✈️ Planning to study in Australia in 2026? Make sure you own these 8 Items to Live Comfortably!
So you’ve got your student visa sorted, you’re looking for some accommodation and your suitcase is waiting to be packed for your big 2026 adventure - but wait, before you zip your bag up, life in Australia is a little different to other parts of the globe!
The weather, lifestyle, and even the way people dress can be surprising. We have curated a list of essentials that might not be obvious until you’re already here thinking, “I wish I had packed that…”.
But don’t stress — whether you bring these items from home or buy them in Australia, here are the 10 must-have items to make your Aussie adventure way more comfortable.
1. A Good Puffer Jacket
Forget the “Australia is always hot” stereotype, the capital cities in the southern states like Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Canberra can get very cold — sometimes even negative temperatures cold! If you’re going to pack one, then a lightweight puffer jacket will be your best friend, you’ll wear it more often than you think, especially when the wind picks up.
Pro-tip: if your budget allows, most locals will own multiple puffer jackets i.e. a lightweight one for say travel or day trips, as well as a thicker heavy duty puffer jacket for those really cold days and nights.
2. Refer back to point Number 1
No seriously, please make sure you invest in at least one good puffer jacket!
3. Comfortable Walking Shoes
Many students from Asia are often caught off-guard as to how walkable Australian cities are. Whilst ubers and public transport are great and accessible in our major cities, you’ll still be walking a lot. In addition, Australian university campuses are typically huge and it’s not uncommon to have to walk 5-10 minutes between lecture theatres!
Pro tip: invest in good sneakers - your feet will thank you for it!
4. Sunscreen & Hat
Australia has some of the strongest sun in the world. Even in winter, UV rays are high. A good sunscreen (SPF 30+) and a hat aren’t optional — they’re survival gear. Bonus: you’ll blend right in, since locals are sun-smart by default.
5. Reusable Water Bottle
The bad news is that unlike most Asian countries, bottled drinking water can be quite expensive, expect to pay up to $6 for a bottle when out exploring in the city.
However just like Newton’s Third Law of Motion, the equal and opposite reaction to this is that also unlike many Asian countries tap water in Australia is generally safe to drink everywhere. As a result locals actually carry water bottles everywhere they go. A sturdy, reusable bottle is both eco-friendly and wallet-friendly.
Finding these tips helpful?
If you’re interested in learning more tips on how to get the best rental deals, the best suburbs for students to live in or how best to save money as a student in Australia, download your free copy of our 2026 Comprehensive Student Accommodation Guide below!
6. Essential Cooking Appliances
Eating our in Australia can be quite expensive, and eating at our more budget friendly options can add up. But wait, wait, wait… before you pack your air fryer and rice cooker into your suitcase (jk), you can purchase relatively cheap alliances in Australia.
Pro tip: at the time of writing Kmart Australis stock these very budget friendly AUD$15 mini rice cookers and this AUD$39 air fryer.
7. A Strong Umbrella
Australian weather can change five times in one day, especially in Melbourne. A sturdy umbrella is essential, not the flimsy kind that breaks on the first gust of wind - and trust us, you will see many people with inverted umbrellas on a windy day.
Pro tip: the best value sturdy umbrella we have found is this AUD$12 Bunnings umbrella.
8. Reusable Shopping Bags
The major supermarkets in Australia don’t give out free plastic bags for environmental (as well as commercial!) reasons, but you can easily get reusable bags for a few dollars when you shop. Most locals try to bring a reusable tote bag each time they shop, whilst buying a new bag each time is not too expensive, it gets very annoying having to buy one each time if you forget!
The Bottom Line:
Moving to Australia is exciting, but little things make a huge difference to your comfort. You don’t have to bring everything in your suitcase — Kmart, Big W, Target, and Uniqlo are budget-friendly go-tos once you arrive. The key is knowing what to prioritise so you’re not caught out in the middle of a cold Melbourne morning without a jacket or in wet Sydney shower with no umbrella.
If you’re interested in learning more tips on how to get the best rental deals, the best suburbs for students to live in or how best to save money as a student in Australia, download your free copy of our 2026 Comprehensive Student Accommodation Guide below! 🌿