Packing Checklist
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Photo by Carlos Derecichei on Unsplash
Brisbane has a subtropical climate (hot summers, mild winters and occasional rain), so these packing essentials balance practicality, comfort and student life needs.
Clothing
Lightweight Clothing
For summers in Brisbane - T-shirts, shorts, dresses and breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are recommended.
Layering Options
For cooler evenings and air-conditioned places, pack light sweaters, hoodies or cardigans.
Winterwear
You don't need heavy duty winterwear in Brisbane. A medium-weight jacket or coat, jeans and long sleeve tops are sufficient!
Rain Gear
Sudden downpours in Brisbane can catch you off guard. Don't forget your umbrella and a windbreaker or rain jacket.
Footwear
Sneakers are essential for walking! Pack an extra pair of sandals or flip flops for beach days or runs to the grocery store.
Swimwear
Fancy a trip to the beach for a tan or a dip in the pool? Don't forget your swimsuit!
Formal Wear
For those formal presentations or suit and tie events!
Gadgets & Tech
Laptop/Tablet
Essential for your studies and entertainment.
Smartphone & Charger
This is a given! Your entire life is probably on your phone.
Portable Power Bank
For long campus days or when you're out and about.
Universal Adapter
Your chargers from home may not fit Australia's Type I plug!
Headphones/Earbuds
Great for focusing in study spaces - best if they're noise-cancelling as well!
External Hard Drive
Backup important files, documents and large sized projects.
Multi Port Adapter
Some nights you need to charge your phone, laptop, portable power bank and portable fan all at the same time.
Important Documents
Passport & Student Visa
Make sure they're valid and within the required expiry date. Have multiple digital and hard photocopies just in case!
University Acceptance Letter & Enrolment Papers
Always have them on hand in case they're needed at immigration.
Accommodation Details
If you managed to secure accommodation in advance, have the booking details, host contact details and lease printed out and in digital form as well!
Medical Records
Health checkup results, prescriptions, diagnosis letters and other important medical documents.
Insurance Documents
Travel insurance, medical insurance or contents insurance - have them on hand.
Emergency Contact List
Have both digital and physical copies just in case!
International Drivers License
If you plan on driving while overseas, make sure to obtain your International Drivers License beforehand in your home country.
Bank Documents
Proof of funds may be required sometimes!
Home Comforts & Personal Items
Photos & Small Keepsakes
To personalise your space and rid the homesickness.
Favourite Snacks
Pack a few of your go-to treats to enjoy a comforting taste of home whenever you need it! However, do double check the Australian border restrictions on bringing in food from abroad.
Reusable Water Bottle
Essential in Brisbane's weather, especially the summer.
Reusable Shopping Bags
Australia encourages eco-friendly habits!
Basic Toiletries
Toothbrush, toothpaste, personal skincare and makeup.
Sun Protection
Brisbane's sun can be brutal! Don't forget sun screen, UV protection sunglasses and other sun protection essentials.
Personal Laundry Net
A must have if you're staying in a shared dorm with a shared laundry room.
Mini First Aid Kit
Plasters, bandages, painkillers, inhalers - everything that's necessary.
(Bonus!) Student Living
Daily School Bag
Be it a tote, a backpack or just a laptop case.
Sports & Exercise Gear
If you're planning on joining any clubs or subscribing for a gym membership.
Card Holder (With Lanyard)
Don't lose your GoCard or student ID card!
Small Toolkit
Sometimes accidents can happen and you need a quick fix!
What You DON'T Need
Clothing
- Heavy Winter Coats or Boots: Brisbane winters are mild (rarely below 10°C), so bulky cold-weather gear is unnecessary.
- Excessive Shoes: Stick to 2–3 versatile pairs; footwear takes up space.
Gadgets
- Hair Dryers, Kettles, Rice Cookers, Irons: These are cheap and easy to buy at Kmart, Target or Big W.
- Large Speakers or Printers: Bulky, heavy and available secondhand or on campus.
Documents
- Original Copies of Everything: Bring originals for essentials (passport, visa), but don’t carry every certificate. Digital scans + a few photocopies are safer.
- Too Much Cash: ATMs and card payments are everywhere; bring a small amount for arrival only.
Home Comforts
- Full Bedding Sets: Duvets, pillows and bulky linens take up space. Buy them locally.
- Large Kitchenware: Pots, pans and utensils are inexpensive in Brisbane.
- Too Many Snacks: Customs restricts food imports and you’ll discover local alternatives.
Personal Essentials
- Bulk Toiletries: Shampoo, soap, detergent — all widely available and heavy to carry.
- Large First-Aid Kits: Just bring personal meds; pharmacies are easy to access.
- Stationery in Bulk: Notebooks and pens are cheap at Officeworks or campus stores.
Extras
- Textbooks: Heavy and often outdated. Buy, borrow or access digital versions once enrolled.
- Decorations/Furniture: Your accommodation will have basics; you can personalise later with lightweight items.
✨ Rule Of Thumb: If it’s heavy, bulky or easily available in Brisbane, don’t pack it. Save your luggage space for irreplaceable items (documents, personal keepsakes, specific clothing styles).
