10 things you should know before moving to the Northern Territory
Think you’re ready for your new life as a student ‘down under’?
Before you jet off to the Northern Territory, it’s important to be prepared for your move to Darwin or Alice Springs. Here is a list of the top ten things you need to know, before arriving in the Top End.
- Make friends with paperwork
Travelling entails filling out numerous forms and having the right documents on hand. Check out our pre-departure checklist which outlines everything you need to bring with you and have arranged before you land. This includes having a passport that is valid for at least six months prior to your arrival in Australia to securing your accommodation and bringing personal identification papers, previous academic documents and more.
- Familiarise yourself with the Australian culture
Australia is a great place to learn, live and work. It is also home to the oldest civilisation on earth – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – with ancestries stretching back 65,000 years. The culturally diverse communities in the Northern Territory, makes it a friendly and welcoming place. Australians are known for their love of the outdoors, laid-back approach to life, and weekend café culture. The Northern Territory’s unique landscape provides plenty of opportunities to keep active by going hiking or exploring the national parks including two UNESCO World Heritage sites. You can find out more here.
- Choose a place to live
Australia's Northern Territory has a range of accommodation options available for international students, including purpose-built student accommodation, boarding facilities, private rentals and homestays. Factors to consider when choosing a place to live include proximity to your education facility, transport, shops, parks and restaurants, as well as costs. Use the Study Australia cost of living calculator to get an estimate of your expenses.
- Look after your health and wellbeing
All international students studying in Australia are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) insurance for the duration of their trip, which covers visiting the doctor, some hospital treatments and some prescriptions. Speak to your education provider for help in applying for OSCH. If you have a medical condition and need to bring prescription medicine with you, be sure to review the requirements for bringing medications to Australia.
- How to get around
There are many modes of transport you can use to get around the Northern Territory. The public transport system runs buses in Darwin and Alice Springs which are free for all users till 30 June 2025. Plan your travel by downloading the NT Bus Tracker App. Taxis, hire cars and ridesharing services are available and there are Beam e-scooters and e-bikes for rent (Darwin only). If you want to drive in the Northern Territory, here is what you need to know. Considering the ample sunny weather and natural environment, walking and cycling is a great way to explore your new home. Check out the various paths.
- Make connections
Forming friendships, connecting with people and engaging in activities is important for reducing any homesickness you may feel. Consider joining university student clubs, attending local council events, exploring volunteering opportunities, participating in cultural celebrations, and connecting with the Multicultural Council of the Northern Territory.
- Don’t bring your pet monkey!
Australia has very stringent biosecurity requirements. There are certain foods, plant materials and animal products that cannot be brought into the country as they may be carrying serious pests and diseases that could devastate our valuable food supply and destroy our unique environment. International students have had their visas cancelled for breaching Australia’s biosecurity laws. For more information, read the guide to travelling to Australia for study.
- Get a local sim and bank account
If you decide to use your home phone number in Australia, understand that you will be charged international rates . We recommend purchasing a SIM card or Australian number when you arrive to make keeping in touch with friends and family easy. When it comes to money, if you are going to be studying in Australia for longer than one semester, it makes sense to have a local bank account. There are many banks to choose from.
- Slop on the sunscreen
Filled with sunny days all year around, life is pretty sweet in the Northern Territory! While you might be used to a bit of sunshine already, the earth’s ozone layer is particularly thin over Australia, meaning that more of the sun’s harmful UV rays reach the ground and you’re at much higher risk of getting sunburned. Look after your skin: Slap on the sunscreen every day, or as the Aussies say, “Slip, Slop, Slap – slip on protective clothing, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat.”
- Learn the slang and love Vegemite
Australians love to shorten words, with either a ‘y’ or ‘o’ added to the end. For example, afternoon becomes ‘arvo’, barbecue becomes ‘barbie’, beverages become ‘bevvies’, and Australians become ‘Aussies’. When it comes to iconic foods, Vegemite – a dark and bitter savoury spread. If you want to live like a local in Australia, get used to spreading Vegemite on your toast, or get good at changing the subject if it comes up in conversation. Try, “Ooh I would love a Tim Tam right now”, and distract them by mentioning the nation’s favourite chocolate biscuit. Even better, “I would love a Vegemite Tim Tam” – yes, they now make Vegemite-flavoured Tim Tams.
Parting words
Studying in the Northern Territory is like nowhere else. Here you are in Australia, but closer to Asia than Sydney. The pace might be slower, but the fun never stops. Where less people and bigger spaces, create more opportunities. We recommend reading our international student handbook before you arrive. It offers insights into the unique experiences the Northern Territory has to offer, from exciting adventures to practical information on finding accommodation, navigating local transportation, exploring sports options, and adjusting to the new lifestyles.