Are you an International student?
Sydney is a large cosmopolitan city in which you can buy everything you need. However ...
You are advised to bring some items with you to Australia because many items may be more expensive here than in your home country.
What you CAN and should bring
We know how stressful it can be remembering to pack everything you may need.
To help you with this process, we have compiled a list of things you may need upon your arrival in Australia.
- Passport
- Hard copy of your Visa information and eCOE (Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment)
- Flight itinerary/tickets
- Accommodation confirmation documents
- Toiletries - tissues, toothbrush, toothpaste
Australia has strict customs laws. It is illegal to bring many items, such as food of any description, including herbal medicines, into Australia.
Bringing a sleeping bag may be useful as accommodation does not always include linen or blankets. A sleeping bag may be useful the first few nights until you have a chance to purchase items.
Australia is a diverse society. The variety of clothing which people wear reflects this diversity. There are no specific laws and regulations on clothing in Australia.
Dress for the occasion
Many people tend to dress casually or informally for comfort or according to the social situation or climate. You may find you will need business wear for work, or formal clothes for special events. Most public places do require that you wear appropriate footwear.
Dress for the climate
Students arriving in December to May should note that it will be summer with temperatures ranging from 20°C (68° F) to 35°C (95° F).
Students arriving between June to November should note that it will be winter with temperatures ranging from 8°C (46° F) to 25°C (77° F).
So, please be prepared for these once you leave the aircraft and dress accordingly.
Australia has strict customs laws. It is illegal to bring many items, such as food of any description, including herbal medicines, into Australia.
Make sure you have some Australian (AUD) money on you when you arrive in Sydney for transport and food. The exchange rate is higher at the airport.
As it can often take some time for money to be transferred from your home country to Australia, bring enough money to cover your expenses for the first few weeks. Foreign currency can be exchanged for Australian dollars at Sydney Airport. If you arrive on a weekend (Saturday/Sunday) and do not change some currency at the airport, you may not be able to change it until the the next working day. If you want to use cash, you may only use Australian currency.
Including laptop, phone, tablets, chargers.
Also, don't forget to bring an adapter with you! Australia uses 240 volt AC 50 hertz electricity and three-pin plugs to access power points.
Some students choose to bring larger electrical appliances such as rice cookers. These items are widely available in Australia but may be more expensive than your home country.
Something to remind you of home.
Bring some lightweight items from home to make your new place feel like home - like a decorative cushion cover or photo in your favourite photo frame.
What NOT to bring
We're here to help
Email internationalstudy@westernsydney.edu.au
Call +61 2 9852 5499 or contact an International Education Agent in your country.
"I love studying Law at WSU because of the practical approach they have to teaching."
— Avantika Prameshwar. Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws.
