Welcome to Sydney, Your New Adventure Starts Here
Congratulations on choosing Ransford College and beginning your study journey in one of the world’s most vibrant and multicultural cities. Sydney offers an incredible lifestyle, world-class education, beautiful beaches, iconic landmarks, and opportunities to meet people from every corner of the globe.
Whether this is your first time travelling overseas or your first experience living away from home, we are excited to welcome you to the Ransford College community.
Before You Arrive
If you are travelling to Sydney from interstate or overseas, we recommend arriving at least two weeks before your course commencement date. This will give you time to:
- Settle into your accommodation.
- Become familiar with your local area.
- Open a bank account if required.
- Purchase essential items.
- Organise your transport.
- Rest after your journey and adjust to the local time zone.
- Attend your Orientation session feeling confident and prepared.
Before travelling, make sure you have your accommodation address, emergency contact details, and important college information readily available. Once you arrive safely, remember to contact your family and friends to let them know you have arrived.
Getting Around Sydney
Sydney has one of Australia’s largest and most reliable public transport networks, making it easy to travel between home, college and popular attractions.
Public transport includes:
- Trains
- Buses
- Metro services
- Light Rail (Trams)
- Ferries
To travel on public transport, you’ll need an Adult Opal Card, or you can simply use a contactless Visa, Mastercard, American Express card, or a compatible mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay) to tap on and off.
Ride-sharing services such as Uber, DiDi and taxis are also widely available throughout Sydney.
Finding Your New Home
Sydney offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and lifestyles, including:
- Student accommodation
- Shared apartments or houses
- Homestay with Australian families
- Private rental accommodation
Accommodation can fill quickly, particularly before new study periods begin. We encourage you to arrange accommodation as early as possible before arriving in Australia.
If you need assistance, the Student Services team can provide guidance and information about suitable accommodation options.
Orientation – Your First Step to Success
Orientation is designed to help you settle into college life and prepare you for success before your classes begin.
During Orientation you will:
- Meet your trainers, staff and fellow students.
- Learn about your course and timetable.
- Receive important information about student visas and your responsibilities.
- Discover the support services available to you.
- Learn how to access online learning systems and student resources.
- Become familiar with campus facilities and safety procedures.
- Ask questions and gain confidence before your studies commence.
Orientation is an important part of your student journey, and attendance is strongly encouraged.
Discover Sydney’s Libraries
Sydney’s public libraries are fantastic places to study, research and connect with the local community. They provide:
- Quiet study spaces
- Free Wi-Fi and computer access
- Printing and scanning facilities
- Books, journals and digital resources
- Study rooms and collaborative workspaces
- Workshops and community events
Libraries are an excellent resource whether you need a quiet place to study, complete assessments, or simply explore your new city.
Enjoy Everything Sydney Has to Offer
Studying at Ransford College is about more than gaining a qualification—it’s about experiencing life in Australia.
Take time to explore Sydney’s famous beaches, parks, museums, cultural festivals, cafés and sporting events. Make new friends, embrace different cultures, and enjoy the unique experiences that Australia has to offer.
We look forward to supporting you throughout your journey and helping you achieve your academic, professional and personal goals.
Welcome to Ransford College, we’re excited to have you with us.