First things you may do after arrival

1. Explore: Try to be active during daylight in your new hometown. Even when you suffer from a terrible jetlag and all you would like to do is stay in bed, it’s better to be outside in the sun so your body gets used to the new time zone. To adapt better to a new environment, it is good to know what is around you, especially after a nightly arrival. So the next morning take a walk around your new home. Find out where the supermarkets are, see if your credit/debit card works and pull some money from an ATM (automatic teller machine link to banking). Maybe stroll around through a nearby park, buy a tea or coffee in a café. Note where the laundry facilities are, look for restaurants that sell food from your home country. Look at some prices and try to calculate the price in your own currency. Get a feel for what things cost.
2. Contact home. Often your first nights in a new and strange place can be a little overwhelming and even scary, no matter how excited you may be about studying in Australia. After arrival make sure to ring or email home: Let your family and friends know that everything is well. Provide them with any contact telephone numbers and your new address.
3. Unpack: Start the process of making yourself at home. Unpack your clothes, put up pictures and posters. It is important to do that soon after arrival, so you can find your cloth easily when you wake up and find out that class starts in 10 minutes!
4. Read your uni/school welcome pack: Find out what sorts of activities and events the university/school isoffering during the Orientation period and what your obligations and responsibilities are while you are studying in Australia. Make sure you note important dates in your agenda, like public holydays and the start of your course.
5. Get involved: Read the notice boards at uni/school: Discover what is happening socially or academically on or off campus. Getting involved in clubs or activities will help you feel at home and start the process of building networks and making friends.
6. Tourist information: Get some tourist information about your new hometown, a map, find out about public transport, how much it costs: usually you can get a good deal like a huge discount if you buy ten tickets. Explore a local museum or gallery to learn more about the history and art of the place.
7. Beaches: If it is hot, get a book, or buy a newspaper, and go to one of Australia’s wonderful beaches (unfortunately not in Canberra) or parks. The sun/shade and refreshing water will make you feel relaxed and at home and you may meet some new friends.
8. Talk English: Try to chat with the locals. Most Australians will be very happy to hear where you come from, why you are here, why you choose Australia. Don’t be afraid to speak English! The only way to learn is to do it, so go out and talk to people!
9. Try out new food: Try out some typical Aussie food like a pie or vegemite. You may even like it!
10. You are not alone: Remember that there is always going to be a period of adjustment when you arrive in a new country. But you are not alone! There are numerous other students who have been through similar experiences. They will be happy to assist you. All you need to do is ASK. A good start is `Ask Others` (Link) at Kangaruni.com, someone can surely help you!