Packing for your trip

When packing away the clothes you are going to bring with you, it is important to first define the location of your stay, there are parts in Australia where the weather can be unpredictable, and therefore, the type of clothing you bring should depend on the part of the country where you will reside.  If it is going to be in a hot place then you can take t-shirts and shorts, or if it rains every evening then a rain coat is needed.

The weather in Australia is different than in the states.  The Australian summer coincides with the first academic semester in February, which is the time that most international students also commence their academic journey, meaning you can get by with jeans, t-shirts and a light jacket, maybe a hat.  For second term (semester) around July, you will need to dress warmer, including long sleeve shirts, jeans that are good for the cold, some boots if you like, and a coat, anything you believe you might need for winter.  However, Australian winters are mild in comparison to the icy weather you would encounter in the Northern Hemisphere.  So just do some research and you can find out the degrees of cold that way you don’t buy clothes that will be to hot or not good enough for the cold weather.   You can check out www.bom.gove.au for the up to date weather information around Australia.

As for electronic devices, cell phones so you can text and call people, with the suitable adaptors to charge it in Australia, these adaptors might not be the same ones you use at home, you might want to go to locations like radio shack or check online to make sure the adaptor for your electronics will be suitable, mp3 players, iPod, camera to take pictures, all electronic equipment can be taken.

Some international students bring pre-packaged food from home in their luggage like some people do when they are visiting family, they bring back food but you should really keep in mind that most of the food will get disposed due to the long journey, is likely it won’t survive.  Depending where you are coming from the journey can be more than 12 hours long making pit stops on the way, you might want to verify that factor and keep in mind.  Australia has very strict quarantine laws with prohibit the importation of a variety of fresh, dried and pre-packaged foods, along with other items.  So any food you might want to take, consult the school, airport security and make sure it can travel the distance.   Quarantine items means that it can be prohibited depending what it is.

Is important not to forget all the important documents while you’re packing neither, all the papers you think you will need and all the papers you do need; your passport, ID, photocopies, visa, travelers’ checks receipts, flight tickets, insurance documents, credit cards, ATM cards, Confirmation of Enrollment and anything else you believe you might need with you while you are in Australia, birth certificate, social security card, no document is to little or not important to not bring or check if you need it with you.  The originals can be placed in you hand luggage where you have easy access to them especially when security needs to verify and they are secured and with you at all time.  Also leave copies with someone at home or in care of someone in case an emergency was to happen. You can even have triple copies in case of anything.

Always remember to lock your luggage, if it doesn’t bring a lock buy one with keys, at least two sets of keys.  You can never be safe enough.  Never bring any other bags of items for someone else that is not yourself, for health reason and that way you will not get in trouble, especially if you are bringing in items for other individuals and you are unaware in details what are those items.

Insurance

It is important for every student who holds a visa must have an overseas Student health cover (OSHC) for the duration of their stay, see if you can get the insurance before hand and have all the questions already answered.  This health plan will help you pay for any doctor visits you will have. For more information visit the Overseas Student Health Cover Page on what your OSHC will cover.

Travel Insurance, is also something you must think about and taking it out before you leave.  Chances are you will make it to Australia with all your baggage and have a great flight, as many of our International Students have experienced but ever so often you do hear about the case where lost baggage occurred, unexpected emergencies and cancelled flights.  We do not want you to spend a dollar or Australian currency more than what you need, that is why having travel insurance comes in hand; it will protect you against having to cover unexpected costs.

Money

With out carrying a large amount of money on you is best to bring just enough, or what you think might be enough for the first few days.  You should have access to abut AU $1500-3,000 in travelers’ checks in your name so you can start establishing yourself and setting you in Australia.  Or any other amount that you feel comfortable with.  And important to know if you are carrying more than AU$10,000 or equivalent currency you must declare it to Customs officials when you enter Australia but is always better to have that kind of money in the bank where is safe and you do not run the risk of loosing it.

Short-term accommodation

Ideally is best to already know and have planned and or organized your living accommodations; to know where and with who if you are going to stay with, especially if you are going to be staying with other people.  If you can have your living arrangements in order it will make the transfer a little more easy.  However, you can always wait till you arrive in Australia to determine the distance, location and or other factors that come into making your rental, campus dorm or other living arrangements best for you.

But please keep in mind for the first couple of days it is essential for you to know where you will be staying at least for temporary accommodation, while you decide where you will permanently be staying while in Australia.   Keep in mind you education institution might be able to help you or you can look up hostels and book online at www.yha.com.au.  Hotels in particular are expensive at upwards of AU$150 per night, so the earlier you begin your search and defining your moves the better.

All the web pages comes from the Australian government who are also there to answer any questions you might have.

What to bring - Travel checklist

• a valid passport with student visa stamped
• two passport sized photographs
• airline tickets and itinerary
• travel details
• traveller's cheques
• initial funds for first few days in Australia
• have a dental checkup
• read the Orientation Guide before arrival
• luggage
• offer letter plus information pack
• passport with student visa
• airline ticket
• money and credit cards
• camera
• pair of spectacles or contact lenses
• personal medication as prescribed by doctor

What not to bring

Be aware of what is allowed and not allowed into Australia. If not sure, declare it to a customs officer. Do not bring in other people's goods as they may create trouble for you.

Do not pack any luggage without inspecting it first. Do not bring in goods or items that have been packed by other people as they may contain illegal substances. The penalties for bringing in prohibited substances are very severe.

Some prohibited goods and substances

• fresh fruit & vegetables
• meat products
• packaged meals
• dairy products

Clothes and personal items

For Rockhampton, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Fiji campuses, it is advisable to bring clothing suitable for a tropical climate. Similarly, for Sydney or Melbourne campuses, winter clothing is advised. Suits and formal wear are required for official functions such as formal dinners.