You've Got Your Visa: Now What?
Getting your student visa approved is a massive milestone. Congratulations! But there are some phases between visa approval and stepping off the plane at your new university. The pre-departure period (typically the 4ā8 weeks before your flight) is when you put everything in place to make your arrival smooth, safe, and stress-free.
Miss something on this list, and you might find yourself without health cover on arrival, unable to access money, or struggling to find accommodation at the last minute. This checklist, organised by category, makes sure nothing slips through.
Documents Checklist
Start with the most important category of your documents. Losing or forgetting critical paperwork can create serious problems at the immigration desk. Below is the checklist:
Original Passport: valid for at least 6 months beyond your course end date
Student Visa Grant Letter: printed copy AND digital copy in cloud storage
University Offer Letter / Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
OSHC / Health Insurance Certificate: required for Australia; equivalent for other countries
Academic transcripts and graduation certificates: originals and certified copies
English test score report (IELTS/PTE): often requested at orientation
Financial documents: bank statements showing proof of funds
Emergency contact details: written down, not just in your phone
2 Ć passport-sized photographs
Vaccination records: required by some universities and countries
Accommodation Checklist
ā¢ Confirm your accommodation booking and save the address and check-in details
ā¢ Have your accommodation provider's contact number saved and available offline
ā¢ If arriving at night or late, check whether your accommodation has a 24/7 reception
ā¢ Research the transport route from the airport to accommodation in advance
ā¢ Know your accommodation rules
Banking and Money Checklist
Running out of money in your first week is more common than you'd think. Prepare thoroughly.
Open an international bank account BEFORE departure if possible (Wise, Revolut, or destination-country bank with international applications)
Notify your Indian bank of your travel dates, as cards often get blocked when used overseas
Carry sufficient cash in local currency for your first 3ā5 days (USD, AUD, GBP, CAD depending on destination)
Know your daily ATM withdrawal limit, adjust if needed
Carry at least 2 different payment methods (2 cards, or card + cash)
Screenshot the nearest ATM and bank branch to your accommodation
Health and Insurance Checklist
Health cover is mandatory for international students in Australia (OSHC), the UK (IHS - Immigration Health Surcharge), and recommended everywhere else. Don't compromise on this.
ā¢ Australia purchase OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) before your visa is granted; your university or Gemini will guide you on approved providers
ā¢ UK IHS is paid as part of your visa application; register with an NHS GP within the first week
ā¢ Canada/USA: Check your university's mandatory student health insurance plan
ā¢ Carry a 3-month supply of any prescription medications (with doctor's letter and prescription)
ā¢ Get a comprehensive dental check-up before leaving India. Dental costs abroad are expensive
ā¢ Download your insurance provider's app and save your member number
Technology and Communications Checklist
ā¢ Purchase a local SIM or plan your international roaming package before leaving
ā¢ Unlock your existing phone for international use (contact your Indian carrier)
ā¢ Download essential apps before arrival: Google Maps (offline), banking apps, your university's app, transport apps for your city
ā¢ Set up a VPN if desired; some content is geo-restricted
ā¢ Carry appropriate power adapters. India uses Type C/D/M plugs; Australia uses Type I, the UK uses Type G, USA uses Type A/B
ā¢ Back up your phone and laptop to cloud storage before departure
ā¢ Register your Indian number with WhatsApp before you change SIMs, keep it active for family contact
Packing Checklist: Smart Packing Tips
Pack light, you'll buy things locally.
Category | Guidance |
|---|---|
Clothes Bedding Food / Spices Electronics Prescription Meds Personal Care | Pack for 2 weeks; buy locally. Check the weather for your destination. Melbourne winters are real! Most student halls provide; check before packing heavy blankets You can bring non-perishable Indian spices and foods. Check customs rules for no fresh produce or meat. Laptop, phone, power bank, universal adapter. All essentials. 3-month supply with English prescription and doctor's letter Pack 1 month supply; buy locally after. Indian brands widely available in major cities. |
University and Academic Preparation
ā¢ Complete all pre-arrival online orientation modules (check your student portal)
ā¢ Attend your university's orientation week, don't skip it, even if it seems optional
ā¢ Know your student ID number and how to access your student email
ā¢ Understand your timetable for the first 2 weeks
ā¢ Locate the international student support office; you will need it
ā¢ Join your university's Facebook / WhatsApp groups for international students community matters
72 Hours Before Departure
Recheck flight details: departure terminal, check-in time, baggage allowance
Charge all devices; download offline maps and key apps
Confirm your accommodation check-in and have the address in multiple formats (offline + printed)
Tell your family your flight number and estimated arrival time
Do a final document check: passport, visa letter, CoE, insurance, bank card
Sleep well the night before, jet lag is real, and your first week will be busy
Gemini's Pre-Departure Briefing: For Every Client
Every Gemini student gets a personalised pre-departure briefing call from our team before they fly. We walk through this checklist together, we make sure your health cover is active, confirm your accommodation, and give you the contact details for our support team in your destination city.
You don't do this alone, that's the promise we make.