What to Do Once You Arrive in the House
Welcome to Malta and to your new Oliasi student accommodation. Once you have settled into your room, there are a few important practical steps you should take to make your stay comfortable and stress-free. From arranging local transport to setting up communication and managing finances, taking care of these essentials early will help you adjust quickly to student life in Malta.
Below is a simple guide to help you get started.
Apply for Tallinja Student Travel Card
One of the first things you should do is apply for a Tallinja Card, Malta’s official public transport card.
Malta Public Transport operates buses across the island, and the Tallinja Student Card allows:
- Free unlimited bus travel (for eligible students)
- Discounted access to selected ferry routes
- Easy tap-and-go travel across Malta
Students aged 17–59 who are enrolled in a full-time course and can provide proof of address are eligible. Applications can be submitted online through the Malta Public Transport website. Processing usually takes around two weeks, so it is advisable to apply as soon as possible after arrival. Until your card arrives, you can purchase single tickets directly on the bus for approximately €2–€3 per journey, depending on the season.
To apply online for a Tallinja card follow the link below.
https://www.publictransport.com.mt/en/register-now
Arrange Your Forex or International Bank Card
Managing your finances efficiently is essential when living abroad.
Most international students use:
- A forex travel card
- An international debit/credit card
- Or a digital banking solution such as Revolut or Wise
Malta widely accepts Visa and Mastercard, and contactless payments are common in supermarkets, restaurants, and public transport services. If you plan to stay long-term, you may also consider opening a local Maltese bank account. However, many students manage comfortably using international cards. Always inform your home bank before travelling to avoid card blocks due to foreign transactions.
Visit the link for more information: Malta Public Transport
Use Malta’s Ferry Services
Malta offers convenient ferry connections between key locations such as:
- Valletta
- Sliema
- The Three Cities
- Gozo (via Gozo Channel Ferry)
Ferries are a scenic and efficient way to travel, especially between coastal areas. Travel time is usually short, and services operate frequently during the day. Ferry tickets are affordable, and in some cases, Tallinja card holders may benefit from discounts. Ferry schedules may vary depending on weather conditions, so checking updated timetables online is recommended.
Final Tip:
Taking care of these essentials within your first few days in Malta will help you settle in smoothly and focus on your studies. If you need assistance with directions, documentation, or guidance, the Oliasi Malta team is always available to support you.
Mobile Phone SIM Card
Malta has multiple telecom operators and it is easy to purchase a prepaid sim card from one of the major operators such as Melita, Epic, or GO.
Melita SIM Cards
Melita Malta has plans just for students and young folks:
Free Internet for Students Plan:
What you get: Unlimited data, 200 minutes for calls, and 200 SMS messages each month.
Extras: Enjoy 24 GB of data per month when you're in the EU and UK.
Cost: Only €25 per month.
Go SIM Cards
Go SIM Card service providers have monthly plans for free local data. Go also offers hybrid plans, smart top-up plans, and play plans. Monthly plans include unlimited data, minutes, and SMS. It costs only €20.99 per month.
Epic SIM Cards
€16.99 per month for the first 8 months.
After the initial 8 months, the price increases to €31.99 per month.
The plan includes 41GB of 5G data.
There is a €2.50 discount per month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Student Life in Malta Starts Here
Enjoy comfortable accommodation and dedicated support with Oliasi Guesthouse.