Booking Travel

If you have confirmed your place at BROWNS, it’s time to book your travel. Flights fill up quickly, so make sure you arrive with time to arrange your finances, accommodation and with time to explore your new city.

Airport Pick-Up

BROWNS can arrange your airport pick-up and drop-off service to make your time in your new city enjoyable from the very beginning. Simply contact our Admissions Office or your Representative Agent to make these arrangements.

Accommodation

BROWNS can arrange your accommodation through our Student Apartments, Student House or homestay arrangements. Simply contact our Admissions Office or your Representative Agent to make these arrangements.

Packing Essentials

Student life requires a number of essentials which you can’t forget to bring with you or buy when you arrive. These include:

• Shoes and clothes for all occasions
• Your passport, Identification Documents, valuables, money and travel tickets
• Copies of your BROWNS enrolment details
• An Australian or International Drivers licence
• Emergency contact details, including your Airport Pick Up contact
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat

Don’t forget that the Australian government prohibits the transfer of certain items into Australia (Click here).

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Queensland has one of the lowest costs of living in comparison to other Australian states.

Starting off

You need to make sure you have access to enough funds to support you when you first arrive. Knowing the average living costs in Australia is an important part of your financial preparation. To find out more about living costs in Australia, please visit www.studyaustralia.gov.au.

Banking

Being able to access your money while studying is important.

You can open a bank account before you leave home with any of the major Australian banks, and this will allow you to withdraw funds as soon as you arrive to study at BROWNS. International students will need to provide their passport as identification when accessing their bank account for the first time.

Alternatively, you can establish a bank account once you arrive at BROWNS, and if you’re an international student who has been here for less than 6 weeks, you will need your passport as proof of identification.

Australian Money

Money in Australia is colourful and made from a plastic polymer, which provides security against counterfeiting.
Notes come in $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 denominations, and coins are available in silver 5 cent, 10 cent, 20 cent and 50 cent coins, or gold $1 and $2 coins.

Tax and Refunds

The Australian Goods and Services Tax is a Value Added Tax of 10% on most goods, services and consumer goods sold in Australia.

Short term international travellers may be able to access a refund on their GST expenses while in Australia. Find out more at the international airport or visit the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service website.

Whether travelling domestically or internationally, our Guide to Australian Airports will help you find your feet when you land.

Brisbane Airport (BNE)

Brisbane Airport is a major hub with direct connections to many domestic and international destinations. The airport operates 24 hours a day and is located just 13 kilometers, or 20 minutes drive, from Brisbane's Central Business District (CBD).

Gold Coast Coolangatta Airport (OOL)

Gold Coast Airport is your gateway to Australia's favourite holiday destination. Gold Coast Airport is located within easy reach of the beaches of Tweed Coast, Surfers Paradise and Byron Bay. With its ever-expanding list of outbound international flights, Gold Coast Airport is fast becoming an international holiday hub for travellers looking for a quick holiday to Japan, New Zealand and Fiji.

Sydney Airport (SYD)

Arriving into or out of a major city gateway can be a daunting task. Sydney Airport is Australia's busiest, so be prepared and familiarise yourself with the information you need to find your way around. Sydney Airport is situated approximately 9 kilometres south of the city. Sydney Airport has three passenger terminals: T1 (International Terminal), T2 (Domestic Common User Terminal) and T3 (Qantas Domestic Terminal). The Domestic and International terminals at Sydney Airport are located in separate buildings, with easy transfer services between terminals.

Melbourne Tullamarine Domestic & International Airport (MEL)

Melbourne Airport is one of Australia's major international and domestic gateways. It operates 24 hours a day, serving more than 20 international airlines. The airport is approximately 25 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD.

International Student Guide

Insider Guides publishes an annual International Student Guide which can be helpful for both international and Australian students. Find out more through Insider Guides.

Furnishing your new home

You may find you’ll need to buy some items to make your house a home. Think about the length of time you’re studying with BROWNS, whether you’re planning to stay for further study or work, and how much you need to invest in your home.

Buying everything can be costly, so refer to websites such as Kmart, Gumtree, eBay and second-hand stores to find items you need.

Finding Work

Once you have enrolled at BROWNS, our Jobs Club and Careers Services can help you prepare, find and apply for casual and part-time work. Make sure you know your rights and responsibilities for employment in Australia.

Buses, trains and trams

Travel across South East Queensland (Brisbane & Gold Coast) with Translink on bus, ferry, train and tram network.

Travel across Victoria (Melbourne) with myki on train, tram and bus network.

Ferries

CityCats are uniquely Brisbane, and glide along the river to help travellers get around the city easily. Students can take advantage of the free City Hopper, or use the CityCat services with their student-discount public transport GO Card. Visit Translink.

Hopo on the Gold Coast offers a delightful and eco-friendly way to explore the waterways, providing tourists with a unique and memorable experience through their electric-powered boats.

Bikes and scooters

Renting bikes and scooters provides a convenient and eco-friendly way for locals and tourists to explore the cities' attractions, enjoy the scenic routes, and experience the outdoors. Simply download the relevant app. Don't forget that helmets are mandatory.

Before you leave home make sure you have:

• Booked and confirmed your accommodation
• Photocopied all important documents to bring on your travels
• Booked an airport transfer
• Applied for and received your visa (if applicable)
• Obtained a letter from your medical practitioner for any special medications you need to bring through Australian customs (if applicable)

Ensure you have the necessary documents with you:

• Letter of Offer
• Valid driver’s licences or international drivers licence
• Copies of any travel documents
• Passport and visa valid for the duration of your studies (if applicable)
• CoE (if applicable)
• Specialists report if special requirements for exams are required
• Receipts of valuable new goods you are bringing into Australia (if applicable)