What to pack

When you leave home to study at Monash, you’ll want to know what to bring and what not to bring. Find out which documents, clothing and other items to pack. And be aware of Australia’s strict quarantine laws.

We recommend that you put together a file/folder of important documents to take with you to Australia. These documents may include:
- copy of your student visa grant or notification letter confirming your e-visa
- passport and other formal identification
- driver’s licence from your home country or international driver’s licence
- citizenship certificate
- home country ID card
- copy of your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- receipts of payment for tuition fee and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- certified copies of your academic records, award certificates and (if applicable) letter of scholarship award
- copy of your International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or other English language test results
- final medical and dental checkup reports and all documentation and written medical advice relating to any pre-existing medical conditions
- references from landlords if you’ve previously rented or leased housing
- references from past employers
- copy of your airport pick-up booking confirmation email (if you booked this service)
- enrolment information from Monash
- a hard copy of contact details of your family and friends.
Make sure to pack all important documents and valuables in your hand luggage.
Because Victoria’s climate is very changeable with four distinct seasons, you’ll need a range of clothes. Shirts, t-shirts, shorts, skirts/dresses and lightweight trousers are suitable for summer. But we recommend warmer clothes for winter, including jeans, jumpers/sweaters and a winter coat. You may also want to bring a suit or special dress for formal occasions.
Melbourne enjoys a temperate climate with warm to hot summers, balmy and mild springs and autumns, and cool winters. While Melbourne is rarely extremely hot or cold, temperatures can sometimes rise to 45°C on a summer day and drop to 1°C on a winter night.
You may like to bring some personal belongings to help you feel close to loved ones back home, such as photos and other items with special meaning.
We advise against carrying a desktop computer to Australia. Instead, we recommend that you bring a laptop or buy one in Australia. You’ll need a laptop for your studies, and to stay in contact with friends and family.
The plugs and power points we have in Australia may be different to the ones that you have back home. We recommend bringing a universal adapter or purchasing an adapter that can be used in Australia. Australia may also use a different wattage to your home country.
Also, it’s a good idea to bring AUD$500 to AUD$1,000 to cover expenses when you first arrive (e.g. food, transport and temporary accommodation). Most airports have currency exchange stations, but they don’t usually operate at all hours. And Monash and most banks are not open on weekends.

What you can’t bring into Australia

Australia has strict quarantine laws about what items can be brought into the country. This is to protect Australia’s agriculture and tourism industries, and its unique environment, from serious pests and diseases.

All food, plant and animal products must be presented for inspection upon arrival in Australia.

Got a question? Monash can help

Try our virtual assistant

Call us +61 3 9902 6011

Current students

Current students

What to pack

What you can’t bring into Australia

Got a question? Monash can help

Try our virtual assistant

Monash College and University diploma enquiries