Landing in Australia as an international student comes with a steep learning curve, and it’s not just figuring out your study timetable, finding somewhere to live and learning how to pronounce “Melbourne” correctly.
Thankfully, we’ve put together an (unofficial) “Australian starter pack” that’s going to get you through every unpredictable Aussie weather event, midnight snack crisis and last-minute rental inspection you weren’t quite ready for. Some items are maybe more useful than others, but we promise they all have their place and pretty soon you won’t know how you survived without them.
A puffer jacket
It’s pretty much our national uniform at this point if you live in one of the southern states. Whether it’s a nice practical Kathmandu puffer or a slightly more fashion-forward Uniqlo parka, we guarantee that when you’re sitting in a frozen mid-winter lecture hall, you’ll be glad you have it. Bonus, fold them up, and they make a great pillow for those micro-naps we know you’re sneaking between lectures.
An air fryer
It’s our firm opinion that every household should own at least one air fryer. They’re compact, easy to clean and can cook everything from chippies to scones. Kmart has a good range of affordable options – their $69 model even has a window for you to stare hopelessly through while you wonder if your nuggets really need those last couple of minutes.
Aside from being time savers and using less oil to cook your food, they’re also great if you’re living in student accommodation or somewhere with a shared kitchen, because you can even have one in your bedroom. Who needs Uber Eats when you can cook frozen chips on your bedside table?
A portable fan
Just like the puffer jacket, this one is a must if you’re going to thrive in some of Australia’s more unpredictable climates (honestly, don’t be surprised if you need to use both of them in the same day). These days, you can find everything from a desk fan to keep in your study space to a handheld one to take with you to lectures or on the train. There are even USB options you can plug into your laptop!
A reusable coffee cup
Look, in all likelihood, it’s going to be one of those purchases that you buy in Week 1, gloat to everyone about how eco-conscious you are in Week 3, and then forget all about it when you start exam revision. BUT, coffee in Australia is good, not cheap, and a lot of cafes offer a discount if you bring your own cup, so we say it’s worth it, even if you only use it for a few weeks every time it resurfaces from the bottom of your backpack.
A cleaning caddy (specifically built for speed cleans)
If you’re in a rental, you’re probably going to have rental inspections, and while you may have marked this on your calendar with the best intentions, we know how life gets. It’s all well and good to do a quick pick up before your mate comes over, but if it’s your landlord who’s visiting, they might be a bit more worried about the fact that they can’t see their own reflection in the bathroom mirror. Enter the speed cleaning caddy, something you can grab knowing it’s got everything you need to make your space look at least 20% better. Pick up a smallish tub (preferably one with a few sections and a handle) and fill it with the following items:
- A microfibre glove - perfect for wiping down mirrors, shower screens, shelves, pretty much anywhere that accumulates dust. Pro tip - do the mirrors first.
- A bottle of all-purpose cleaner and/or homemade vinegar cleaning solution (a bit more effort, but you can also use this on mirrors/glass)
- A squeegee - this can live in the caddy or just in your shower, but it’s a quick and easy way to keep the bath/shower nice and dry.
- A cloth for each room (that way you don’t risk wiping your kitchen bench with the same cloth you just dusted off the toilet with) or a pack of cleaning wipes.
- A bottle of spot cleaner, for those stains on the carpet from your midnight nuggets that you completely forgot about.
