Now that you've arrived

When you have arrived:

• Contact your family.  Tell them you have arrived safely
• Arrange your long term accommodation
• Open a bank account
• Activate your health cover with your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) provider and receive your membership card
• Find out how to use public transport
• Organise schooling or child care for your children
• Get your Flinders Authentication Name (FAN) student email from the University’s Central Library
• Plan your Orientation including attending a Flinders International Student Orientation (FISO)
• Finish your enrolment if necessary
• Walk around the campus to learn where buildings and facilities are
• Update your address and contact details in the Student Information System
  
• Know emergency telephone numbers. 

If you have your own handset make sure it will work with Australia’s mobile technology.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority website can help you.

If your handset will not work in Australia, you can buy a phone here.

There are three major mobile phone providers.

• Telstra
  
• Optus
  
• Vodafone

DIAL 000 for police, ambulance or the fire brigade.

You can also dial 112 and the call will be forwarded to 000 even if the phone is locked.

If you have a disability Text call emergency – for TTY or ASCII Dial: 106.

Wireless network on campus

Free Wi-Fi is available in most areas of the campus.  Your software and virus protection must meet certain requirements.  There are also some areas which do not have a wireless network connection. To access Wi-Fi on campus you must activate your Flinders Authentication Name (FAN).   

Internet access on arrival

Internet cafes are located in most major cities, or you can book a computer at a community library.

The ISS runs an accommodation service on campus in the lead-up to the start of the semester.

You can ask staff to provide information on leases, renting and finding long-term accommodation.

The ISS will provide:

• A map to help you work out a list of the best suburbs to look in
• Guidance with inspecting the property
• Help on using the public transport system and a trip planner to get there
• Information on the legal aspects of renting

Private rental accommodation is an affordable option in Adelaide, however the University recommends you organise it before you arrive.

The most common housing options are:

• Houses
• Flats
• Townhouses
• Granny flats/bedsits

Renting houses and flats in the private sector

Renting privately will always involve signing a legal lease agreement usually for a minimum of six months.  Shorter periods of time can be negotiated if necessary.  A bond of four weeks rent, as well as two weeks rent in advance, will be required before you move in. The bond is kept in trust by the government’s Consumer and Business Services Tenancies Office.  The rent is paid to the owner.

Flinders Living provides a free, up-to-date accommodation service which lists private accommodation available on the rental market.

Important information to consider

Most rental properties are managed by a property manager on behalf of the owner.  All communication regarding the tenancy and the property itself is done via the manager.  Some properties are managed by the owner themselves. All owners, property managers and tenants commit themselves to the rights and obligations of a rental agreement on signing a lease.  If, as a tenant you have any concerns about your rental agreement contact Consumer and Business Services Tenancies either on-line or by telephoning 131 882.

You should be given a copy of the lease and the owner/property manager should have one also.

Security deposit/bonds

A security deposit or bond is required by an owner or agent and may not exceed the equivalent of four weeks rent for all properties under $250 per week. For properties above $250 per week, the agent can ask for six weeks’ rent. The money is held in a trust fund with the Consumer and Business Services Tenancies and a receipt should be issued to you within three weeks of payment.

Bond money and rent receipts

To avoid any disputes always ask for a receipt for your rent.

Application

If you find a suitable property you may need to submit an application form. Understand that when signing this form, you may be obliged to take the property should your application be approved (these are known as binding contracts).

Water usage

There are two costs associated with the supply of water to a household.  Firstly, the cost of supplying the water to the house.  Secondly, the costs of the amount of water used by the household.

In a tenancy, who pays the water supply rates and cost charges can be agreed upon between the landlord and the tenant.  Generally, the tenant will pay for both the supply and use of water.

Condition reports/inspection sheets

When you first move into your new home the property manager or landlord should give you an inspection sheet listing all the contents in the dwelling and a description of their condition.

Compare the list with the dwelling’s contents and make a note on the form of any faults.  Give a copy of the form to the property manager/landlord. Keep a copy for yourself as this document is used to judge the condition of the dwelling when you leave the property.

Pets

Very few rental properties allow tenants to keep pets.

Inspections

The agent or owner will inspect your rental premises regularly. They must give you 7–14 days’ notice and arrange a mutually convenient time. An inspection can take place once every 28 days.

Connecting utilities

When you move in to your new dwelling you will need to arrange the connection of electricity and possibly gas, if the household uses it.

Energy made easy will help you find an energy plan, compare plans and prices and control your costs.

The South Australian government has information on finalising and opening accounts, disconnection processes and problems and complaints.  See Connections and Dis-connections.

The two most well-known energy providers in South Australia are AGL and Origin Energy Retail.

Adelaide Metro runs public transport in Adelaide.

To help you plan your route use the Journey Planner or you can ask for help from:

Adelaide Railway Station InfoCentre
1300 311 108
For hearing impaired, call (TTY) on 133 677

Concessions

Your Flinders University student ID card with its ‘full time’ sticker on it means you can buy a concession fare on public transport.

Metro card and metro tickets

You must use a metro card or a metro ticket to travel on any bus, train or tram. For information on buying, using and recharging a metro card visit metroCARD.

Lost property

You can enquire about lost property by calling the Adelaide Metro InfoLine on 1300 311 108, visiting the Adelaide Metro InfoCentre, located at the Adelaide Railway Station, or visiting the contact us page.

Getting to Flinders University

Buses are the usual type of public transport in Adelaide and mostly operate

between 6am and midnight daily. Trains and trams operate in some suburbs.

There is limited accommodation within walking distance or a five-minute bus ride from Flinders. Aim for a distance of 10–30 minutes’ travelling time (by bus) to the campus.

Taxis

You can hail a taxi from a taxi rank or phone one of the major taxi companies.

• Adelaide Independent Taxis 132 211
• Suburban Taxis 131 008
• Yellow Cabs 132 227

Taxi drivers must display an identity card at all times.

In general, taxi meters are clearly visible so you can see the cost of your fare. All taxis must charge standard fare.

Bikes

You can plan to ride to Flinders using either bike lanes or secondary roads. Bike route maps are a good way to plan your route and these can be downloaded from Cycling Maps

The University has free bike shelters on campus.

Special cautions

Invest money in a good lock and use it, even when your bike is at your house. Don’t leave your bike in an unlocked shed or garage as bikes are very easy to steal.

When riding home late in the evening, make sure that your lights are clearly visible, wear brightly coloured clothing and be conscious of the traffic around you.

As a visitor with a temporary visa you can drive in South Australia but must only drive the type of vehicle authorised by your licence.  You must carry your current driver’s licence issued overseas at all times.  Make sure you have an English translation of it with you if it is not written in English.

If your licence expires whiles you are living here you must apply for a South Australian driver’s licence.

Keep left

In Australia, motorists drive on the left side of the road. The mylicence website has a ‘DRIVE ON LEFT’ sign which you can print and put in your car where you can see it.

You should also familiarise yourself with the road rules in South Australia by obtaining a copy of The Driver’s Handbook at the same website.

Buying a car

Some students decide to buy their own car when they come to Australia. You have the option of buying a new car or a second-hand car. Students generally purchase a second-hand car from a car yard or a private sale. A 4-cylinder car of $4,000 to $8,000 should be reasonably reliable.

Read the information on the Consumer and Business Services(CBS) website on buying a used car.

Before buying a car always check the Vehicle Securities Register to make sure that the car is clear of debts from previous owners, as you can be held responsible for these debts.

Registration and insurance

When buying a car you will need to register it with the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure.

A dedicated web page will guide you through the process of choosing one of four Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurers).

The cost of car insurance will depend upon your gender, age, driving record and also the size, make and age of the car you are insuring.

There are a large number of car insurances in the market for you to compare.  The Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s moneysmart website (https://moneysmart.gov.au/car-insurance/choosing-car-insurance) has information on buying insurance.

Learning to drive

If you intend to obtain a licence in Australia, your first step will be to apply for a learner’s permit.

You will have to:

• Sit for a written test of the road rules at the Motor Registration Department. When you pass you will receive a learner’s permit.
• Complete at least 75 hours of supervised driving including a minimum of 15 hours at night.

Professional driving instructors are an excellent way to develop your skills.  For a list of accredited instructors visit the RAA website.

Riding a motorcycle/motor bike

For information about obtaining a Motor Bike licence in South Australia visit mylicence.

Please note: Motorcyclists including a passenger must wear a helmet at all times when riding their motorbike.

Parking on campus

You must pay for parking when parked on Bedford Park campus from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

Licence plate recognition technology is used on campus removing the need to display physical permits and tickets. Visit Parking on campus.

Parking at Tonsley is available in car park 2 (P2) from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. To park in P2, students and staff must obtain a Tonsley vPermit - (currently free of charge). Visitor parking is not permitted in P2. There are several access bays located close to the Flinders at Tonsley building. Access to the car park is via MAB Circuit.

Click here to find out more about parking at Tonsley or to obtain a Tonsley vPermit.

Locate Flinders at Tonsley P2 on the Tonsley precinct map.

University and Tonsley Loop bus

The University loop bus is a free service that runs during semester (including exam weeks) on a loop linking the main University, Sturt and the Flinders Medical Centre (FMC) bus interchange.