Lori Meadows
Australia is a popular destination for international students, who must consider various factors when packing for their studies. The climate varies across the country, with cities like Melbourne and Sydney experiencing cold winters, while Brisbane and the Gold Coast are warmer year-round. Students should bring appropriate clothing and be mindful of the weight limits imposed by airlines. Important documents, such as passports, visas, and health records, are essential, and students should also carry necessary electronics and adapters. Australian currency is recommended, and students should be aware of biosecurity restrictions on certain food, plant, and animal products.
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What You'll Learn
Clothing for the climate
Australia's climate varies across the country, from hot and dry in Western Australia to mild all year round on the East Coast. Northern Australia experiences a wet season between November and April, and the Outback has a hot and humid desert climate. The climate in cities like Melbourne and Hobart can be variable, with hot and humid days followed by cold and rainy ones. Summer (December to February) can be hot and humid, especially in the north, while winter (June to August) can range from mild to cold.
When packing clothes for Australia, it is important to consider the climate of the region you are travelling to. If you are travelling to a hot climate, pack lightweight, breathable clothing such as tank tops, shorts, and dresses. Remember to bring swimwear, sunglasses, and a hat to protect against the sun. A lightweight jacket can be useful for cooler evenings. On the other hand, if you are travelling to a colder climate, layering is essential. Pack sweaters, hoodies, and medium-weight jackets. For very cold destinations, thermal wear, scarves, gloves, and beanies are crucial for staying warm. Bring versatile layers and rain gear for transitional seasons like spring and autumn.
In addition to clothing, there are a few other items you may want to bring. A compact, sturdy umbrella can be useful for unpredictable weather. If you plan to do a lot of walking, waterproof shoes are a must. You may also want to bring a pair of hiking boots to explore Australia's incredible hiking trails. Don't forget to pack at least one set of formal attire, preferably in black, which can be worn for work, university events, presentations, or part-time job interviews, as well as more casual occasions. It is also recommended to bring at least one pair of traditional clothes from your home country, as Australia is a multicultural country and you may attend events related to your home country.
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Travel documents
As an international student travelling to Australia, you will need to carry a few important documents with you. Here is a detailed list of the necessary travel documents:
Passport
Your passport is a crucial document for travelling to Australia. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from your planned date of entry into Australia. In other words, it should not be expiring within the next six months. It is recommended to carry at least two copies of your passport. Keep the original in your carry-on luggage and a photocopy in your checked luggage.
Visa
Before travelling to Australia, ensure that you have a valid student visa. This visa allows you to work alongside your studies, helping you earn extra money and gain cultural experience. You can apply for a student visa after receiving a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your chosen university. The student visa requires you to maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. Additionally, if you plan to stay and work in Australia after graduation, you will need to apply for a work visa before your student visa expires.
Health Requirements
It is recommended to get a health check-up, including medical, optical, and dental check-ups, before travelling to Australia. If you take any prescription medications, bring a note from your doctor (in English) explaining your medication. Additionally, while it is no longer mandatory to be vaccinated for COVID-19 when entering Australia, it is good to carry your vaccination certificate with you if you have been vaccinated.
English Language Proficiency
If you are an Indian student, you must provide proof of English language proficiency when applying for your visa. Australia accepts five English language proficiency tests, including IELTS and TOEFL iBT. Make sure to bring the valid certificate along with you.
Other Documents
Other important documents to carry include your letter of offer from the Australian institution, accommodation details, receipts of related payments (such as tuition fees and health cover), birth certificate, credit card, passport-size photographs, and important contact information. If you plan to drive in Australia, bring your international driver's license. Keep these documents in your carry-on bag or handbag, along with your passport and visa documentation.
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Health and insurance
As an international student in Australia, you are required by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to have health insurance for the duration of your stay. This is in accordance with visa condition 8501. You will need to purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) from a private company, as international students are not eligible for Medicare, Australia's national health insurance scheme.
There are six registered insurers offering OSHC plans in Australia, and you must purchase valid coverage before applying for a student visa. Your policy must have commenced by the time you arrive in Australia, otherwise, you will be denied entry. You will need to pay the policy premium in full upfront, which will cover you for the length of your student visa. If you are an international student without adequate health insurance, you risk your visa getting cancelled.
The cost of OSHC depends on the duration of your study in Australia, your visa, and the number of people included in your policy. A basic plan will usually include cover for visits to the doctor, some hospital treatment, ambulance, and limited pharmaceuticals. However, standard OSHC packages will generally not cover treatments such as dentistry, physiotherapy, or optician care. You can purchase Extras alongside your basic package if you want coverage for these, or you can buy separate private health insurance to go alongside your OSHC package.
If you receive a bill for medical treatment, you can either pay the bill and then get a refund from your OSHC provider, or have the bill sent directly to your OSHC provider for payment. Hospital bills are normally sent directly to OSHC providers for payment, but arrangements for payment of treatment expenses will vary between health insurers. It is important to maintain continuous coverage throughout your stay in Australia, especially if you are studying at two different institutions, as each may purchase insurance on the student's behalf.
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Electronics and adapters
When preparing for your journey to Australia, it is important to be aware of the electronic items you plan to bring and the relevant restrictions.
Firstly, you can bring electronic items such as a laptop, phone, or tablet duty-free into Australia, provided that Customs is satisfied that you intend to take these items with you when you depart. However, Customs can take any electronic items at the border and keep them for a "reasonable" amount of time, so ensure that you have important information backed up elsewhere.
If the total value of your electronic items exceeds 900 AUD, you may have to pay 10% tax unless you have owned the items for more than 12 months. However, if the items are not brand new and do not look 100% perfectly shiny/clean, you will likely not have to pay any tax.
To ensure compatibility with electrical outlets in Australia, it is recommended to bring a universal power adapter. The plug types in Australia may differ from those in your home country, so having your own adapter will ensure that you can charge your devices without any issues.
Lastly, while you can purchase adapters and chargers in Australia, it is always a good idea to bring the right accessories for your electronic devices to ensure you are well-prepared.
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Money and banking
Australia uses the BIC (Bank Identifier Code) and SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) code system for incoming international money transfers. It is recommended that you bring approximately AUD$300-AUD$500 in cash, especially if you arrive on a weekend when banks are closed. You should avoid carrying larger amounts of money. You can open a bank account before you arrive in Australia, or once you get there. CommBank, for example, lets you open an Everyday Account online up to 14 days before you arrive. You can also open an account with most banks once you have arrived in Australia. You will need to visit a branch in person and provide identification documents and tax residency details.
There are three main types of accounts in Australia. Transaction accounts, also known as current or checking accounts, are used for daily purchases and expenses, including digital payments. They often come with debit cards for cash withdrawals, cashback, and online and contactless shopping. A savings account helps you accrue interest over time, but you wouldn't usually use this for daily banking. The interest earned on a savings account is taxable. Term deposits are a type of savings account where you agree to keep your money tucked away for a fixed period, usually between one month and five years. These accounts offer a fixed interest rate and may require a minimum deposit.
If you are transferring money from another currency, keep an eye on the exchange rate in the months before your trip so that you know when is a good time to transfer your money. You can track exchange rates with a foreign exchange calculator. If you are paying tuition fees from an overseas bank account, the HSBC International Education Payment Service can simplify the process. Many universities will only deposit scholarship money into a local Australian account.
While living in Australia, you might share a house or apartment with housemates. Make sure you talk about money and how you will share costs like rent, bills and groceries. You can use a spending tool to track your money and budget. You can also use a travel money card to save on foreign transaction fees.
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Frequently asked questions
Some essential items to bring to Australia as an international student include all your official documentation (passport, visa, offer letter, etc.), Australian currency (at least $150 AUD), and a travel adapter. It is also important to check Australia's biosecurity requirements before packing as there are some food, plant, and animal products that cannot be brought into the country.
Some recommended items to bring include a laptop or other electronic equipment, a letter from your doctor regarding any pre-existing medical conditions, and a record of your immunizations.
It is important to check your airline's luggage allowance and weight restrictions. Some airlines offer the option to purchase additional baggage online, which is usually cheaper than paying for overweight or additional baggage at the airport.
In addition to your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), it is recommended to obtain travel insurance to cover unexpected costs such as cancelled flights or medical expenses.
