Welcome to ANU! We are looking forward to welcoming you to our ANU community. To help you prepare for your arrival, we have put together this checklist containing important information about arrival preparation, student administration and what you can expect when you arrive in Canberra.
Accept your offer
ACCEPT OFFER
Before you start, you will first need to accept your ANU offer. Once you have done so, you can start preparing for your arrival.
Before you arrive
ORGANISE YOUR ACCOMMODATION
It is important to allow enough time to organise your accommodation in Canberra. ANU offers an ANU Accommodation guarantee to students, for more information on eligibility and about the guarantee, visit the ANU Accommodation Guarantee page.
If you are looking to live off-campus, there are several options you can consider. The rental market in Canberra can be very competitive, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time to secure an accommodation. For tips on finding off-campus accommodation and information on things to look out for, visit the below pages:
- ANUSA Housing Tips
- The Renting Book – ACT Government: Justice and Community Safety Directorate
PLAN YOUR TRAVELS
ANU offers a free pick-up service for all first-year, first-semester commencing domestic and international students arriving in Canberra. You will be able to find further information about the operational hours and registration form on the Canberra Pick-Up Service page.
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE AN AUSTRALIAN TAX FILE NUMBER (TFN)
You will be asked to provide your tax file number (TFN) when completing and submitting the Request for HECS-HELP Assistance Form. If you choose not to provide your TFN, you will not be entitled to HECS-HELP and will be required to pay your fees up front.
If you cannot quote your TFN when you enrol, you should either, obtain a TFN, or a "Certificate of Application" for a tax file number (TFN) from the Australian Taxation Office. Please be aware that it can take several weeks to obtain a TFN.
If you have applied for a TFN and have not received your TFN before Census date, please ensure you submit a copy of your "Certificate of Application" from the Australian Taxation Office and a copy of your Australia Post "Application Receipt" to Student Hub on or before Census date.
Information on how to apply for a TFN can be found on the Australian Taxation Office website. Once you have been issued with your TFN, you will need to update your student record immediately. ANU will use your TFN to provide advice to the Australian Taxation Office regarding the amount of your loan.
EXPLORE YOUR COURSE OPTIONS
Choosing the right courses is an important part of your academic journey. Whether you are planning your degree, exploring elective options, considering a major or specialisation, or looking ahead to future study opportunities, the ANU Programs and Courses website provides detailed information about all ANU programs and courses.
You can search for courses, view program requirements, explore majors and specialisations, and access course descriptions and academic advice resources.
Visit the ANU Programs and Courses website to explore your options.
REGISTER AND ATTEND OUR PRE-ARRIVAL SESSIONS
To help you prepare for commencing your studies at ANU, we will be hosting a series of Pre-Arrival Online Information Sessions covering key topics such as enrolment, timetabling, tuition fees, accommodation, and other important information to support your transition to university life.
These live sessions provide an opportunity to hear directly from our expert staff and ask any questions you may have. If you are unable to attend a session at the scheduled time, we still encourage you to register, as a recording will be provided to all registered participants following the session.
SAVE THE DATE FOR O-WEEK
Orientation Week (O-Week) takes place in the week immediately before classes commence. If offers a wide range of information and engaging activities designed to help you settle into life at ANU, connect with fellow students, meet staff from your College, and learn about the many support services, programs, and opportunities available across the University.
Many O-Week events require advance registration, so be sure to visit the O-Week Events Page and secure your place in any session or activity you would like to attend.
WHO TO CONTACT FOR HELP WITH ADMINISTRATION
The Student Hub team is here to help you get started at ANU and support you throughout your first year and beyond.
Our friendly team can help you with a range of enquiries, including:
- Getting enrolled in your courses
- Understanding your timetable and class allocations
- Navigating Programs and Courses
- Understanding fees, invoices, and payments
- Obtaining your student ID card
- Accessing student support services
- Understanding assessment, examination, and academic administration processes
- Finding the right ANU service when you are not sure where to start
Starting university can feel overwhelming. Our team is here to help you settle in, find your way around ANU, and connect you with the support and services you need to succeed.
COMPLETE THE ESSENTIAL MODULES
Before you begin your studies at ANU, you will need to complete these essential modules. They’ll help you settle in, understand academic integrity, respect others and feel safe on campus. There are various online modules designed to help you prepare for your time in the University.
BUILD YOUR TIMETABLE AND SIGN UP FOR TUTORIALS
MyTimetable is the ANU official timetabling system enabling students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities/tutorials that allow for better planning of their time.
Visit Access and Support for MyTimetable for helpful information to assist you with understanding MyTimetable.
SIGN UP FOR A STUDENT MENTOR
Set4ANU is an 8-week fun and free mentoring program designed to assist new first-semester students as they transition to life at ANU.
Participating students are connected to a later-year student mentor who can help you connect socially, build your study skills, and be an ANU guide. To find out more and sign up for a mentor, visit the Set4ANU webpage.
During O-Week… and beyond
YOUR FIRST TWO WEEKS...
- Pay your service and amenities fee (SSAF)
- If you have a disability, medical condition or will be a recognised primary carer during your time at ANU, you can organise a meeting with Accessibility to discuss the support you can receive during your studies.
GET YOUR STUDENT CARD
As an ANU student, you will need an ANU Student Card to get around the University, and as a form of ID when you are on campus! During O-Week, the Student Hub team will have a dedicated area for students to obtain their student card. For times and locations, please visit the Orientation Week Event Page.
The Student Hub team will take your picture when you arrive to get a student card. There is no option to upload a preferred photo for your Student Card.
NOTE: You must be enrolled in your courses to be eligible to receive a student card. Your student status of full-time or part-time will be noted on your card, and is based on the number of enrolled courses you have at the time of the student card being printed.
Not sure whether you’re enrolled? Check out the Enrol for the first time webpage for more information or contact Student Hub.
TAKE A TOUR
During Orientation Week, we offer a number of tours to help first-year, first semester students find their way around some key areas of the ANU Acton campus. To get more information about the tours on offer and the tour schedule, please visit the Orientation Week Event Page.
MEET YOUR COLLEGE
During Orientation Week, Academic Colleges will host induction sessions. Visit the Orientation Week Event Page to find the times and to register.
Contact
- Transition and Retention