Packing List for International Students Going to Australia

Overview

Packing for your study abroad journey can bring challenges, even if you are elated about your travel. It can be beneficial to exercise discernment and maintain a realistic perspective on the practicality of the items you intend to bring. If you are heading to Australia, let's learn about things to carry to Australia for students from India. A thoughtful consideration of essentials will help you with a frustration-free packing chore.

Australia's Travel Checklist for Indian Students

Below are a few listed things to take to Australia from India for students-

Essential Documents

• Passport and visa
• Letter of acceptance from the Australian institution, Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE), confirmation of your institution-arranged airport pickup, and accommodation details
• Receipts for any relevant payments made, including tuition fees and health coverag
• Attested academic transcripts, certificates, and work experience certificates
• National ID 
• Credit card (optional)
• International driver's license (optional)
• Important contact numbers and addresses for both India and Australia
• Prescriptions for any necessary medications
• Health insurance details

Check-In Luggage

• When packing your check-in luggage, ensure that items subject to customs declaration are easily accessible. Keep in mind that the typical weight limit for economy-class check-in luggage is approximately 20 kg-22kg (verify baggage allowance with your airline). 
• Your luggage should be marked with your name, contact address, and your institution's address.
• While it is advisable to lock your luggage, be aware that if a security inspection is required, the lock may need to be broken. 

Items Suitable for Check-In Luggage

• Necessary clothing and footwear.
• Backpack, stationery, blankets, bedsheets, pillowcases, towels, and an alarm clock, among others.
• Electrical appliances like a music system or computer can be brought along, but ensure you have valid receipts. Note that the Australian voltage is 240 volts, the same as in India, but you may need different electrical plugs or sockets.

Carry-on Luggage

Your money, cards, documents, phone, charger, passport, headphones, and snacks are some essentials you can carry in your cabin luggage.

Things to Consider Before Packing

A plethora of experiences await, and it's only natural to approach them with a mix of excitement and apprehension about the unfamiliar. Before you depart for Australia, make yourself comfortable by planning your initial days in the country.

•  Australian institutions assist international students in this crucial transition by arranging airport pickups, temporary accommodation, and orientation sessions. Therefore, make sure to contact your university officials in order to learn more about things to take from India to Australia.

Things Not To Be Carried While Traveling to Australia

Students should avoid carrying big sums of cash. Typically, having AUD 1,000 in cash and travelers' checks should suffice for your initial days in Australia.

Items to Avoid in Luggage

The transportation of the following items is prohibited in personal or hand luggage on flights departing from civilian airports in India and Indian-registered aircraft departing from foreign airports:

• Personal items like lighters, scissors-metal with pointed tips.
• Sharp objects like box cutters, ice axes/ ice picks, knives, meat cleavers.
• Sporting goods like bows and arrows, golf clubs, hockey sticks, cricket bats, baseball bats.
• Guns and firearms like compressed air guns, gun lighters, gun powder
• Tools like axes and hatchets, hammers
• Explosive materials like blasting caps, dynamite, fireworks
• Flammable items like liquid/aerosol/gel/paste or items of similar consistency, gasoline, gas torches, lighter fluid
• Disabling chemicals and other dangerous items like chlorine for pools and spas, compressed gas cylinders, liquid bleach, spray paint, and tear gas.

Packing Tips for Students Heading to Australia

Below are a few tips for making a packing list for Indian students going to Australia.

1. Conduct research on the climate and pack accordingly: It's crucial to research the climate in the city where you'll be studying, taking into account the time of year you'll arrive.
2. Use packing cubes and organizers: Packing cubes and suitcase organizers can help optimize your luggage space. They come in various sizes and compartments, allowing you to separate your clothing, footwear, and electronic devices efficiently.
3. Pack medications: If you have any health-related conditions like allergies, pack an ample supply of medication to last until you can access medical assistance.
4. Create a checklist: An essential aspect of preparing your luggage for an international student flight is creating a checklist. Before you commence packing, make a list of all the necessary items to ensure that nothing important is inadvertently left behind.
5. Avoid overpacking: Keep in mind that there are weight and quantity restrictions, especially when dealing with airlines. Overpacking can lead to extra fees and inconveniences when going through customs.
6. Pack toiletries: Items like a brush, toothpaste, soap, body wash, shampoo, towels, and more are everyday essentials that you'll require as soon as you arrive and settle in. Hence, it's advisable to bring travel-sized toiletries for the first few days.
7. Skincare: If you have any specific recommendations from a dermatologist, make sure to carry them with you. You may not find the same items in another country.

To conclude, before you embark on your journey, familiarize yourself with Australia from a student's perspective by seeking answers to potential queries and situations you may encounter.