You’ve been accepted to study in Australia, and you have your passport, visa and tickets sorted. But what do you need to pack? Follow this handy guide to live like an Aussie in no time!
Have you booked your accommodation in Australia yet? Student.com has fantastic student accommodation still available in Melbourne, Sydney and many more cities.
1. Sunscreen
Bringing sunscreen with you is generally smart wherever you’re headed, but in Australia it’s definitely a must-have. Aussie poet Dorothea Mackellar once called Australia a “sunburnt country,” and that’s not far from the truth.
It’ll take less than half an hour to sizzle in the scorching sun Down Under, as temperatures can reach highs of between 40 and 50C during the summer months. You also have to be careful because there’s a hole in the Ozone layer in the atmosphere directly above Australia, meaning there’s less protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Because of this, it pays to regularly slap on the sunscreen any time you’re outside in Australia. Even when it’s not very sunny, there’s still a chance you’ll damage your skin without it.
2. Thongs
Flip-flops, or ‘thongs’ if you’re from Australia, are a type of really practical rubber footwear which rose to popularity in the 1970s. Since then, thongs have become synonymous with Aussie culture, as they’re practical and laid-back. You can wear this Australian fashion staple pretty much all year round, and locals love them so much they’re now considered part of Australian national dress!
3. Slang guidebook or app
It’s fair to say Australian slang can baffle even the most seasoned traveller and international student. When you first arrive to study Down Under, you’ll hear a lot of words and phrases you’ve probably never heard before. Aussie slang often relies on shortened versions of phrases or words, so it’s common for locals to abbreviate. You might hear someone has a class in the ‘arvo’ (afternoon), or a friend might not come to lunch because it’s too ‘exy’ (expensive).
These days, you’ll be hard pressed to find an Australian who doesn’t throw terms like these into casual conversation, so you’d be wise to learn the local slang. Buy an Australian phrase book, or download apps like Slangtionary or Speakin Aussie to brush up on your skills. If you’re short on time, you could also check out the Ultimate Guide To Australian Phrases.
4. Power adapter
Australian electrical sockets look very similar to their American cousins, but your devices won’t fit if you try to plug them in. If you’re intending to bring your laptop or any other electrical goods when you go to study Down Under, you’ll definitely need to bring a suitable power adapter.
The electrical voltage in Australia is also usually between 220 and 240 volts, which is stronger than in some countries like the US, Japan and Canada. As a result, you might want to invest in a voltage converter to protect your devices, or consider leaving your beloved hairdryer at home.
5. Jacket
Most people like to believe Australia is a tropical paradise that’s warm all year round. But, newsflash, it isn’t always! Parts of Australia can get a bit cold during the winter from June through to August, particularly in the lower half of the country. Depending on where you intend to study and live, it can even snow! Make sure you pack your favourite jacket and a few of your warm winter clothes, so you can stay toasty during the cooler months.
6. Insect repellant
Australia is well-known for having a few dangerous creatures, but your likelihood of encountering a deadly spider, snake or shark is actually incredibly low. Naturalist Steve Backshall says you’re more likely to be killed by a falling coconut than a shark, and that tumbling vending machines present an even greater risk!
In fact, the local insects are the creatures that will probably bother you the most, and they’re just annoying rather than alarming. Mosquitos are common pests that you’ll come across regularly when you study in Australia, so stock up on insect repellent or you could spend a lot of time swatting them away!
7. Recipes from home
Australia can be expensive, and the best way to blow your student budget is by eating out in restaurants every night. Save your precious pennies by making your meals at home instead!
You’ll find meat, vegetables and other grocery items much more affordable than dining out in Australia, and the quality of local produce is remarkably high. So bring your favourite recipes from home, and impress your friends with your mum’s tried and tested lasagne! Just make sure to check the Australian customs website before you consider packing any of your favourite foods, or they could be confiscated when you get off your plane.
8. Anything green and gold
Australians are a patriotic bunch of people, especially when it comes to sporting events. Perhaps it’s due to the warm Australian climate, or the healthy outdoor lifestyle! Either way, Aussies follow their sports teams passionately, particularly at the national level. So join in with the action by wearing green and gold, the traditional colours of the Australian sports teams, and don’t be afraid to shout out, “Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! Oi! Oi! Oi!”
9. Swimwear
It’s more than likely that your Australian classmates are going to spend most of their summer weekends down by the beach or at the local pool, so do yourself a favour and pack some of your favourite ‘togs’ (swimwear). With beaches like these, how could you resist? Lots of the homes listed on Student.com also have their own pools, so you could find yourself splashing about in your free time more often than not.
10. Your sense of adventure
Although you’re going to be living and studying near one of Australia’s major cities, take the opportunity to travel and see what this amazing country has to offer.
Have an aquatic adventure at the Great Barrier Reef, drive across the Outback or hike through ancient rainforests in your spare time. When you’re done, you can check out some of Australia’s secret gems! Chances are, you’re going to travel a long way from home to study in Australia, so you might as well make the most of it and see the sights. Be brave, and discover why Australia is considered one of the most beautiful countries on the planet.
Have you booked your accommodation in Australia yet? Student.com has fantastic student accommodation still available in Melbourne, Sydney and many more cities.
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