StudyInternationalPlanning Your Arrival

What to Bring

Students are often surprised by how strict Australian Customs and Quarantine can be. If you're in doubt about whether your goods are prohibited or not, always declare it! You can do this by correctly filling out the Incoming Passenger Card, which you receive on the plane. Students have received on-the-spot fines for not declaring items. Learn what items you can and can’t bring into Australia by reading the Department of Agriculture and Resources Studying in Australia: Australia's biosecurity requirements guide.

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Baggage allowances flying into Australia will vary according to your carrier, flight class and country of origin. Please check with your carrier prior to departure. Economy passengers are generally permitted more luggage  allowance for international flights, as compared to domestic flights within Australia. This will significantly limit the number of things you can bring, especially if you will fly within Australia to get to your final destination. Therefore, it is essential to think the packing process through very carefully. You will be able to purchase most things upon arrival in Australia, but the price may be higher than in your own country.

You should prepare a folder of documents to bring with you to Australia, including:

  • Valid passport with Student Visa
  • Offer of a place/admission letter from CQUniversity
  • Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) issued by CQUniversity
  • Receipts of payments (e.g. tuition fees, OSHC, bank statements etc.)
  • Insurance policies
  • Original or certified copies of your academic transcripts and qualifications
  • Other personal identification documents, e.g. birth certificate, ID card, driver's licence
  • Medical records and/or prescriptions
  • CAAW if you are under 18 years of age
  • Address details of your intended accommodation and any key contact people (e.g. relatives, friends, university contact details).

If you are travelling with your family, you will need to include their documents as well. Keep all documents in your carry-on luggage. In case you lose the originals, make copies that can be left behind with family and sent to you.

On most campuses, students usually dress informally. Jeans or pants with t-shirts or blouses and sneakers are an almost standard dress. Shorts are often worn during the summer months, and sandals are the most common footwear. It is acceptable and common for both men and women to wear shorts and sleeveless t-shirts, particularly during the hotter months. A sports coat or suit and tie for men and appropriate dress for women is necessary for some functions such as formal dinners, a graduation ceremony, student dances or balls. For festive occasions, you may want to bring traditional dress and accessories.

Depending on the location of your campus, it is a good idea to make sure you have appropriate clothes to suit the climate. Some states may be much colder than your home country!

You will be able to purchase most things upon arrival in Australia, but the price may be higher than in your own country. This list will give you an idea of what items to bring:

  • Short-sleeve shirts
  • Long-sleeve shirts
  • Jeans, pants and shorts
  • Jacket/warm coat
  • Umbrella
  • Casual shoes, sandals and/or flip flops
  • Dress shoes
  • Running shoes
  • Sleepwear
  • Socks
  • Undergarments
  • Swimming costume
  • Sunglasses
  • Laptop
  • Camera
  • Mobile phone (ensure it is unlocked for when you buy an Australian SIM card)
  • Bilingual dictionary
  • Toiletries
  • Travel plug/adapter to suit Australia’s 3-prong, 240V power points
  • Chargers for electronics
  • Medication (if you are taking a prescription medication, you will need to bring a doctor’s note or a copy of your prescription)
  • Bath towel and bed sheets
  • Pictures of your family and friends

You will need to make sure you have enough funds to support yourself when you first arrive. It is recommended that you have approximately AU$3000 (at least) available for the first two to three weeks to pay for short-term accommodation, transport and set-up costs. You should bring this money as a combination of cash and a prepaid or international credit card that can be accessed in Australia.

Please note that it is not safe to bring large sums of money with you! Lost credit cards can be replaced, but very few travel insurance companies will replace lost or stolen cash. You may also want to set up an Australian bank account prior to your arrival and deposit money into it while you are still in your home country.

Next Step

Life in Australia

Enjoy a unique mix of cultures, food and languages as well as the beautiful landscapes Australia has to offer.