The Iglu Guide | Blog
Packing for university: The ultimate checklist on what to take
The time has finally come to head off to university in Australia! Your visa is sorted, the flight is booked – it literally couldn’t get any more exciting. But as the time draws closer, it’s worthwhile taking some time to stop and think about some of the practicalities. What will the weather be like? What does your student accommodation provide? What do you need to take along with you? Living overseas can be challenging, and Australia is a huge country with different climates and seasons to consider. If you want to know what’s in and what’s out, what to bring and what to bin, check out this ultimate packing checklist before you lift another finger.
1. Travel with the right luggage
Bringing along the right kind of luggage is essential to making your life 100% easier. Go for bags on wheels if you can – this makes it easier to lug everything around and will save your back some heavy-duty work. Maximise your hand luggage allowance and use it for all those little extras that have snuck on board, as well as important documents that you don’t want to get lost in transit. Some airlines will let you spread your luggage allowance across different bags, while others will be much stricter – even if you are below the total weight purchased. Check your baggage allowance before you leave, and make sure you are still within the constraints.
2. Check what’s provided
Before you even start packing, check what’s already provided at your student accommodation. If you are heading to an independent rental, your furniture and white goods should be included as standard, but it’s likely you will have to provide living essentials such as kitchen equipment. For students arriving from overseas, it’s easier to buy these items on the ground rather than trying to accommodate them in your luggage. Students heading to inclusive college accommodation where meals are provided won’t need to worry about bringing along any kitchen equipment, although you will need to provide linen. Students that choose purpose-built student accommodation providers like Iglu will have some kitchen equipment provided with the option to include towels and linen ready for your arrival.
3. Essential documents
Bring hard and soft copies of all your important documents as a safety precaution. In the event that anything goes missing or you encounter any problems, you will always be able to access the information you need. Documents that need to be packed include:
- Birth certificate
- Passport
- Visa
- University acceptance letter
- Driver’s license
- Health insurance
- Banking information
4. Electronic devices
Technology has become inextricably linked to the student experience, and a wide array of digital devices are now considered essential if you want to maximise your academic output. Whilst these can sometimes be an unwelcome distraction, they’re also pretty useful for getting you around in a new city and for keeping you entertained when the books are down. Your tech connectivity will also help keep you in touch with life back home, as well as help you integrate on the ground here in Australia. Consider investing in an e-reader such as a Kindle. These book storing devices save huge amounts of room, and are completely portable with a long battery life. Check that all your devices are in good working order before you leave. You will want to include:
- Laptop
- Phone
- Back-up hard drive
- Power bank
- E-reader
- Charging leads for all different devices
- Plug adaptors and converters (for all-country usage)
5. Versatile clothing
As your luggage allowance will be limited, it’s helpful to pack multi-use clothing items that can be worn across all seasons. Whilst Australia does have very hot summers, it can also get quite chilly in winter. Melbourne in particular is notorious for gifting all seasons in just one day. Thin layers are the answer, and as an added bonus they also pack down pretty small. Choose colours you can mix and match to keep the packing light. Fortunately, Australia is a pretty relaxed environment when it comes to what you wear. If it’s boiling hot outside, no one will expect you to cover up head to toe. So rather than thinking about packing winter and summer items as separate entities, think about what the weather might be like in your specific location and pack accordingly. If you’re going to live by the water, swimwear is a must. If you’re living in downtown Melbourne, prepare for all weathers. And if you’re located up in Brisbane, all-year sun protection is a no-brainer. Add in these essential extras:
- Light breathable layers
- Long sleeve and long-legged pant options
- Swimwear and beachwear (including sunhat and sunscreen)
- Warm jumpers
- Exercise wear
- Slippers
- A formal option for college occasion wear
6. Personal toiletries and medication
Make sure to pack all your personal toiletries so that you are up and running as soon as you arrive. This will help you settle into your usual routine with all your familiar products. And don’t forget to stock up on any prescribed medications that will see you through until you have access to a local doctor. Assemble a basic first aid kit that includes antiseptic cream, band aids, pain relief and allergy medication. Anything you’re missing can be picked up at the chemist on arrival. Basic requirements include:
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Hairbrush
- Facewash
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Sanitary products
- Razor
- Hand sanitiser
7. Kitchenware and bedding
Moving overseas might be the first time living independently for many students. This means you’re now entirely responsible for looking after yourself, particularly if you have chosen independent rented accommodation as opposed to purpose-built student accommodation. Accommodation providers like Iglu can get you started quickly with a linen pack pre-order that will be there for your arrival. All Iglu properties in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane offer a free weekday breakfast to ease students into the week, and many properties also provide a kettle and toaster as standard kitchen items. This is super helpful, and one of the reasons that international students choose purpose-built student accommodation. The thoughtful extras all help facilitate a smooth transition, and there is only ever one all-inclusive bill to worry about.
Don’t forget…
Some overlooked items often include:
- Study supplies – if you’re short on space, check what you can buy on the ground instead
- A padlock – in case you need to secure any items
- A piece of home – to display in your room and keep you connected
- Headphones – indispensable when cleaning your room
Packing hacks…
- Packing cubes – A brilliant organisational and space-saving invention that means you can get so much more in your bag
- Wear your bulky items as a sneaky space-saver
- Stuff smaller items in your shoes – any space is valuable
- Only bring along what you can’t buy in Australia
- Save some space to take an Australian memento back home with you
