Some guidelines and information for new BASS members

New Petroleum and Chemical Engineering Students 2011

Assalamualaikum and Hello

Foremost, we would like to say Congratulations to those who are on the verge of coming to Sydney. We are so happy to announce that our BASS family is growing bigger yearly and this July, Insya Allah another 24 new students are coming to UNSW for Petroleum and Chemical Engineering courses.

Here are some guidelines and information prepared for the new BASS members.

What to bring to Sydney?

Basically Sydney offers and is able to provide most of our needed items at an affordable price. Therefore, it is not necessary to bring a year of such supply to Sydney.  Just bring some necessary things such as few thick clothes, Indomie (you will miss them very soon :) ) and most importantly photocopies of your Visa, passports, IC, Sponsorship letters and etc which will be needed for house application. Not to forget your Hari Raya clothes.

What NOT to bring to Sydney?

Since Australia is one of the largest food suppliers, therefore in order to control the quality of foods as well as to prevent any food/animals diseases in the country, the Australian Government has taken a step to control the entrance of several foods, animals and plants products from outside Australia. Therefore you are required to declare on arrival to AQIS of any dairy, animals or plants products to the country. This includes some Kueh, Teas, dried or fresh fruits and etc. The full list of the foods that are required to be declared are available at http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/travel/entering-australia/cant-take. If you are not really sure if the items you are bringing along are under quarantine or not, just declared it. This also includes any used foot wears (soil/sands/plant might sticks on it)

Calculator

In UNSW specifically, there are only several types of calculator that can be used during the exam. So make sure you bring the right calculator with you. The full list of the approved calculator can be found at https://my.unsw.edu.au/student/academiclife/assessment/examinations/Calculator.html

Halal Foods / Asian Foods

Alhamdulilah, It is not that difficult to find halal foods and restaurants in Sydney. So you don’t have to worry much on this. List of halal butchery can be found at http://www.msda.org.au/web_images/halal%20helpline%20butcher.pdf.

There are oriental shops selling Asian foods (Jasmine white rice, rendang paste, satay powder, fried rice paste and etc ) are easily available at Kingsford and Randwick.

Accomodation

The current bass members will provide you with the temporary accommodation while you are still looking for your accommodation. Besides that your humble seniors :) will help and guide you how to apply and inspect a unit/property.  List of the top 3 famous websites are as follows

http://www.domain.com.au

http://www.realestate.com.au

http://www.homehound.com.au

There are several information that are important  for you to know  such as bonds, advanced payment, bills, and etc  before applying for any of the property. This information can be access at http://www.housing.unsw.edu.au/housing/private_rental/private_rental.php?p=tenancy_advice

Last, but not least, Welcome to Sydney Peeps!. The fresh air blows while sitting on the long sandy beach with the multifaceted geological formations of the cliff, together with the array of flora in the vicinity are waiting for you guys besides the huge shopping complex, entertainments, foods, chocolates and assignments :)

Any question? Feel free to leave your question at Bass FB group wall which can be access at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_41671005738

Photo taken from http://www.freestockphotography.com.au/Images-Clipart/Sydney-City__116