Today I was granted my holiday/work visa! But what happens next?

Question

The letter I received left me in the dust. It pretty much said the terms and conditions of the visa and "have fun in Australia." But I have no idea what to do about a job or a place to live. Can anyone help me with the basic steps? I don't know if I should wait till I get there to get a job or not. I've never hunted for apartments/flats before so any help there would be greatly appreciated. Also will I be making enough money to live comfortably (perhaps a 1 bedroom flat in a good part of town and enough money to buy healthy food) or will I have crappy living conditions? Keep in mind that I'm still in college and don't have enough skills to get a well paying job.

Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

Don't worry, it won't be that hard!

See www.domain.com.au for places to rent or share. Where are you planning to go? In Sydney, the best places to rent an apartment would probably be the eastern suburbs, inner west, lower north shore (more expensive), or Parramatta or Ryde areas (cheaper because they are further from the city). Most apartments are rented unfurnished, unless you share.

As far as getting a job I think you are better off waiting until you get here, there are plenty of hospitality and retail jobs available but they are not always advertised. See www.seek.com.au or www.careerone.com.au for advertised jobs to give you some ideas.

If you are working regularly you will live comfortably as you described. Good luck.

Answer 2

Congrats !

If you are just here on a holiday visa wait until you arrive, then look for work - there are plenty of jobs around, just get your feet on the ground first and get over your jet-lag.

See the 'Just Landed in Australia Guide' - http://www.justlanded.com/english/austra... explains things in simple terms, about visas, working or as an international student etc…  Also about day-to-day life in Australia and how we do things.

See http://www.realestate.com.au and click on the tab/link rent or share and search what area you will be in.

Some job websites are

http://www.workingin-australia.com

http://www.australia.gov.au/Jobseekers

http://australia.recruit.net

https://jobsearch.gov.au

Other Fruit Picking and Harvest Jobs  in Australia / Guide

http://www.seasonalwork.com.au

http://www.workstay.com.au/backpacker_ha...

http://www.coastshop.com.au/jobs/

http://www.jobaroo.com/Outback~+Harvest~...

http://www.backpackingaround.com/aus/emp...

Have fun in the land down-under!