Joining us at UTS? Congratulations! Here are some tips to make sure your first few weeks in Sydney go smoothly.
Arriving in Sydney
Congratulations on receiving an offer to study at UTS!
After much anticipation, you’ll be travelling to Sydney soon. You might be excited or nervous, or something in between. But fear not, we are here to guide you through all the steps for your arrival in Sydney!
First, find out what documentation you will need to enter Australia. You can find the list of requirements on the Department of Home Affairs website. This will include evidence of your COVID vaccination status.
Be mindful that the requirements to enter Australia are always changing, so always check the Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date arrival information.
Arriving in Sydney airport
After you get off the plane, you will go through customs: make sure you have your passport and incoming passenger form ready!
Collect your baggage and proceed to quarantine inspection.
During your flight, you will receive a list of items that you will need to declare, such as certain foods that you might have with you.
If you fail to declare them, you risk getting fined or prosecuted.
Don’t be sorry, just declare it!
Don't be surprised if a dog and its handler approach you in the airport. They are checking people's luggage for prohibited items. The dogs are friendly, but just make sure you don't pat them while they are working!
Getting around Sydney
You can take a train, bus, taxi, or a rideshare - like Uber.
Download a public transport app to learn how to get around, especially if you’ve arranged accommodation outside the city centre.
To take public transport in Sydney, you can use your credit or debit card. Simply tap your card when you’re getting on and off - and you’re good to go!
Alternatively, you can get an Opal card. This is Sydney’s official public transport card. You can get these in convenience stores, news agents, or train stations around Sydney.
Once you’re settled in, don’t forget to let your embassy know you’ve arrived.
Visit your country’s embassy or consulate website to register yourself as a person living overseas in their jurisdiction – this will be useful later if you need to renew your passport or vote while you’re still in Sydney.
First day at UTS
Next, you can start preparing for your first day at UTS!
You can view your class times and locations in MyTimetable.
Make sure you log in to UTS Canvas before your first class. Your subject coordinator will post all your subject resources and information on UTS Canvas, so make sure you spend some time exploring it.
There is a lot to learn when you first move to a new country.
Make sure you register for the UTS Essential Advice for International Students session. You will learn all about settling -in in Sydney and at UTS, including tips on staying safe and managing your health and wellbeing - linked in description.
We wish you all the best at UTS!
Preparing to enter Australia
The Australian government has strict rules about what you can and cannot bring (opens external site) into Australia. Check these rules before you depart, and never carry any prohibited materials for anyone else.
There are severe penalties for bringing prohibited materials into Australia, which may affect your freedom to travel to and study in other countries.
Entering Australia
During your flight to Australia, you will be given an incoming passenger card (opens external site). This is a short form where you must write your name, intended address, reason for travelling, and other details. You must also state whether you are carrying any goods that are restricted or prohibited in Australia.
Complete this on the plane before disembarking. When you land, an Immigration Officer will check your passport and incoming passenger card. You will then go to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage.
If you have stated that you have goods to declare, you may have your bags inspected by a Customs Officer. However, your bags may be inspected even if you do not declare anything. If a Customs Officer finds an item that you failed to declare, you may be fined and the item may be confiscated. If you are unsure of whether you can bring an item into Australia, always declare it.
When you arrive in Sydney, visit the International Student Welcome Desk in the International Arrivals terminal. Staffed by international student volunteers, this friendly service welcomes thousands of commencing students to NSW each year.
Transport
Transport from Sydney Airport
You can take the train from Sydney Airport directly to the city for around A$19. You will need to purchase an Adult Opal single trip ticket or an Opal card from select Sydney airport retailers (opens an external site). Opal is the ticketing system used for the entire Sydney transport network. To learn more, visit our Transport in Sydney page.
You can check the train times and fares on the Trip Planner page (opens an external site). From Central Station, it’s a ten minute walk to the UTS campus. Most Sydney train lines connect at Central Station.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi, however they tend to be more expensive than public transport. If you are staying at a hotel for your first few nights, your hotel may run mini buses from the airport.
Accommodation
The UTS Housing service can assist with arranging suitable on-campus or off-campus accommodation. Due to the high demand for UTS housing we recommend that you apply as soon as possible.
If you require short-term accommodation there are other options such as hostels around UTS. You can also visit UTS Housing in Building 6, level 2 for more information about living and renting in Sydney.
Money
It is a good idea to have sufficient funds ready for the first few weeks of your stay. You can exchange currency at the airport, but it may be cheaper in the city or with a bank. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are available at Sydney Airport and throughout Sydney, and they accept most of the major cards (Mastercard, Visa etc).
Safety
Safety on campus
UTS has 24-hour security staff patrolling at the campus. In an emergency, you can dial 6 from any campus phone or 1800 249 559 from any phone to contact campus security. Save this number in your mobile phone. You can ask for help at any time if you feel unsafe or unsure of your surroundings.
Safety off campus
Sydney is a fairly safe city; however, you should be aware of your surroundings especially when you are out at night. Keep all your belongings in a secure place and do not leave them unattended. If you travel at night by public transport, it is best to travel with someone or stay in well-lit areas when waiting for the bus, train or ferry.
If there is an emergency and you need to contact the Police, Ambulance or Fire Department call 000 any time of the day or night. You can call this number from any phone, free of charge. For any other police matters within Sydney City, contact the relevant Police Area Command (PAC).
While you make the most of your time in Sydney, trying new activities and experiences, it’s important to keep these safety tips in mind.
At the beach
Swim only between the flags on patrolled beaches. Do not swim at night, and remember to wear sunscreen!
Hi, what’s up everybody? My name’s Chris and I was a previous student at UTS, studying Bachelor of Health Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine. I also volunteered as a life-safety advisor at the Sydney airport where I was giving beach safety advice to international students who were coming to Australia for the first time.
So just a few points I want to cover for beach safety. You might want to know which beaches are appropriate to swim in, and the main way to see it is to look for the red and yellow flags; as long as you see two flags in-between, it is appropriate to swim in-between them.
The second point is that you never know what you’re going to run into at the beach. Which is why it is most important to swim with some friends and never swim alone.
So third point is try to understand the currents and the rips that occur at the beach. Whenever you get stuck in a rip or a current, always raise your arm like this and try to remain calm. Float on your back to conserve the energy against the waves and wait for the nearest lifeguards to come over to you.
So now that we’ve got beach safety out of the way, we’re. going to cover a few points about sun safety. So even on cooler days, the sun’s UV rays are so strong, that it is able to burn our skin.
And as always, with the most Aussie iconic phrase, slip on a t-shirt, slop on some sunscreen, slap a hat on, and don’t forget to slide some sunnies. And don’t forget to stay in the shade!
On one final point, people believe in this myth that tanning isn’t dangerous. However, tanning is a sign of UV damage that builds up over time in the skin. Which is why it is important to put on sunscreen before and after you’re swimming at the beach.
This is why it’s important to always put on sunscreen before and after swimming.
For more information you can check out the Beach Safety app, and don’t forget to have fun!
Hiking
Inform someone if you go on a hike and make sure you take a map, plenty of water, wet weather gear, warm clothes and a phone. Always walk with other people and take an emergency beacon, available from camping stores. Always inform someone of where you are going and when you intend to be back. Learn more on the NSW National Parks page (opens external site).
Driving and alcohol
In Australia, it's illegal to have more than a small amount of alcohol before driving. Don’t drink and drive or get into a car with a driver who has been drinking. Get a taxi home instead.
Header Image: Steve Back (Destination NSW)
Want to tour UTS today? Take our 360 degree virtual tour!