Packing Checklist For Melbourne

Photo by Carlos Derecichei on Unsplash

Melbourne is famous for “four seasons in a day”, so these packing essentials balance practicality, comfort and student life needs.

Clothing

Lightweight Clothing

For summers in Melbourne - 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 Melbourne. A medium-weight jacket or coat, jeans and long sleeve tops are sufficient!

Rain Gear

Sudden downpours in Melbourne 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.

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 Melbourne's weather, especially the summer.

Reusable Shopping Bags

Australia encourages eco-friendly habits!

Basic Toiletries

Toothbrush, toothpaste, personal skincare and makeup.

Sun Protection

Melbourne'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 myki card 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 Snow Gear: Melbourne gets chilly (down to ~5–7°C in winter) but not cold enough for bulky parkas or snow boots. A medium jacket is enough.
  • Excessive Shoes: Stick to 2–3 versatile pairs. Melbourne is walkable, but you don’t need a whole shoe collection.

Gadgets

  • Hair Dryers, Kettles, Rice Cookers, Irons: Cheap at Kmart, Target, Big W and many student accommodations already provide shared appliances
  • Large Speakers or Printers: Heavy, unnecessary and easily found secondhand or accessible on campus.

Documents

  • Original Copies of Everything: Only bring originals for essentials (passport, visa, CoE). Keep the rest as digital scans + a few photocopies.
  • Too Much Cash: Melbourne is extremely card-friendly. Bring only a small amount for arrival. Use cards or set up an Aussie bank account.

Home Comforts

  • Full Bedding Sets: Pillows, duvets and bulky linens take up space. Buy them locally at Kmart, Target or IKEA.
  • Large Kitchenware: Pots, pans, utensils, cutting boards. All inexpensive and easy to buy once you arrive.
  • Too Many Snacks: Australia has strict food import rules and Melbourne has huge Asian supermarkets where you’ll find familiar alternatives.

Personal Essentials

  • Bulk Toiletries: Shampoo, soap and detergent are all widely available and heavy to pack.
  • Large First-Aid Kits: Just bring your personal meds. Pharmacies like Chemist Warehouse are everywhere.
  • Stationery in Bulk: Notebooks, pens and folders can be found for cheap at Officeworks, Kmart or campus stores.

Extras

  • Textbooks: Heavy and often unnecessary. Wait until classes start as many are digital, secondhand or available through the library.
  • Decorations/Furniture: Your accommodation will have the basics. Add lightweight décor later if you want to personalise your space.

Rule Of Thumb: If it’s heavy, bulky or easily available in Melbourne, don’t pack it. Save your luggage space for irreplaceable items (documents, personal keepsakes, specific clothing styles).