Student Essentials

Moving to a new country to study can feel overwhelming. We are here to help with some important student essentials.

We’ve compiled key information to help you settle in and set yourself up for success. If you have any questions, our team is always ready to support you at [email protected] — you’re never alone on this journey.

Getting started (VET requirements)

Your USI is a unique reference number that tracks your training records.

Already studied? Search your email for your existing USI.
New to VET? Follow these steps to create one:

  1. Go to www.usi.gov.au

  2. Click Create your USI

  3. Agree to the terms and conditions

  4. Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport and visa grant

  5. Select ‘Visa (Non-Australian passport)’ – for international students.

  6. Create a 9-character password (include uppercase letters, numbers, and at least one of these: ! . ?)

Tip: Accuracy matters! Your name must match your passport and visa to avoid issues with enrolment.

  1. Set Up Your Access
    We’ll guide you to log in to Moodle, our online learning platform, so you can start your course with confidence.
  2. Attend Orientation
    Meet our friendly student support team, explore the campus, and get all the essential information about your course.
  3. Familiarise Yourself with Moodle
    Access course materials, submit assessments, and stay updated with announcements — everything you need is in one place.
  4. Organise Your Student ID
    At orientation, we’ll collect your details and issue your student ID, available digitally or in print.

All full-time courses at Mindroom are delivered face-to-face, with the added benefit of 24/7 access to class recordings and online learning materials. It’s the best of both worlds — live engagement and flexible review.

Domestic students can complete their studies entirely online and access one-on-one support sessions with a trainer whenever they need assistance.

Studying at Mindroom: rights, responsibilities & community

As a student at MI, you’re expected to:

  • Keep your personal details up to date
  • Respect others and contribute positively to the learning environment
  • Meet academic expectations and deadlines
  • Support your classmates and follow staff instructions

You’re entitled to:

  • A safe and respectful learning space
  • Freedom from discrimination and harassment
  • Transparent assessments and fair feedback
  • Confidential handling of your personal info
  • Access to complaints processes

We encourage every student to engage in our vibrant community through:

  • Hosting or attending events
  • Joining mentorship programs
  • Participating in community projects

 Visas & compliance

International students have the same workplace rights and protections as anyone else working in Australia.

Here’s what you need to know before starting to work in Australia:

  • You must be paid at least the minimum wage​
  • ​You must pay tax on your income
  • You must receive a payslip
  • You can work up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time (unless you are a PhD and master’s by research student) and unlimited hours during your holiday breaks.
  • Casual work means you don’t have a fixed number of hours every week.


Learn more here

You must:

  • Stay enrolled in your CRICOS course and make academic progress
  • Maintain valid OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)
  • Update your contact details within 7 days of any change
  • Attend classes and follow visa conditions

Not following visa rules — like missing class or working too many hours — can lead to visa cancellation. Stay informed, stay compliant, and ask us for help if you’re unsure!

Work & finances

A Tax File Number (TFN) is your personal reference number used for the Australian tax and superannuation systems. This essentially means that everyone working within Australia needs a TFN.

You cannot file your tax returns online with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) if you do not have a TFN.

Find more information on your TFN here.

Learn how to apply for your TFN here.

MyGov is a simple and secure way to access government services online in one place.

When you create a myGov account, you can link to Medicare, Centrelink, Child Support, and a range of other government services.

Find out more here

The income year runs from 1 July to 30 June. Most people need to lodge a tax return between 1 July and 31 October. If you need to complete a tax return, you need to either lodge it or engage with a registered tax agent by 31 October.

You can lodge a tax return online, with a tax agent, or by paper.

MyTax, the ATO’s online service, is the fastest way to lodging a tax return. You can access myTax in your ATO online services account through myGov or the ATO app. Find out all you need to know here.

What to do at tax time? Click here

Explore the Government Tax Help Program – this service is free and helps eligible people earning $60,000 or less lodge their tax returns online.

You will need to complete a tax file number (TFN) declaration so your payer can determine how much tax to withhold from their payments.

Find out morehere.

If you’re planning to start a business in Australia, whether it’s based at home or elsewhere, you’ll require an ABN, which stands for Australian Business Number. An ABN is an 11-digit identifier that distinguishes your business from the government, other businesses, and the public. It’s unique to your business and places you on the official register of Australian businesses.

Having an ABN simplifies doing business in several ways. It makes interactions with suppliers, clients, and government agencies, including the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), more straightforward because it allows them to identify your business readily.

Learn more about ABNs here

Learn how to get your ABN quickly here

You can work up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time (unless you are a PhD and master’s by research student) and unlimited hours during your holiday breaks.

Health & wellbeing

Generally, everyone with a Subclass 500 Student Visa needs OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover). Condition 8501 on the Department of Home Affairs website says, “You must have and maintain adequate health insurance for the whole of your stay in Australia.” Currently, students from Belgium, Norway or Sweden do not need OSHC.

OSHC is designed to meet your visa’s criteria and covers you as long as your premiums are paid, and you’re enrolled as a full-time student. When you take out OSHC, the insurer will email you a confirmation certificate which you must attach to your visa application.

Find out more and explore your options here
OSHC and length of stay for Student visas

Support available from Mindroom

Our Student Support Team is dedicated to your overall wellbeing—both personally and academically. You can reach out anytime for help with:

  • Emotional or mental-health concerns

  • Study-related stress or personal challenges

  • Getting connected with external counselling or community services

  • Confidential one-on-one support without cost for referral services

How to access support:

  • Email our team at [email protected] (or [email protected])

  • Fill out the “Request for Support” form here

  • Speak to any member of the Student Support Team—whether it’s for practical support, peer-mentoring, or just a chat.

Local & external services 

Sometimes you may need extra help outside of campus. Here are trusted local and national services:

  • Lifeline – 24/7 crisis support: Call 13 11 14 anytime

  • Beyond Blue – Counselling and resources for stress, depression and anxiety: Call 1300 224 636

  • General Practitioner (GP) – Ask for a Mental Health Care Plan, which may allow you to access subsidised sessions with a psychologist

  • Other community-based counselling services (check your local area or student hub)

Housing & life admin

The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) looks after the laws that protect the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords/agents.

The RTA provides information on rules and steps to follow before, during and after you sign a lease. Know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, find out what a rental bond is and more here.

Finder.com.au is Australia’s largest independent online comparison site, which helps you find better deals on everyday essentials — from credit cards and home loans to insurance, utilities, mobile plans, tech, and travel. With free, data-driven reviews and simple comparison tools, it empowers people across Australia to make confident, money-smart decisions.

As a Mindroom student, you are eligible for discounted fares on public transport through Translink’s concession program.

To get started:

  1. Visit the GoCard website

  2. Purchase and register your GoCard online, or buy one at a local retailer

  3. Once registered, apply for a student concession to receive discounted travel rates

  4. Use your Mindroom Student ID number (e.g. 8275849) when applying

Your registered concession card gives you access to cheaper fares across buses, trams, and trains in South East Queensland.

Quick links

Student Support request form – Academic/personal support

Student Handbook – Full policies & procedures.

Forms & Policies – Complaints/appeals, deferral, refunds, privacy.

Gold Coast Student Hub – Free services & events for international students.