active for your whole stay.
Settling in
Learn the transit and grocery basics around Brisbane.
Meet your roommates’ networks. Most rooms get found by word of mouth.