What to Know Before Your Arrival, Check-In and First Day at Journal

So you’ve packed your bags, flown across cities or countries, and finally landed in Melbourne.
Whether this is your first time living in student accommodation or your first time in Australia, the days leading up to your arrival can feel exciting and a little overwhelming.

This guide walks you through what to expect before you arrive at Journal, how check-in works, and what your first day will look like, so you can settle in smoothly and with confidence.

Before You Arrive: Getting Ready for Your Stay

Before arriving at Journal, there are a few things you can do to make your move-in easier.

You may be invited to register for one of our pre-arrival webinars, where our team will walk through:

• Pre-arrival documentation
• How to get here
• What to bring with you
• Your check-in experience
• The Journal Life program

These sessions are a great opportunity to ask questions and feel prepared before you arrive.

You can also complete any required pre-arrival tasks in your resident portal ahead of time to avoid delays on the day.

 

Check-In: What to Expect

Check-in at Journal is flexible, and our team is available 24/7 to support residents arriving at different times.

If you plan to arrive after standard business hours, please update your ETA in the resident portal so the team knows when to expect you.

When you arrive, a team member will:

• Welcome you and confirm your booking details
• Check your photo ID
• Provide your key card and welcome items
• Walk you through key information to help you settle in

 

Admin, Access and Getting Connected

During check-in, the team will also go through:

• Your room, rent and bond details
• Internet access and how to connect to Wi-Fi
• How to use the Journal App for events, maintenance and updates
• Key card access, lockout support and replacement process

If you don’t yet have an Australian mobile number, you’ll be asked to provide one within your first few days to ensure we can contact you when needed.

 

Your Building and Room Walkthrough

After check-in, a team member will give you a tour of the building and your room so you know how everything works from day one.

This includes:

• Common areas and shared spaces
• Garbage and recycling rooms
• Safety and fire information
• Room features, appliances and air conditioning
• How to report maintenance or noise issues

This walkthrough helps you feel familiar with your new space and understand what support is available.

Room Condition Report (RCR)

Within your first few days, you’ll receive a Room Condition Report (RCR).

This report records the condition of your room at the start of your stay and is used as a reference when you move out to assess any differences between check-in and vacate.

You’ll have three days to:

• Review the condition of your room
• Add comments or photos if needed
• Submit the report back to us

This report is important, as it is used as a reference when you move out.

 

Starting a new chapter often comes with a mix of excitement and nerves.

As you think about moving to Journal or you’re preparing to arrive, we hope this guide helps you feel clear on the process.

If you have any questions before or after check-in, the reception team is available 24/7 to assist.

We look forward to welcoming you and supporting you throughout your stay at Journal.

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