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Landing in a new country is exciting… and a little overwhelming.
That’s exactly why Musa and Kristel are here.
As hosts of I’m at Curtin, Now What?, they’re walking you through what to do from the moment you land in Australia, based on their own experiences settling in and navigating uni life.
You’ve made it through the flight, immigration and baggage claim, but now comes the big question:
I’m in Australia… now what?
Whether this is your first time overseas or just your first time studying in Australia, here’s a clear, step‑by‑step guide to help you settle in from the moment you land.
1. Get connected as soon as you land
One of the first things you’ll want is mobile data.
This is one of the first things Musa and Kristel recommend sorting out, because being connected straight away makes everything else easier, from maps and messages to booking transport and checking uni info.
Quick tip: Save important addresses (your accommodation, campus and emergency contacts) offline in your phone, just in case.
2. Sort your transport from the airport
Before leaving the airport, decide how you’re getting to your accommodation.
Musa and Kristel highlight this as one of the most important things to plan before you land. Knowing how you’re getting to your accommodation saves stress when you’re tired and carrying luggage.
3. Check in and unpack the essentials
Once you arrive at your accommodation, take a moment to settle in.
Once you arrive at your accommodation, Musa and Kristel encourage you to slow down, unpack the essentials and give yourself time to adjust. Rest is just as important as ticking things off your list.
4. Find food, groceries and nearby essentials
After a long flight, food is non‑negotiable.
Musa and Kristel suggest finding a few key spots nearby early on, like a supermarket or restaurant in Victoria Park, to help you feel more settled in your new area.
5. Get familiar with campus early
Even if classes haven’t started yet, visiting campus early can reduce first‑week stress.
Getting familiar with campus early is something Musa and Kristel strongly recommend. Even a short walk around campus can reduce first‑week nerves and help you feel more confident when classes begin.
6. Do the boring admin early (future you will thank you)
It’s tempting to put this off, but getting admin sorted early saves stress later.
Musa and Kristel also remind students to tackle admin early. Spreading tasks across a few days makes it much more manageable and saves stress later in the semester.
7. Meet people (even if it feels awkward)
Feeling nervous is completely normal.
Meeting people can feel intimidating at first, but Musa and Kristel emphasise that orientation events and student activities are designed for this exact reason. Most students are in the same boat. Don’t forget to join a club or two at Guild O-Day!
Watch the video: I’m at Curtin, Now What?
Want to see this in action?
In the latest episode of I’m at Curtin, Now What?, Musa and Kristel take you through what to do from the moment you land in Australia, showing you practical steps and decisions that can make your first few days much smoother.
New episodes drop every second Thursday on YouTube.
Final reminder
You don’t have to do everything on day one.
Musa and Kristel want you to know that you don’t need to have everything figured out straight away.
Take it step by step, ask for help when you need it, and remember that feeling unsure at the beginning is completely normal.
Welcome to Australia!
