Canberra is a brilliant city for university students.

With so much to do and see, it can be difficult to know where to start.

Here’s a quick guide to Canberra for students:

Get your life admin sorted

First things first, make sure that your details are up to date and in order.

You know, those things like:

• getting an ACT driver licence

• updating your details with Medicare

• updating your details on the electoral roll.

You’ll also need to get familiar with Access Canberra. It’s where you can access ACT Government services and transactions.

We’ve put together a list that tells you how to go about tackling all these tasks and more.

Find out what to do when you move to Canberra.

Find a place to live

If you’re not living on campus, there are a few ways to find somewhere to rent or share.

Visit Allhomes to search places to rent or share.

You can also search for rental listings on:

• Zango

• realestate.com.au

Housing ACT offers interest-free loans to pay rental bonds for eligible Canberrans.

Find out more and see if you’re eligible.

Once you’ve moved into a rental property, you can get a free home energy assessment. The Renters’ Home Energy Program can help you save on energy bills.

Find out more and book an assessment.

For more tips, read this helpful guide to living out of home in Canberra.

Getting your home set up

There are lots of places to get good-quality second-hand goods.

Goodies Junction has two retail stores in Canberra: Mitchell and Mugga Lane.

It sells:

• homewares and furniture

• clothes

• entertainment

• electronics

• outdoor goods

• sports gear

• and more.

You could also try Facebook Marketplace, or join the “Buy Nothing” Facebook group for your suburb.

Find your way with MyWay+

Canberra’s public transport system includes bus and light rail services.

MyWay+ is the ticketing system that provides personalised and convenient travel management. It offers a range of payment options for bus and light rail services, including smartphones, smartwatches, Mastercard or Visa cards, a physical MyWay+ travel card, digital QR code within the MyWay+ app or printed tickets.

The MyWay+ app allows you to plan and manage your travel. You can download the MyWay+ app for free from:

• the Apple app store

• Google Play.

Tertiary students attending a public or private Australian university or CIT full time can access tertiary concession fares. Simply register your concession in your MyWay+ account to access discounted travel.

And don't forget, if you plan your journey on a Friday, you can travel for free with Fare free Fridays.

Find out more.

Know where to go for your health care

The ACT Government has developed an online tool to help Canberrans find out more about local health services.

It includes information about GP services, community-based health care services, and non-government health related services.

Find out more about where to go for health care.

Staying safe

In the event of an emergency, call triple zero (000). This will connect you to ambulance, police and fire aid.

Outside of an emergency, you can contact ACT Policing by calling their assistance line on 131 444. You can also visit an ACT Police Station.

Find out more about staying safe in Canberra.

Get the most out of your student card

Many of our cultural institutions are free to enter. Some also offer student discounts for ticketed exhibitions.

Some of Canberra’s cultural institutions include:

• the National Gallery of Australia

• the National Portrait Gallery

• the National Film and Sound Archives of Australia

• Questacon

• Canberra Museum and Gallery

• the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

• the National Archive of Australia

• the National Library of Australia

• the Australian War Memorial.

Here are some stories that might help you to save money while enjoying your new city:

• your guide to eating out for less in Canberra

• ten free or low-cost ways to get active in Canberra

If you’re a foodie, you might enjoy these stories:

• the ultimate Canberra markets guide

• top spots to hang with your friends in Canberra’s CBD

• take a culinary journey with our Best of CBR finalists

• Canberra’s best pastries, as voted by you

• 30 Canberra cafes with views

• top spots to eat in Canberra’s CBD

• your guide to plant-based eats in Canberra

• Canberra’s best curries

• Canberra’s best noodles

• Canberra’s best coffees (as voted by you)

• Canberra’s best seafood spots, as voted by you

• Canberra’s best suburban cafes

These stories will help you find some fun ways to see more of the city:

• top spots for your next picnic

• Canberra’s top spots for sunrises and sunsets

• the Canberran’s guide to running

• great Canberra walks to tick off your list

• five great Canberra bike rides

The canberra.com.au website offers a handy student guide created by local experts.

Find out more about the city and how to enjoy your time studying and living in Canberra, with articles including:

• Six ideas to make new friends
• Finding work and professional experience
• A guide to living out of home in Canberra.

Find out more about ACT Government support for students.