Firstly, try and book a flight which lands in Australia in the EVENING, around 18:00-19:00. That way, you can go straight to bed and jet lag will not be a major problem. If you arrive in the morning, you will probably be so tired from travelling you have to go to bed, and it will prolong the jet lag.
Secondly, if you can, arrive AT LEAST two weeks before the start of courses. I thought I would find a flat very quickly but there is allot of competition to find flats at the beginning of semesters.
A 2/3 week buffer gives you time to acclimatise to the hot weather, get your bearings and discover good places to stay. Also gives you time to look for job/go to beach and party before your studies.
If you have a bike, DEFINETLY TAKE IT! Great place for a bike.
Lastly, if I did it all over again, I would have saved up some money for a 50cc scooter or a small car before I got here. You can get a good/newish scooter for about $1200 and an OK car for about $2500. Australia is a big place and Brisbane is a sprawling city. You will have MUCH more fun if you have motorised transport.
Good Luck!
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