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Arriving in Sydney
- Overview
- Prepare for your move
- What to do when you get to Sydney
- Settle in to life in Sydney
What to do when you get to Sydney
There is support available for you from the moment you land at Sydney International Airport. You can speak with student volunteers from the NSW International Student Welcome Desk, get a free shuttle to your new home, and visit our Welcome Hub.
Your first 24 hours in Sydney
Airport arrivals desk
Keep an eye out for student volunteers at the Study NSW International Student Airport Welcome Desk in Arrival Hall A at the airport. Students will greet you and help point you in the right direction. Visit Study NSW to find out more.
Travel to your new home
- Public transport
From the airport, you can catch a train or a bus into the city centre. You’ll need an adult Opal card to use the public transport network in Sydney – you can buy one from the airport. Use Google or Apple Maps to find out the best routes for where you want to go, and then download the TripView app for the latest timetables.
- Taxi
Catching a taxi from the airport is more expensive than using public transport, but they will be able to take you directly to your new address and save you from carrying your luggage too far. Taxi ranks are situated outside the Arrivals lounge. Alternatively, you can catch a taxi from outside the nearest train station to your new home.
- Ride-sharing
Ride-sharing apps such as Uber, Ola and DiDi are popular in Sydney and can be used at the international airport. Once you exit the building, follow the signs to the yellow public pick-up area, as this is where your driver will meet you upon confirming through the app.
Airport Shuttle Service
The University offers a free airport shuttle service to central Sydney locations for new international students.
To be eligible for a free seat on the shuttle service you need to:
- be a new international student
- be enrolled at the University of Sydney
- arrive at Sydney Airport’s international or domestic terminals during the service periods.
The airport shuttle service will commence in January. If you're interested in using this service, please submit an expression of interest and we'll contact you once the booking portal has opened.
Please note that the free airport shuttle is exclusively for international students studying at the University of Sydney. We cannot provide a free shuttle service for any family or friends who are travelling with you.
Check into your new home
Once you've made it to your new home, introduce yourself to any housemates and check out your new place. If you’re renting, it’s important to check that everything matches what you agreed to. The SRC and SUPRA have great resources to refer to as you find a place to live in Sydney.
Don’t forget to update your permanent address on Sydney Student within seven days of arriving in Sydney. You'll also need to update your onshore/offshore status, so we know where you are studying.
Last updated: 07 November 2023
