ARRIVAL GUIDE 2019 - Flinders University Students

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ARRIVAL GUIDE 2019 - Flinders University Students
2019
ARRIVAL GUIDE
ARRIVAL GUIDE 2019 - Flinders University Students
Contents
03         Welcome                                             39   Working in Australia
04 	Important Flinders University                             41   Laws in Australia
     and emergency contacts                                    42   Important academic information
07         Arrival checklist                                   47   Academic expectations
08         Contacting your family                              48   Safety considerations
12 	Off-campus long-term                                      52   Fire safety
     accommodation
                                                               56   Sun safety
19         How do I connect to utilities
                                                               57   Beach safety
21         Making connections
                                                               58   Bush safety
23         Getting around
                                                               59   Storm safety
29         Shopping
                                                               60 	Dangerous animals and plants
32 Health
                                                               62   A final word
34 	Overseas Student Health Cover
     (OSHC)

Front cover: Flinders University main entrance, Bedford Park
ARRIVAL GUIDE 2019 - Flinders University Students
Welcome

          Welcome to Adelaide and Flinders University.
          The information in this Arrival Guide is designed to
          assist you in settling into your new environment and
          covers information relating to setting up your permanent
          accommodation, academic information and living in a new
          social, cultural and academic environment.
          You will be well-supported during your stay at Flinders
          University, and my staff at Flinders International will assist
          you through your settling-in phase, helping you to connect
          with a range of on-campus support services and staff in
          your academic area.
          We are particularly aware of how challenging it can be
          to adjust to a new environment, and encourage you to
          seek assistance early, so that you can adjust as quickly
          as possible to Flinders and Adelaide. We will support you
          through every step of your studies at Flinders and look
          forward to this being the beginning of a life-long association
          between you and Flinders University.
          Wishing you the best of luck, and I am looking forward to
          seeing you on Campus.

          Sebastian Raneskold
          Vice-President & Pro Vice-Chancellor (International)

                                                                           3
ARRIVAL GUIDE 2019 - Flinders University Students
Important University
    and emergency contacts
    For Advice About   Contact                   Details
    Using this         International Student     International Student Services
    Handbook           Services (ISS)            (Union Building, J10 campus map)Nearest
                                                 Parking: Car Parks 1 and 6
                                                 Tel: 8201 2717
                                                 Email: iss@flinders.edu.au
    The University     Main Switchboard number   Sturt Road, Bedford Park, SA 5042
                                                 www.flinders.edu.au
                                                 Tel: 8201 3911
    24 Hour Student    Flinders Security         Humanities, opposite Main Library entrance
    Emergency                                    (H9 campus map)
                                                 Tel: 8201 2880 (external) or
                                                 12880 (internal)
    Department of      DHA                       70 Franklin Street, Adelaide, South
    Home Affairs                                 Australia
                                                 Tel: 131 881
                                                 www.homeaffairs.gov.au
    Flinders           FLO Student Help Desk     Level 1, Central Library (J9 campus map)
    Authentication                               Tel: 1300 354 633 (option 3)
    Number (FAN) and
    Password
    Personal Issues    International Student     International Student Services
                       Services                  (Union Building, J10 campus map)
                                                 Tel: 8201 2717
                                                 Email: iss@flinders.edu.au
                       Health, Counselling and   Level 3, Student Centre (J11 campus map)
                       Disability Services       Tel: 8201 2118
    English Language   Student Learning Centre   Registry Annexe (J10 campus map,
    and Learning       (SLC)                     opposite Student Centre)
                                                 Email: slc@flinders.edu.au
                       Writing Help              Learning Lounge at Central Library (J9
                                                 campus map) and Academic Support at
                                                 Sturt Library (V5 campus map)
                                                 Email: slc@flinders.edu.au

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ARRIVAL GUIDE 2019 - Flinders University Students
For Advice About    Contact                       Details
Maths and           Maths Help                    Learning Lounge at Central Library
Statistics                                        (J9 campus map) and Academic Support at
                                                  Sturt Library (V5 campus map)
                                                  Email: slc@flinders.edu.au
Accommodation       Flinders Living               University Hall (Q9 campus map)
                                                  Tel: 7221 8900
                                                  Email: flinders.living@flinders.edu.au
Visa Questions      International Student         International Student Services (Union
                    Services                      Building, J9 campus map)
                                                  Tel: 8201 2717
                                                  Email: iss@flinders.edu.au
Medical Questions   Health, Counselling and       Level 3, Student Centre (J11 campus map)
                    Disability Services           Tel: 8201 2118
Disability          Disability Advisors in        Level 3, Student Centre (J11 campus map)
                    Health, Counselling and       Tel: 8201 2118
                    Disability Services           Email: disability@flinders.edu.au
Security            Flinders Security             Humanities, opposite Main Library entrance
                                                  (H9 campus map)
                                                  Tel: 8201 2880 (external) or
                                                  12880 (internal)
Tuition Fees        Flinders Connect              Flinders Connect, Level 0, Central Library
                                                  (J9 campus map)
                                                  Tel: 1300 354 633
Enrolment           Enrolment Services            Flinders Connect, Level 0, Central Library
                                                  (J9 campus map)
                                                  Tel: 1300 354 633
Child Care          Flinders University           Sturt Drive (S6 campus map)
                    Childcare Centre              Tel: 8201 2881
                                                  Email: admin@flinderschildren.com.au
Student             Flinders University Student   Level 1, Student Hub (J10 campus map)
Employment          Association (FUSA)            Tel: 8201 2371
                                                  Email: fusa@flinders.edu.au
Independent         Flinders University Student   Level 1, Student Hub (J10 campus map)
Advocacy            Association (FUSA)            Tel: 8201 2371
                                                  Email: fusa@flinders.edu.au
Sport and Fitness   Flinders One Sport and        Alan Mitchell Sports Centre
                    Fitness                       (K11 campus map)
                                                  Tel: 8201 2842
                                                  Email: sport.fitness@flinders.edu.au
Don’t know who      International Student         Tel: 8201 2717
to ask?             Services                      Email: iss@flinders.edu.au

                                                                                               5
ARRIVAL GUIDE 2019 - Flinders University Students
For Advice About    Contact                      Details
          Emergency           Police, Fire, Ambulance      Tel: 000, from mobile phones also 112
          Contact for                                      Text call emergency — TTY or ASCII Phone
          life-threatening                                 106 for the emergency relay service
          emergencies
          Police Attendance   e.g. property damage or      Tel: 131 444
                              theft when the perpetrator
                              has already left the scene
          Medical             Flinders Medical Centre      8204 5511
          emergencies         Health Direct                1800 022 222
                              Lifeline (Counselling)       131 114
                              Medibank – OSHC              134 148
                              provider                     1800 887 283 (24/7 Medibank Student
                                                           Health and Support Line)
                              Mental Health Triage
                                                           131 465
                              Service
                              National 1800 Respect
                                                           1800 737 732
                              Service
                              Poisons Information
                                                           131 126
                              Centre
                              Parents Helpline             1300 364 100
                              Royal Adelaide Hospital      8222 4000
                              Women’s and Children’s
                                                           8161 7000
                              Hospital
                              Yarrow Place Rape &
                                                           8226 8777
                              Sexual Assault Service
          Other               Electricity emergencies
                                                           131 366
          emergencies         and power failures
                              Gas emergencies/leaks        1800 427 532
                              Water and Sewer
                              service difficulties and     1300 883 121
                              emergencies
                              State Emergency Service      132 500
          Consumer rights     Legal Service Commission
                                                           1300 366 424
                              SA
                              Consumer and Business
                              Services (Tenancies          131 882
                              Branch)

6 //6 ARRIVAL GUIDE
ARRIVAL GUIDE 2019 - Flinders University Students
Arrival Checklist

After your arrival, please make sure you have:
  	   Contacted your family to let them know that you have arrived safely
       Finalised your long-term accommodation
       Opened a bank account? (see Pre-Departure Guide for details)
       Activated your Medibank Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
       membership card
       Explored transportation options in your area
       Found a local supermarket and shopping centre in your area
       Made arrangements for your children. (see Pre-Departure Guide for details)
  	   O btained and activated your Flinders Authentication Name (FAN) and student
        email account
  	   R eceived an email confirmation for your compulsory Flinders International
        Student Orientation (FISO)
       Finalised your enrolment
       Familiarised yourself with the campus
   Updated your address and contact details in the Student Information System
  	
   flinders.okta.com/login/default
       Familiarised yourself with emergency numbers, refer to page 4-6.

                                                                                      7
ARRIVAL GUIDE 2019 - Flinders University Students
Contacting your family

    Your family and friends will be               Mobile/cell phones
                                                  If you have brought your locally connected
    happy to know that you have                   mobile phone with you to Australia, check
    arrived safely in Australia. We               that you have global roaming which can be
                                                  used in Australia.
    suggest calling them on arrival.              Alternatively, the Australian Communication
    To make international phone calls:            and Media Authority will inform you if your
    Dial: International access code (0011)        mobile phone handset is compatible with
    + the country code + the area code (if        Australian conditions. www.acma.gov.au
    required) + phone number (when adding a       If not, you can buy your mobile phone in
    country code to a number, any leading 0       Australia.
    (zero) on the area code following it is not   Understand what deal you are accepting
    dialled).                                     before signing a contract with a provider.
    Calling Australia from overseas               For a comparison of mobile phone plans in
                                                  Australia see the compare mobile phone
    To contact Australia, first dial the          plan module at: www.whistleout.com.au
    international access code from that
    country (this will vary in each country),     There are two options:
    then Australia’s country code prefix (61)      1. B
                                                       uy a phone and use a pre-paid
    followed by the area code without the first       account
    zero (for instance Adelaide would be 8         2. B
                                                       uy a plan account.
    instead of 08), and then dial the required
                                                  Read the information put out by the
    number.
                                                  Government of South Australia to
    Example: ISS International access             assist you:
    number +61 8 8201 2717
                                                  www.sa.gov.au/topics/rights-and-
                                                  law/consumer-rights/shopping-tips/
                                                  buying-a-mobile-phone
                                                  Some popular mobile phone and network
                                                  providers in Australia include:
                                                  www.telstra.com
                                                  www.optus.com.au
                                                  www.vodafone.com.au
                                                  www.virginmobile.com.au
                                                  (Source: online search)

8
ARRIVAL GUIDE 2019 - Flinders University Students
Free telecommunications APPS              Calling emergency services
There are a number of free                DIAL 000
telecommunications applications (APPS)
                                          In Australia dial 000 from any phone for
available for smart phones. The popular
                                          fire, police or ambulance services.
APPS are VIBER, What’s App, We Chat,
Skype and IMO.                            112 may also be dialled from all GSM or
                                          GSM derived mobile phones. Dialling 112
                                          will override key locks on mobile phones
                                          and therefore save time.
                                          For students with a disability Text call
                                          emergency —for TTY or ASCII Dial: 106.
                                          Emergency Services operators answer
                                          this number quickly and will say, “Police,
                                          Fire, or Ambulance”. If you are unsure,
                                          tell the operator what the emergency is.
                                          It is wise to think ahead with the most
                                          important information which will help
                                          them to respond. Respond with important
                                          information first. Note street names and the
                                          closest intersection. What has happened
                                          and to whom, and what their condition
                                          is. Stay calm and follow the operator’s
                                          instructions.

                                                                                         9
ARRIVAL GUIDE 2019 - Flinders University Students
Contacting your family

     Internet                                    Internet access on arrival
                                                 Internet cafes are located in most major
     Wireless network on campus
                                                 cities, or you can book a computer at
     A wireless network operates on most parts   a community library. You can use your
     of the campus, so you can use your own      student email after you have activated
     mobile device to view the internet. There   your Flinders Authentication Name (FAN).
     are guidelines about the requirements
                                                 activate.flinders.edu.au/main
     for your software and virus protection,
     and more information on the parts of the    Alternatively, to email family and friends
     campus that are not supported by the        you can find internet facilities at these
     wireless network connection can be          location:
     found at:                                   Arena Internet Café
     flinders.edu.au/its/communication-          264 Rundle Street, Adelaide
     tools/network-access/wireless-              Marion Cultural Centre Library
     network                                     287 Diagonal Road, Oaklands Park
                                                 (Tel: 8375 6600 to book)
                                                 Glenelg Library
                                                 2 Colley Terrace, Glenelg
                                                 (Tel: 8295 2580 to book)
                                                 McDonald’s and CIBO cafes have free
                                                 Wi-Fi. For more information on Adelaide
                                                 city and suburban free Wi-Fi Hotspot
                                                 coverage, visit: hotspot.internode.
                                                 on.net/coverage/index.php

                                                               Image right: Students in the Hub at Bedford Park campus

10
11
Off-campus long-term
     accommodation
     Unless you already have                         A unit is a single storey flat. They are
                                                     traditionally built in smaller groups of
     on campus long-term                             between two and eight.

     accommodation at Flinders                       A townhouse is a flat that occupies
                                                     two levels, and these are located in
     Living or the Flinders Medical                  small groups of between two and eight.
                                                     Townhouses often have a small garden or
     Centre Flats, your first priority               courtyard, making them suitable for small
     will be to find a place to live.                families.
                                                     Granny flats/bed-sits are self-contained
     Types of off-campus                             one-bedroom flats. They are usually
                                                     located at the rear of a house and have
     accommodation                                   their own entrance.
     Private rental                                  Furnished/unfurnished
     The private rental market provides a range      accommodation
     of housing options and the most common          Furnished accommodation is relatively
     are:                                            hard to find in Adelaide and may be
     • Houses                                        slightly more expensive than unfurnished
     • Flats                                         accommodation. Furniture can be obtained
                                                     cheaply in second hand shops (see
     Houses                                          shopping section for further information).
     Houses usually consist of a lounge and/
     or dining room, bathroom, toilet, laundry,      General rental arrangements
     kitchen and anywhere between two and            Most single students live in either shared
     four bedrooms.                                  or rooming accommodation. Students with
     The cost will depend on a number of             family may choose to live in an individual
     factors, such as location, size, and number     flat or house.
     of bedrooms and whether or not it is
                                                     Renting houses and flats in the
     furnished.
                                                     private sector
     Flats                                           Renting houses and flats will always
     Flats are smaller than houses and often         involve signing a legal leasing agreement,
     have combined kitchen and dining rooms.         usually for a minimum tenancy of six
     Some terms are used interchangeably, so         months. Initial expenses are high because
     you will hear people talk about flats, units,   you must pay two weeks rent in advance
     townhouses and granny flats.                    and a security bond, which is equal to at
     A flat is usually located in a group that has   least four weeks rent.
     dwellings on more than one level. Most
     groups have between two and five levels
     with up to 10 flats on a level.

12
Signing a lease means you agree to certain      For further details, check online at:
rules and responsibilities. For landlord’s      www.sa.gov.au/topics/housing/
and tenants’ rights and responsibilities,       renting-and-letting/rooming-lodging-
visit: www.sa.gov.au/topics/housing/            and-boarding-in-private-rental/living-
renting-and-letting/renting-privately/          in-a-rooming-house or ask for help
starting-a-tenancy                              by calling the Consumer and Business
Sharing                                         Services Tenancies on 131 882.
Sharing a house or flat with other people       Full board/home stay
is the most economical, flexible and            This type of accommodation consists of
popular form of student housing. Usually        a furnished room in a home with two or
each person has their own bedroom and           three meals a day provided. Laundry and
the bathroom, kitchen and living room           room cleaning may be included. It is ideal
are for everyone to share and maintain.         for students new to Adelaide who like
Moving into an existing share house can         Australian cooking, or those with busy
be less costly initially, but you may prefer    study schedules.
to organise a group to start a new share
house yourself. Being able to share and         Staying with friends or family
live with other people is important.
                                                If you know someone in Australia, this is
Rooming house/ room only                        a great way to settle into life here. Your
accommodation                                   friends or family can provide advice,
A rooming house is a residential property       support and encouragement in your first
where rooms are available for rent to three     days in Australia. However, if you are under
or more people. Rooming houses include          the age of 18 you must obtain approval
boarding and lodging houses. Room only          from your education provider first. Please
accommodation usually provides you with         talk to an International Student Advisor at
a furnished room, with the use of facilities.   ISS for further information.
It differs from sharing as the owner usually
rents out the accommodation. The owner
may live on the property or visit regularly.
You need to ensure that the terms of your
rental arrangements are clear, in writing,
and are agreed to by both you and the
owner. If the owner rents out at least three
rooms, the section of the Act relating to
Rooming House tenancies may apply.

                                                                                               13
Off-campus long-term
     accommodation
     Where do I look for                             Where do students live?
     accommodation?                                  The majority of students live on-campus
                                                     or close to the University in suburbs along
     The following websites will provide you
                                                     the main transport corridors of South
     an idea of the type, cost and availability of
                                                     Road, Fiveash Drive,Goodwood Road or
     accommodation in Adelaide.
                                                     Sturt Road.
     Flinders website                                Suburbs close to Flinders University,
     www.flinders.edu.au/living/short-               Bedford Park campus and accessible by
     term-private                                    public transport are:
     Multi-agency listings                           •   Bedford Park        •   Mitchell Park
                                                     •   Clovelly Park       •   Flagstaff Hill
     www.realestate.com.au
                                                     •   Edwardstown         •   Panorama
     www.homehound.com                               •   Melrose Park        •   Pasadena
     www.domain.com.au                               •   St Marys            •   Sturt.
     Real estate agents’ listings                    Some students choose to buy a car, which
     www.ljhooker.com.au                             broadens their options. The beachside
     www.century21.com.au                            suburbs of Brighton and Glenelg are
                                                     popular. Suburbs between Bedford Park
     www.philmcmahon.com.au                          and Victoria Square campus are:
     www.garyjsmith.com.au
                                                     • Mile End              • Goodwood
     www.linandrews.com.au                           • Plympton              • Camden Park.
     www.raineandhorne.com.au                        • Cumberland Park
     www.toop.com.au
     www.eldersrealestate.com.au                     How do I choose accommodation?
                                                     The amount you can afford to pay is
     Full board/homestay –
                                                     probably the biggest factor when choosing
     www.homestaynetwork.org                         your accommodation.
                                                      Include paying a bond/rent in advance,
     Wednesday and Saturday are the                  connecting electricity and/or gas when
     best days for Rental Accommodation              calculating your budget.
     advertisements in The Advertiser,               Then furniture, bed, table, chairs, etc;
     Adelaide’s daily newspaper.                     white goods: fridge, washing machine;
     The landlord (usually the owner) or a real      kitchen utensils: cutlery, crockery, pots
     estate agent acting on the landlord’s           and pans; linen: sheets, towels, tea-towels;
     behalf usually manages rental properties.       bedding: pillows, quilts and blankets; fans/
     Ring the landlord or real estate agent to       heaters; and food.
     arrange an inspection of the property.          Your first ‘shop’ will be quite expensive, as
                                                     you will be buying everything.

14
Students in the Hub and Plaza at Bedford Park

When inspecting accommodation, ask yourself the following questions.
 Are there laundry facilities?
 Is there a telephone line already connected?
 Do the light fittings work?
 Is the oven/stove, gas or electrical?
 Do the toilet and shower all work?
 Is the place furnished? What kind of furniture?
 What kind of heating/cooling is there?
 Is it close to transport, shops, and campus?
 Will the area be noisy? Is it on a busy road?
 Is there good security?
 Will the landlord carry out any repairs before you move in?

                                                                                           15
Off-campus long-term
     accommodation
     Will I get help finding                        Pet ownership
                                                    Do not buy a pet while you are in Adelaide.
     accommodation?                                 If you do have a pet, not only will you
     The ISS runs an accommodation service          have the expense of feeding it, but many
     on campus in the lead up to the start of       landlords and real estate agents have ‘no
     the semester.                                  pets’ clauses in rental agreements. Further,
     You can ask staff provide information          if you plan to return home during vacations
     on leases, renting and finding long-term       you will need to arrange for someone
     accommodation.                                 to look after your pet. There are laws
     The ISS will help you to:                      protecting the rights of animals in Australia
                                                    and if you neglect your pet (leaving it
     • look through accommodation listings
                                                    alone for an extended period) you can
     • phone real-estate agents or landlords to    be prosecuted and charged with animal
        make bookings to view properties and        neglect and at worst, animal cruelty.
        work out how to get there.
     • look through accommodation listings          Things to keep in mind when
     •	phone real-estate agents or landlords to    renting
        make bookings to view properties and
                                                    Tenancy agreements
        work out how to get there.
                                                    You should never sign a lease unless you
     Important things to consider                   have read, understood and agreed to it.
                                                    There should be two identical copies of
     Household Contents Insurance                   the lease—one for the owner and one for
     If you are in a rental property you may        you.
     consider contents insurance for your           Be aware of the length of your stay in
     belongings. Contents insurance will            Adelaide; do not sign a lease for 12
     replace your belongings if your house is       months if you are only going to be here for
     robbed and your belongings are damaged         eight months. If you leave before the lease
     or stolen, or you have a house fire and your   expires, you are in breach of the contract
     belongings are destroyed or damaged.           and will be required to pay the rent until
     Obtain quotes before deciding on a             new tenants move in.
     particular insurance company and policy.
     The following websites provide information     Security deposit/bonds
     on the insurance policies.
                                                    A security deposit or bond is required by
     To compare insurance, visit:                   an owner or agent, and may not exceed
     •	CANSTAR                                     the equivalent of four weeks rent for all
        www.canstar.com.au/home-insurance           properties under $250 per week. For
     •	C ompare the Market                         properties above $250 per week, the
        www.comparethemarket.com.au                 agent can ask for six weeks’ rent. The
     •	iSelect                                     money is held in a trust fund with the
        www.iselect.com.au/home-and-contents        Consumer and Business Services

16
Tenancies and a receipt should be issued        and obligations of a rental agreement.
to you within three weeks of payment. It        Information about these rights is
is suggested that you offer your bond in        available from the Accommodation Service
a cheque made out to the Consumer and           or from the Consumer and Business
Business Services Tenancies.                    Services Tenancies either online at:
For a rooming house, your landlord should       www.cbs.sa.gov.au/renting-and-
not charge you more than two weeks’ rent        letting or by telephoning 131 882.
as a security bond. The purpose of a bond
is to guarantee the owner reimbursement         Special clauses/schedules
if you leave the premises damaged or with       attached to leases
rent owing. If you leave the property in        Read your tenancy agreement carefully
good condition and with all rent paid your      and make sure you understand if your
bond should be returned to you in full once     landlord has added any special clause.
you have left the property.

Bond money and rent receipts                    Water
                                                In a tenancy, water supply rates and
To avoid any disputes always ask for a          charges are paid as agreed between the
receipt for your rent. If the owner refuses     landlord and the tenant. In the absence
to write a receipt they are in breach of the    of an agreement, if the water supply
Residential Tenancies Act.                      is separately metered, the tenant is
                                                responsible to pay for all water use and the
Application                                     water supply charge.
If you find a suitable property you may
need to submit an application form. Please      Condition reports/
be careful when signing this form as you
may be obliged to take the property should
                                                inspection sheet
your application be approved (these are         When moving into your new
known as binding contracts).                    accommodation you will be given an
                                                inspection sheet that includes a list
•	Check with the landlord or real estate
                                                of contents with a description of their
   agent whether the application is binding
                                                condition. The landlord will usually fill
   or non-binding.
                                                out the form and give this to you to fill
•	Only fill out a form if you are definitely   out your comments. It is wise to spend
   interested.                                  at least a week or two with this form, as
•	Do not apply for more than one place         it is easy to overlook faults within the
   at any one time, unless the agent has        property when you first move in. You
   advised you that it is a non-binding         should keep a copy of your inspection
   application.                                 sheet so that you can refer to it when
By signing a lease, the owner and tenant        you are vacating your rental property.
legally commit themselves to the rights

                                                                                               17
Off-campus long-term
     accommodation
     Please note: Keep all documents such as         Garbage collection
     your lease and condition report in a safe       Ask your neighbours or local council which
     place, for example with your passport and       day of the week you need to put out your
     other documents, as you will require these      rubbish bins. If you live in a small block of
     when you leave the property.                    flats, there may be a shared bin which all
                                                     tenants use. Speak with your neighbours
     Things to watch out for during                  or tenants and ask when you need to put
     your tenancy                                    out each bin.

     What do I do if I have a problem with           When you are leaving the
     my lease/landlord?
     If you cannot resolve the problem between
                                                     property
     yourself and your landlord, you can ask         It is advisable to give seven working days’
     for advice from Consumer and Business           notice of your departure to electrical,
     Services Tenancies. Call them on 131 882.       telephone and gas companies. Each will
                                                     then advise you of any procedures that
     Legal rights and obligations within             you will need to undertake, and take a
     share households                                final reading of your meter, disconnect the
     Sharing a house or flat is usually more         service and send your final account for
     complicated than living alone. While            payment.
     tenants still have to live by the rules of
     the Consumer and Business Services
     Tenancies, there are occasions where the
     rules are not entirely clear. Some examples
     of this are sub-letting the property, general
     household rules, unwanted members of the
     household and appropriate action to be
     taken when one or more members of the
     household ends their tenancy.
     It is important the property is kept clean
     and tidy at all times.
     Inspections
     The agent or owner will inspect your rental
     premises regularly. They must give you
     7–14 days’ notice and arrange a mutually
     convenient time. An inspection can take
     place once every 28 days.

18
How do I connect
to utilities?
Ring and let each provider know the date        contract moves with you.
and time you would like the connections to      Origin Energy (gas) and AGL (electricity)
be made. Arrange new connections a few          are ‘default providers’. This means that if
days before moving to your new home. This       you or a previous tenant has not selected
is particularly important with electricity      a provider, this company will provide your
(and gas if you have a gas connection) to       gas or electricity service.
ensure you are not left without light and
                                                Electricity: AGL SA, Tel: 131 245
heating/cooling etc.
                                                Gas: Origin Energy Retail, Tel: 13 24 61
Land phone                                      Default providers are obliged to offer a
There are two major carriers of home            ‘standing contract’ for their default service,
telephone services in Australia: Telstra and    which is a contract that has no fixed term,
Optus. It is your choice to either get a land   so you do not have to use them for a for a
phone or not. Visit www.telstra.com.au          particular length of time.
and www.optus.com.au                            When you change providers, the date
                                                of the transfer may be delayed until the
Choosing a carrier and/or service
                                                previous energy provider for the property
provider
                                                has taken a final reading. This means that
• Once Telstra has connected your              you may receive a bill from a provider with
   telephone, you can choose from a             whom you do not have a contract.
   number of companies to carry your local,
                                                In order to avoid delays with your energy
   STD (interstate) and ISD (international)
                                                connections and future disputes about
   calls. You might find that using phone
                                                your bill, ask your landlord or real estate
   cards is cheaper for international calls.
                                                agent which energy provider the previous
• Shop around to find a service provider       tenant used. You need to make sure the
   with good rates that suit your telephone     previous bills have been finalised before
   usage pattern.                               you start as a new account holder.

Electricity and gas                             To help make a decision about the best
                                                provider for you, call the Australian
You may need to do some research to find        Consumer and Competition
the best provider for you.                      Commission on 1300 302 502. The
To compare, go to:                              Australian Energy Regulator website at:
www.energymadeeasy.gov.au                       www.aer.gov.au/consumers
When choosing energy provider(s), you           In both cases you will probably be asked
need to know that most providers prefer         about previous energy consumption, so
‘market contract’, which means that you         you will need to explain that you are new to
are agreeing to use their service for a fixed   South Australia.
period (usually a year) If you break the
contract, you will be charged a penalty. As
the contract for energy supply is between
you and the provider, if you move house the

                                                                                                 19
How do I connect
     to utilities?
     How much does energy cost?                     Internet
     Your electricity costs will vary for each      Compare a number of internet companies,
     season and your bill will depend on how        considering how much you are likely to use
     many appliances you use, and for how           the internet and how many downloads you
     long. For tips on saving energy please visit   are likely to make. When you have found
     the website on:                                the most suitable plan (prepaid or plan),
     www.sa.gov.au/topics/energy-and-               you normally ring the internet provider and
     environment or contact the Energy              they will be able to talk you through the set
     Advisory Service on 8204 1888.                 up process.
                                                    A list of broadband providers is also
                                                    available at: comms.iselect.com.au/
                                                    broadband

20
Making connections

ISS arranges social activities               Movies
                                             Cinemas in Adelaide offer cheaper tickets
at low cost. We send out                     on Tuesday nights. Westfield Marion,
information using student email              which is a large shopping centre on Sturt
                                             Road (and very close to Flinders), has a
contact lists, so make sure that             megaplex with a good range of movies on
you check your university email              show at any one time.
                                             To find out what movies are on and session
regularly.                                   times, check:
If you are living on-campus, the Hall and    Event Cinemas Marion and
Village senior residents organise a number   GU Filmhouse Glenelg:
of activities.                               www.eventcinemas.com.au
                                             Wallis Cinemas:
                                             www.wallis.com.au
                                             Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas (City):
                                             www.palacecinemas.com.au/cinemas/
                                             eastend/

                                                                 Students in the food court at Bedford Park

                                                                                                              21
Making connections

     Music                                           Sports and social activities
     Adelaide has a number of live music             Ask at the Alan Mitchell Sports Centre
     venues and for further information check        preview.flinders.edu.au/content/dam/
     either the Gig Guide, which is published in     documents/campus/maps/campus-
     the Friday edition of The Advertiser, or your   map.pdf for information on sporting clubs
     local Messenger paper for venues and            affiliated with the University. Please see:
     band details. Talk to local students about      www.onesportandfitness.com.au
     Adelaide bands.                                 Check your local Council websites or ask
     Other event guides include:                     at ISS for information about sporting and
     www.liveguide.com.au/Adelaide                   social clubs in the community.
     www.adelaidereview.com.au/guides
                                                     Other activities
     Community activities                            Check the following websites for
                                                     entertainments/attractions:
     Most local councils run a range of social
     activities. Visit their websites for details    www.adelaidecitycouncil.com and for
     and select the Community tab and look           their Event Guide (free and low-cost), see
     for Community Events and Community              www.cityofadelaide.com.au/whats-on
     Centres.                                        Art Gallery of South Australia:
     Mitcham:                                        www.artgallery.sa.gov.au/agsa/home
     www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au                    South Australian Museum:
     Marion:                                         www.samuseum.sa.gov.au/
     www.marion.sa.gov.au                            GlamAdelaide:
     Holdfast Bay:                                   www.glamadelaide.com.au/
     www.holdfast.sa.gov.au                          The Botanical Gardens:
     Onkaparinga:                                    www.environment.sa.gov.au/
     www.onkaparingacity.com                         botanicgardens
     Unley:
     www.unley.sa.gov.au

22
Getting around

What public transport is                         If your spouse or partner is not a
                                                 student, they must buy a full price ticket.
there and how do I use it?                       Accompanied children under five years old
                                                 travel free at all times
Bus, train and tram                              Metro card and metro tickets
The website www.adelaidemetro.com.
                                                 You must use a metro card or a metro
au gives you access to general customer
                                                 ticket to travel on any bus, train or tram.
information as well as timetables, new and
special offers.                                  Metro Card: This is an electronic smart
                                                 card and useful for frequent public
Public transport information                     transport users.
You can find out about public transport          Metro Ticket: This is a paper based
fares and receive assistance with planning       ticket and best for those who use public
your route from:                                 transportation very rarely.
•	Passenger Transport Information Centre       You can buy and recharge a Metrocard
   (corner Currie and                            from most post offices, many
   King William Streets in the city)             delicatessens, newsagencies and the
•	Information Office, Adelaide Railway          Passenger Transport Information Centre.
   Station                                       Single Metro tickets can be purchased on
•	The Adelaide Metro Info line on               board buses, trains and trams.
   1300 311 108
                                                 Peak and interpeak periods
•	For hearing impaired, call (TTY)
                                                 Peak: before 9:01am and after 3.00pm
   on 133 677
                                                 Monday – Friday and all day Saturday.
www.adelaidemetro.com.au
                                                 Interpeak: from 9:01am-3pm weekdays,
Concessions                                      all day Sunday and on public holidays.
Your Flinders University student ID card         Ticket prices are available from the
with its full time sticker on it means you can   Adelaide Metro website.
buy a concession fare on public transport.
                                                 Paying for your trip
Pay the full price for a ticket until you get
your student ID card. When you have a            To pay, simply hold the card against the
student ID card, do not buy a student            on-board machine or at the barrier gates
ticket (these are for school students), but      of the Adelaide train station.
buy a concession ticket. Have your student       Your metro card will recognise the time
ID card with you when using a concession         of travel and deduct the appropriate fare.
ticket because an inspector can ask you          The deducted fare and the balance of
to show it on public transport. If travelling    your metro card will also appear on the
with a concession ticket without your            validator display.
student ID card, you will be fined.

                                                                                               23
Getting around
     Lost property                                     Bikes on trains
     If you think you have lost any personal           Take your bike on trains if you do not want
     belongings while travelling on a bus, train or    to ride the whole way to university. If there
     tram in Adelaide, report lost property via the    is space, bikes can be taken free of charge
     Adelaide metro website. Click on ‘contact         from Monday–Friday 9:01am–3pm and
     us’ and complete the form or call the             6pm to last service and all day Saturdays,
     Adelaide Metro InfoLine on 1300 311 108.          Sundays and public holidays. Outside of
                                                       these hours you must validate a separate
     Public transport etiquette
                                                       concession ticket for your bike. You cannot
     Buses will only pickup and drop off               take a bike on a Bus or Tram.
     passengers at designated bus stops.
                                                       How do I get to Flinders University by
     When the bus you want to catch is
                                                       public transport?
     approaching the stop, you need to hail it by
     standing on the kerb and extending your           Buses are the usual type of public
     arm horizontally. The bus will then stop          transport in Adelaide and mostly operate
     (unless it is an express service) and you         between 6am and midnight daily. Trains
     may board.                                        and trams operate in some suburbs.
                                                       There is limited accommodation within
     •	Give way to exiting passengers before
                                                       walking distance or a five-minute bus
        you get on.
                                                       ride from Flinders. Aim for a distance of
     •	Purchase a bus ticket from the bus driver      10–30 minutes’ travelling time (by bus) to
        unless you already have one. Please pay        the campus, especially if you are budget
        with change or a $5 or $10 note.               conscious. Bus fares will usually be the
     • Pay with your Metrocard.                        same no matter how far you travel.
     •	Be courteous and offer your seat to            Each bus ticket lasts for two hours travel
        people with disabilities, seniors, pregnant    so that you can use it again if you need
        women or adult with strollers.                 to transfer buses on your journey to the
     •	To exit the bus you must ring the bell after   campus.
        the stop before you wish to get off.           What bus do I catch to/or from
     • Never put your feet on seats.                   Flinders?
     •	No eating, drinking or smoking on-board        You can plan your journey from the
        vehicles.                                      following resources:
     •	Some buses are express and passengers          www.adelaidemetro.com.au
        cannot get off until a designated stop.        www.google.com.au/maps

     If you are travelling by train from the
     suburbs to the city, you can buy your ticket
     on the train. When you travel from Adelaide
     Railway Station in the city to the suburbs,
     you must buy your ticket before you enter
     the platforms.

24
What do I need to know about                      turning, especially on busy roads when
                                                  there is a lot of traffic around you
riding a Taxi?                                   • Lock your bike when you leave it
Taxis are easy to identify. Usually they are         anywhere – refer to the link below for
white and have a logo on the body of the             information regarding free bike shelters
taxi. Drivers must display an identity card          on campus: stage.flinders.edu.au/
at all times.                                        campus/bedford-park/location/
Fees and surcharge                                   cycling
In general, taxi meters are clearly visible so   •	Do not ride on footpaths, unless they are
you can see the cost of your fare. All taxis        specially marked
must charge standard fare.                       •	Do not ride more than two persons abreast
                                                 •	Do not ride without lights on your bike at
Hailing a taxi
                                                    night
You can hail a taxi from a taxi rank or
phone one of the major taxi companies.           Special Cautions
                                                 Make sure you invest money in a good lock
Major Taxi Companies:
                                                 and use it, even when your bike is at your
Adelaide Independent Taxis          132 211      house. Don’t leave your bike in an unlocked
Suburban Taxis                      131 008      shed or garage as bikes are very easy to
Yellow Cabs                         132 227      steal.
                                                 Be careful if you are riding home late in
What do I need to know about                     the evening. Make sure that your lights
riding a bicycle?                                are clearly visible, wear brightly coloured
You can plan to ride to Flinders using           clothing and be conscious of the traffic
either bike lanes or secondary roads. Bike       around you.
route maps are a good way to plan your
route and these can be downloaded from:          What do I need to know about
www.sa.gov.au/topics/driving-and-                driving a car?
transport/roads-and-traffic/traffic-
control/bicycle-lanes                            Driving in Australia
Bike SA runs bike workshops regularly and        A person who is the holder of a current
you can find out about them by looking on        foreign driver’s licence of a particular class
the Bike SA website at: www.bikesa.asn.          may drive a vehicle of that class in South
au or contacting 8168 9999.                      Australia using the foreign driver’s licence if:
• Wear a helmet                                  •	The licence issued in another country is
                                                    written in English or
•	Have a bell and a rear wheel reflector on
   your bicycle                                  •	there is an English translation of this
                                                    licence or
• Use bicycle lanes where they exist
                                                 •	they hold an international driver’s licence,
•	Indicate when you are stopping and
                                                    and

                                                                                                    25
Getting around
     •	the person is not disqualified from driving     Learning to drive
        in South Australia or elsewhere.                If you intend to obtain a licence in
     If the foreign licence expires, you are            Australia, your first step will be to apply for
     required to obtain a South Australian              a learner’s permit. The South Australian
     driver’s licence.                                  Government office called Service SA
     Visiting motorists are required to carry           Customer Centre at Marion will provide
     their licence (and English translation if          further information.
     applicable) at all times while driving and         You will have to:
     produce it to police on request. Production        •	Sit for a written test of the road rules
     of their temporary visas may also be                  at the Motor Registration Department.
     required as evidence of their temporary               When you pass you will receive a
     residential status.                                   learner’s permit.
     It is important that you understand                •	You are strongly advised to take lessons
     the local traffic code and buy a                      from a Driving School, which can
     Driver’s Handbook available from most                 prepare you for the driving test to get
     newsagencies. You can also download it                your provisional licence. Driving Schools
     from the web at:                                      employ professional driving instructors
     www.mylicence.sa.gov.au/road-rules                    with a wealth of knowledge and
                                                           experience. They are better trained than
     Driving in SA
                                                           your friends or other students to teach
     •	Children must be restrained in approved            you to drive.
        child-seats.
                                                        Please note: Your instructor must have had
     •	Where seatbelts are available, they must        a full licence from a recognised country for
        be worn.                                        two years.
     •	All children up to seven years old must         Lessons can cost between $60 and
        use a booster seat and must not sit in the      $90 an hour. Driving school vehicles
        front seat.                                     are covered by insurance whilst you are
     • Driving without a licence is illegal.            learning to drive. Your friends’ vehicles may
     •	Driving an unregistered vehicle is illegal.     not be covered.

     •	Using a hand-held phone or other mobile         See the Yellow Pages for listings of
        electronic device whilst driving is illegal.    driving schools.

     •	Observe all speed limits. They vary on          •	In South Australia there are two types
        different roads.                                   of tests. One is a logbook system
                                                           with specified hours and activities to
     •	It is also illegal to drink and drive if your      complete. The other is called Vehicle
        blood alcohol content (BAC) is over .05            on Road Test (VORT). Once you pass
        (and for ‘P’ plate holders the legal BAC           your driving test you will be issued with
        is zero).                                          a provisional licence (P plate). Certain
                                                           restrictions apply to P plate holders.

26
See: mylicence.sa.gov.au/the-                 What do I need to know about
 driving-companion/provisional-
 conditions                                    riding a motorcycle/ motorbike?
                                               If you are licenced to drive a motorbike in
Buying a car
                                               your home country, you might consider
Some students decide to buy their own car      riding one in South Australia. While motor
when they come to Australia. New cars are      bikes are usually more economical to run
expensive in Australia. Students generally     than a motor car, they may cost more to
purchase a second-hand car from a car          insure. Check there is no debt attached to
yard or a private sale. A 4-cylinder car of    the bike. For information about obtaining a
$4,000 to $8,000 should be reasonably          Motor Bike licence in South Australia see:
reliable.
                                               www.mylicence.sa.gov.au/my-
Read the information on the Consumer           motorcycle-licence
and Business Services (CBS) website
                                               Please note: Motorcyclists must wear a
on buying a used car: www.sa.gov.
                                               helmet when riding their motorbike and any
au/topics/driving-and-transport/
                                               pillion passenger must wear a helmet.
vehicles/buying-and-selling-a-
vehicle/buying-a-vehicle                       Parking on campus
Before buying a car always check the           You need a parking permit to park at the
Vehicle Securities Register to make sure       University. You can buy an annual permit
that the car is clear of debts from previous   from Flinders Connect. Information about
owners, as you can be held responsible for     parking permits can be found at:
these debts.                                   flinders.edu.au/campus/bedford-park/
                                               parking
Insurance
Some of the money you pay to register the      Loop bus on campus
vehicle goes into the compulsory ‘third        The University loop bus is a free service
party person’ insurance fund. This means       that runs during semester (including
that if you hurt anyone (not yourself) in a    exam weeks) on a loop linking the main
vehicle accident, you are covered for the      University, Sturt and the Flinders Medical
injured person’s medical bills. All students   Centre (FMC) bus interchange.
should buy ‘third party property damage’
                                               Further information and timetable about
insurance and consider ‘fire and theft’
                                               the loop bus and Tonsley loop can be
insurance. ‘Comprehensive’ insurance
                                               found at flinders.edu.au/campus/
provides the most cover, but may be too
                                               bedford-park/location/loop-bus
expensive for your budget.
The cost of any insurance policy will vary
depending on your gender, age, driving
record and also the size, make and age
of the vehicle you are insuring. Contact a
number of companies to compare prices.

                                                                                             27
Students in the food court at Bedford Park

28
Shopping

Where can I buy food?                         Where can I do my household
Food on campus                                shopping?
Information on foods on campus can be         Fresh and dried foods from Western and
found at: flinders.edu.au/campus/             Asian regional countries can be bought
bedford-park/facilities-services/food-        from major supermarkets:
drink                                         • Coles: www.coles.com.au
Any student with dietary restrictions         • Foodland: www.foodlandsa.com.au
should ask about ingredients and food
                                              • Woolworths: www.woolworths.com.au
preparation before buying dishes at any
food outlet.                                  • Aldi: www.aldi.com.au
                                              Coles and Woolworths offer online
Takeaway food near Flinders
                                              shopping including home delivery at a
University
                                              reasonable price.
•	Hungry Jack’s, corner South and Marion
                                              For a wider range of fresh foods go to the
   Roads, Darlington
                                              Adelaide Central Market stalls.
•	McDonald’s Restaurant,1481 Main South      www.adelaidecentralmarket.com.au
   Road, Darlington
                                              Fresh, dried and canned Asian groceries
•	Food court – Marion Shopping Complex       all near the Central Market try:
Around the city                               • Thuan Phat
•	Sushi Train, Adelaide Central Market and   • Seoul Asian Grocery
   King William Street                        • Kim Wang Asian Supermarket
•	Saya Coffee House (Halal food, Middle      • Hong Kong Asian Supermarket
   Eastern and European food, Lebanese
                                              • Kuo Chi Oriental Supermarket
   sweets), 122 Gouger Street
                                              •	L au Peking Asian Grocer (Westfield
•	Mekong Thai Restaurant, Halal food,
                                                 Marion)
   68 Hindley Street
                                              Halal meat:
•	Rundle Mall, department stores and
   supermarket chains                         •	Afghan Supermarket
                                                 376 Prospect Rd, Kilburn SA 5084
•	East-end of Rundle Street, many
   restaurants and coffee shops               •	Go 9
                                                 654 South Road, Glandore SA 5037
•	Adelaide Central Market, International
   Food Hall and other food outlets           •	Bangla Bazaar
                                                 224 Prospect Rd, Prospect SA 5082
Pizza pick-up or delivery
                                              Indian foods and spice:
• Domino’s, 1300 366 466
                                              •	Indian Spice Centre
• Pizza Hut, 1300 749 924
                                                 592 Goodwood Road, Daw Park
• Marcellina, 1300 131 967
                                              •	New India Market
                                                 1500 South Road, Darlington

                                                                                           29
Shopping
     Kosher grocer:                                  Discount Variety and department
     •	Adelaide Hebrew Congregation
        13 Flemington St, Glenside
                                                     stores
        Ring 83382922 for opening hours              A number of discount variety and
                                                     department stores offer a range of
     Shopping hints                                  household items, toiletries, clothes
                                                     and hardware. Some major discount
     •	Buying food products that can be stored
                                                     variety stores are Kmart, Target, Big W,
        for a long time can reduce shopping
                                                     Reject Shop and Cheap as Chips. Myer
        trips. Food products that can be stored
                                                     and David Jones are more expensive
        for a long time are UHT milk, skim milk
                                                     department stores.
        powder, pasta, rice, breakfast cereal,
        canned meat, canned fish, canned fruits
        and vegetables, canned soup, tomato
                                                     Second-hand products
        paste, dried fruits, frozen vegetables and   Second-hand stores, sometimes referred
        dried vegetables and legumes. .              to as opportunity shops or op-shops,
                                                     offer a cheaper alternative for students on
     •	C onsider online shopping and home
                                                     tight budget. These shops offer donated
        delivery to save time and difficulties.
                                                     clothes, furniture and household goods
                                                     at a cheaper price. You may like to try
     Budget shopping                                 Blackwood Lions on Shepherds Hill Road
     Compare different supermarkets for              (Saturday morning) and shops such as
     cheaper prices and specials.                    Salvation Army, Vinnies Family Centres
     •	Plan your menu for the whole week and        and Goodwill Industries – Find the
        prepare a shopping list.                     locations of these shops on White Pages.
     • Buying in bulk is often cheaper.              Second hand items can also be found
     •	It is always cheaper to cook for two or      online through Trading Post
        more people than one. Alternatively, you     www.tradingpost.com.au at a very
        can cook in bulk and freeze meal portions    reasonable price. However, you will need
        for later use.                               to organise to collect the goods if the
                                                     seller cannot assist you with delivery. You
     •	Buy fruits and vegetables that are in
                                                     can also look for second-hand furniture
        season as they are often cheaper.
                                                     and domestic goods on:
     •	Groceries in the Central Market
                                                     www.gumtree.com.au or
        (Saturday afternoon) are often cheaper
                                                     www.ebay.com.au
        than supermarkets.
                                                     Notice boards around campus are a good
     •	C onsider appropriate food storage
                                                     resource to use too.
        methods to reduce food wastage, which
        in turn saves money.

30
Furniture                                      •	L ay-by (For white goods, furniture and
                                                  clothing, this is a good way to buy when
When you are moving into unfurnished
                                                  you cannot pay in full immediately. You
accommodation, you will need to arrange
                                                  are required to pay a small deposit and
your own bedding, utensils, seating, etc.
                                                  service fee, followed by regular payments
Some larger trading stores (e.g. IKEA,
                                                  until you have paid the total price. The
Harvey Norman, Forty Winks, Fantastic
                                                  shop will hold the item until the final
Furniture) have cheap new furniture and
                                                  payment. Interest is not charged on a
they provide a delivery service.
                                                  lay-by.)
Bargaining/ haggling                           Returning Goods
When shopping in Australia, you generally
                                               Some stores allow you to return items if
don’t bargain or barter (also called
                                               you change your mind as long as you hold
haggling) over the price of an item. The
                                               the receipts and meet the shop’s return
displayed price for items is fixed. However,
                                               policy. Check with the shop at the time
there are exceptions to this rule. You
                                               of buying products regarding their return
can bargain at garage sales, community
                                               policy.
markets, second hand dealerships, or at
electrical goods’ stores, furniture shops,
or when purchasing a motor vehicle if you
are offering to pay in cash, or have seen
the item at a competitor store for a better
price.

Purchasing an item
The most common methods of purchasing
items are:
• Cash
•	Electronic Funds Transfer at Point Of
   Sale (EFTPOS). EFTPOS is an electronic
   processing system for credit cards and
   debit cards. EFTPOS is available at most
   supermarkets, petrol stations and retail
   outlets.
• Credit cards/debit cards

                                                                                              31
Health

     Emergencies                                       Lifeline
     If you are in an emergency situation, please      Lifeline’s 131 114 service is staffed by
     stay calm and use the following numbers           trained volunteer telephone counsellors
     to receive assistance.                            who are ready to take calls 24 hours a
                                                       day, any day of the week from anywhere in
     Dial 000                                          Australia.
     The Triple Zero (000) service is the              Anyone can call Lifeline. The service offers
     quickest way to get the right emergency           counselling that respects everyone’s
     service to help you. It should be used to         right to be heard, understood and cared
     contact Police, Fire or Ambulance services        for. They also provide information about
     in life threatening or emergency situations       other support services that are available
     only. Emergency 000 lines should not be           in communities around Australia. Lifeline
     used for general medical assistance.              telephone counsellors are ready to talk and
     Waiting time in public hospitals                  listen no matter how big or how small the
                                                       problem might seem. They are trained to
     Waiting times in public hospitals are long.       offer emotional support in times of crisis or
     Patients are seen on the basis of the severity    when callers may be feeling depressed or
     of their condition (example, heart attack), and   in need of advice.
     those with a more life-threatening condition
     will receive treatment first and people with      Poisons information line
     minor conditions (example, cold), will be         The poisons information line provides
     required to wait to receive treatment.            the public and health professionals with
     Emergency home visiting doctors                   prompt, up-to-date and appropriate
                                                       information and advice to assist in
     If you have an out of hours medical               the management of poisoning and
     condition, that is not life threatening, you      suspected poisoning. The seriousness
     can contact the National Home Doctor              of a poisoning situation is assessed after
     Service on 13 7425 to arrange for a doctor        a detailed history is obtained from the
     to see you at home. The service operates          caller. Members of the public may be then
     after 4pm weekdays (Monday to Friday),            given first aid instructions, information on
     after 10am on Saturdays, all day Sunday           possible symptoms, and advised on the
     and all day on Public Holidays.                   need for assessment by a doctor or referral
     State emergency service                           to hospital. The Australia-wide Poisons
                                                       Information Centres have a common
     The State Emergency Service (SES) is an
                                                       telephone number: 13 11 26.
     emergency and rescue service dedicated
     to providing assistance in natural disasters,     Emergency interpreting
     rescues, road crashes and extreme                 For interpreting in an emergency situation,
     weather conditions. It operates in all            dial 1800 280 203. You will pay to use this
     States and Territories in Australia. For          service.
     emergency assistance in a flood or storm
     dial 132 500.

32
33
Overseas Student
     Health Cover (OSHC)
     What is Overseas Student Health               How do I use my OSHC card?
     Cover?                                        If you need to visit a doctor or medical
                                                   centre, present your OSHC card to the
     Overseas Student Health Cover is
                                                   medical staff when requested. You will
     insurance that provides cover for
                                                   be charged the doctor’s fee and the
     • Cost of seeing the doctor                   government fee component of that may be
     • Hospital care                               processed by the medical centre.
     • Ambulance costs in cases of emergency       If the medical centre is not able to process
     • Most prescription drugs                     the government fee:
     •	Up to 100% of Australia’s Medical          • pay the total amount
        Benefits Scheme (MBS) outside of           • keep the receipt
        hospital                                   • get back the government fee from your
     • 100% of the MBS fee in hospitals               OSHC provider.
     It is compulsory for international students
     and also covers a student’s dependents        Family Cover
     for the length of a Visa.                     If you are here with your family, or if you
     Belgian, Norwegian and most Swedish           are planning to bring your family at a later
     students do not require OSHC.                 stage, please contact Flinders Connect
                                                   as you will need to buy either Couples or
     How do I get OSHC?                            Family insurance cover.
     Flinders University arranges your Overseas    If you have arranged OSHC through
     Student Health Cover for you through          another insurance provider, please contact
     Medibank. A welcome email will be sent        Flinders Connect immediately with the
     to your email with instructions on how to     details of your OSHC policy or lodge a
     activate your Medibank OSHC when you          request through Ask Flinders and make
     arrive in Australia and access your Online    sure you include a scanned copy of your
     Member Services.                              OSHC policy and passports.
     If you need help or have questions about      If your family members do not come as
     your cover a Medibank representative will     dependants on your student visa, they
     be at Flinders Connect at selected times      are not entitled to OSHC. We strongly
     to assist you.                                recommend that they take out travel
                                                   insurance before they depart for Australia.
     If you have any problem with the start date
     of your policy, please consult your OSHC
     representative.

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Medibank OSHC                                  What is not covered by OSHC?
Medibank OSHC has a representative on          OSHC does not cover:
campus. Check with Flinders Connect for
                                               • assisted reproduction services, such as
information on the days, times and location
                                                  in-vitro fertilisation (IVF)
of their campus visits. If a Medibank
representative is not available at Flinders    • treatment arranged before coming to
Connect call 134 148 and speak to an              Australia
advisor.                                       • treatment needed while travelling to or
The Medibank OSHC helpline can assist             from Australia
you if you are unwell, you are feeling         •	treatment during the first 12 months of
homesick, alone or stressed. You can also         membership for pre-existing medical
get legal advice and interpreting services        conditions or disabilities
are available. The helpline is available to    • transportation of a dependant or
all students, 24 hours a day, seven days a        overseas student into or out of Australia
week.                                             in any circumstance
Phone: 1800 887 283 anytime (within            • treatment covered by provisions for
Australia) to speak to a registered nurse or      compensation and damages.
counsellor.
For more information visit
www.medibank.com.au/                           Note that medical conditions that you
overseas-health-insurance/oshc/                have before you come to Australia
comprehensive-oshc                             are called ‘pre-existing’ and OSHC
                                               providers may impose waiting periods
                                               for the first 12 months.
                                               OSHC does not pay for additional
                                               services (for example, dental, optical
                                               or physiotherapy). Overseas students
                                               requiring cover for additional services
                                               may take out extras cover provided by an
                                               approved OSHC provider, or additional
                                               cover with any Australian health fund.
                                               Overseas students are also free to add on
                                               to their OSHC with other insurance, such
                                               as international travel insurance.

                                                                                              35
Overseas Student
     Health Cover (OSHC)
     Medical services                               management of your illness and may give
                                                    you a prescription for some medication.
     What do I do if I’m sick?                      If you have had to take time off from
     Need to visit a General Practitioner (GP)?     studies you will need to get a medical
     Why not see your onsite GP located at          certificate from the doctor to provide to
     Flinders University campus? Flinders           your education provider. If your illness is
     University has its own Health, Counselling     more serious or the doctor is unsure of a
     and Disability Service which opens from        diagnosis, they may refer you for further
     8:45am until 5pm, Monday–Friday. Call          tests, e.g. blood tests or x-rays, or to
     8201 2118 to book an appointment.              see a specialist doctor. It is important to
     Visit: medibank.com.au/oshc and select         note that if you are dissatisfied with the
     ‘Find a direct billing medical centre’ to      diagnosis or service of the doctor you see,
     find your nearest location. Simply present     you have the right to obtain an opinion from
     your Medibank membership card and              another doctor.
     photo identification at the time of your       General Practitioner (GP)
     consultation and your Doctor will submit
                                                    In Australia you do not go to a hospital to
     your claim with Medibank on your behalf.
                                                    see a doctor unless it is an emergency.
     Depending on the Direct Bill Doctor you
                                                    You can see a doctor in their private
     see, you may on occasion experience an
                                                    practice or medical centre, with part or
     out-of-pocket expense that is not covered
                                                    the entire doctor’s fee being covered by
     by Medibank. We encourage you to talk
                                                    OSHC. You must make an appointment
     with your doctor prior to your consultation
                                                    to see a GP. Some GP surgeries request
     to confirm if any out of pocket expenses
                                                    full payment from you at the time of
     will apply.
                                                    consultation and you will need to present
     If you are unable to find a Medibank           the receipt to claim the funds back from
     DirectBill Doctor near you, simply search      your health cover provider.
     for a GP or medical centre in your area:
     www.doctors-4u.com/adelaide. Don’t             Pharmacies/Chemist
     forget to call the GP or medical centre        GP surgeries do not have medications
     directly to make an appointment.               to dispense to you. Take the prescription
     If you are under 18, your International        given to you by the doctor to a pharmacy
     Student Advisor can help you find a doctor     or chemist to obtain the medication.
     and accompany you to the appointment.          Provide the pharmacy with your OSHC
                                                    card, your full name and address. You
     Seeing a doctor                                are able to walk in off the street to any
     When you attend your appointment, the          pharmacy/chemist/drug store in Australia
     doctor will ask you questions about your       and will only have to wait a short while for
     health and may give you a brief physical       your prescription medicine to be prepared.
     examination, such as checking your             Flinders has an on-campus pharmacy.
     breathing, your throat, ears etc. The doctor
     will then give you some advice regarding

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