It’s one of the most exciting moments of your life – that last step before you get on the plane for your overseas study trip in Australia. It’s coming up soon and probably the only thing you can think of is what you’ll do when you get there.

Before you get to the airport, though, and well before you start planning your weekends in Sydney or Melbourne, there are a few things you should do back home. Here are five things to make sure you have checked off your to do list before your trip.

Figure Out a Low Cost Calling Option

Calling home will get expensive if you bring your mobile phone without preparation. There are several options to avoid this problem, though. You can buy a local disposable cell phone, use Skype and other online calling options, or buy a calling card with low international calling rates. Research this now, rather than when it’s potentially costly.

Map Out All Possible Travel Plans

Before you land on the other side, make sure you have a clear path laid out for transportation in your new city. If you are staying with a host family, communicate with them early and often for airport pickup. If not or if they will not be picking you up, figure out which busses or trains you’ll be using.

Get Copies of the Most Important Documents

There are several documents you should have copies of before you embark on your trip. Your birth certificate, proof of health insurance, the calling card you’re bringing (if you have one), and the informational pages of your passport should all be with you. In fact, it’s good to have several copies of each, some left at home and some with you when overseas.

Look Up Electronics in Your New Home

Will your adapters and electronics work in your new home? Every country has different standards for power adapters and other materials. There is some overlap, but it’s good to know in advance rather than risking that your power runs out or you cause damage to your devices.

Review All Course Credits in Advance

Getting accepted into an overseas university is immensely exciting, but don’t let the thrill of the acceptance affect your academic plans. Make sure the courses available to you will count for credit back home and that you will be accelerating your degree. If you plan on finishing your degree in Australia, this is less of an issue, but may still affect your ability to get a job back home depending on the nature of the education you are getting and career you are pursuing. Simply put, make sure you speak with an advisor.

Have Fun!

Preparations will be over before you know it and you’ll be ready to step on that airplane and embark on the trip of a lifetime. Enjoy that moment and be ready for everything it has to offer.

If you are still in the planning phase and are interested in learning more about homestay or student support services in Sydney or Melbourne, contact Global Experience and learn how we can help.