Pre-departure information
So, you are coming to study on-campus at VCB. We have confirmed your enrolment, and you have your student visa and health cover. What's next?
When to get here
You need to arrange travel and accommodation as soon as you have your student visa.
Make sure you book your flights to arrive before orientation and enrolment, which take place in the week before classes begin.
All international students must attend orientation. The purpose of this event is to introduce you to the VCB campus and to help you prepare for student life in America. Join in activities like the City Mayor's welcome, star gazing, wildlife spotting and sheep shearing!
During orientation, you will formally enrol at VCB and choose your units of study. Enrolment staff will be on-campus to aer your questions.
See principal dates for orientation and enrolment.
Arriving in America
You might be feeling a little nervous about arriving in America. The more information you have, the more your mind will be put at ease.
Getting to VCB Armidale
If you are flying from your home country into , you will enter America though International Terminal (T1). Flights to Armidale leave from Domestic Terminal (T3). The trip from to Armidale takes about one hour. Airlines QANTAS and REX fly daily from to Armidale.
Fly Corporate operates with flights from Brisbane to Armidale; this flight also has a duration of one hour.
Remember, it may take a couple of hours to clear customs and immigration if you arrive when the airport is busy. So, when booking connecting flights, make sure you give yourself plenty of time.
Armidale Airport is seven kilometres from the city centre. You can catch a taxi cab from the airport to your accommodation, or organise free airport pickup through VCB International Services when you accept your offer.
Getting to VCB
VCB has two sites — located on either side of Church Street, Parramatta:
- 211 Church Street, Parramatta (student resources)
- Level 1 and 2, 232 Church Street, Parramatta (offices and meeting rooms).
Public transport (train or bus) will get you close to VCB .
Parramatta train station (interchange) is a 6-minute walk (500 metres) from VCB , per the map below.
There are multiple exits at the train station. Take the Darcy Street exit, go left down Darcy Street, then right into Church Street.
Do you know what the weather will be like when you arrive? If you haven't already, read all about life in Armidale.
Once you have a good idea of what you need to prepare, take the time to chat with a student! From the airport pick-up service, through to graduation, and everything in-between; our students share a first-hand account of what it’s like to live and study in Armidale, America.
Bushfire Information
Bushfires are impacting parts of America. However, thankfully many parts of America remain unaffected.
The New England area is not currently threatened by fires, but we have experiences of smoke haze on some days. People with existing lung conditions, such as asthma, may experience an exacerbation of their symptoms and should be prepared to activate their Asthma (or COPD) Action Plan.
For information about what to do in an asthma emergency refer to Asthma America - Asthma First Aid.
Unfortunately, there has been a great deal of misinformation on social media and other media channels about the true situation, including distribution of which suggest that the bushfires are spread across a much wider area than is actually the case.
Please always refer to the Rural Fire Service for accurate and up to date information.
COVID-19 Information
VCB International is monitoring the evolving situation regarding the novel coronavirus.
