hey man,

For your question regarding healthcare, I would suggest you to at least get yourself a regular GP once you're in Melbourne. The specialist healthcare system over here usually requires a referral from GPs or hospitals, unlike in Malaysia where you could easily walk in and register yourself. Furthermore, bear in mind that specialist clinics in public hospitals usually have a waiting list as long as the Nile, so you may want to search for private practices instead if money isn't a problem/if you are desperate.

In your case where you might need regular reviews, I think you probably need to enquire OSHC (or Medibank should you decide to get it) regarding the insurance coverage and any possibly rebates or subsidisations. As far as I know, the basic OSHC package which students often obtain are pretty useless as it leaves out many services.

Healthcare, in particular specialist care, without any health insurance in Australia can easily burn a gigantic hole in your pocket. Which part of Melbourne would you be staying? It'll be easier to find a hospital/clinic nearer to your place, yet most of the consultants over here may have their private practice in random places which are far away from their practising hospitals. The Alfred is a major trauma centre in Victoria, but that doesn't mean it lacks adequate services that you need. I've no experience with Alfred so can't really provide more information on it. If you're near the CBD then RMH or St. Vincent's would probably be your alternative choices.

At the end of the day, I'll still advise you to go through a GP during initial stages especially if you aren't familiar with the system. GPs are the portal or gateway to tertiary care and they would have lots of connections around.

Depends on your usage. If you seldom use your phone like me, then choose a pre paid plan that lasts the longest without requiring any regular recharge. Mine lasts for 6 months before the remaining credits expire.

If you use a lot then it's better to change a post paid plan with cap. If you are really unsure about your usage then I'd suggest getting a pre-paid first to gauge how much you are going to use, and then change accordingly.

Take your time and read through the first page regarding the survival guide for Aussie students. There's information about the stuff you need to prepare and also mobile phones/internet guides. Better read them first then ask specific questions later in the thread, otherwise haya will come and kuku besi you for not reading the basic rules

http://www.immi.gov.au/contacts/overseas/m...nel-doctors.htm

This post has been edited by StarGhazzer: Jan 7 2009, 12:06 AM

I presume your course would be shorter than your passport life, but make sure your passport is able to cover adequate time before you need to renew it again. Otherwise it'd be a pain in the arse to go to Canberra and sort it out; I'm not sure whether you can do it elsewhere than Canberra.

If you're flying through SIA i.e. you need to enter Singapore to fly via Changi then note that your passport needs to have MORE than 6 months before the expiry date.

An email would be sent to you once the application is approved. Jot down the number and keep it in a safe place just in case you need it for whatever reason, or go to high comm and get a sticker for your passport. It's not compulsory though.

Contact lens liquid... yes... but put all liquids in your luggage and check it in, don't bring it to the cabin if it's a large bottle.
Medicine needs to be declared before you enter Australia, but no one actually checked mine before.

Leather wallet should be ok, again no one checked my wallet for the type of skin