6 tips for Americans studying in Australia

Moving overseas for studies is a great next step in any young person’s life. Not everyone is ready to leave their hometown, let alone their country. If you’re moving to Australia from the US, you should make sure you prepare well and get ready for all that’s coming. International relocations are more complex and require professional assistance, unlike local and interstate moving. Not all international relocations are the same though, as much depends on the destination country. Luckily, with Transparent International NYC, not everything needs to fall on you. Instead, you can focus on preparing for your studies. To help you with that, here are a few tips for Americans studying in Australia and how to adjust your expectations.

Packing tips for Americans studying in Australia

One of the most important tips for Americans studying in Australia is to not move their entire lives with them. Studying abroad doesn’t mean you’ll stay there indefinitely while moving everything you have will increase the final cost of required international moving services. Be smart when you start planning a move and rationalize as much as you can. Consider what you’ll need in Australia and what’s best left at home. For example, you shouldn’t bring your winter clothes and most of your furniture. Note that some things can be placed in storage before you take off. That’s a convenient way of protecting your items until you come back, while everything stays safe, even long-term.

Use durable crates for packing

Moving your items overseas is a challenging task. Everything that goes across the ocean might be exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. That’s why you should protect your items so that they can make the trip. While carton boxes might be handy for a regular relocation, you shouldn’t use them when moving internationally. Instead, you should use specialized metal or wooden moving boxes overseas. Additionally, make sure to label each box properly, as they will get checked by the customs office. Poor labeling can create suspicion which can lead to other complications. For example, extra inspection might take more time and your items might not reach you as planned. Not everyone knows how to label moving boxes for border control, but your movers should be able to help. Ask them what other customers experienced and how to best prepare for it.

Only hire reliable movers

Unreliable movers can cause a lot of stress and frustration, especially if you’re running on a tight budget or a tight schedule. Check how others were satisfied with international movers to Australia and if they ran into any problems. Make sure they stay transparent throughout the whole process about the price and schedule. Having to miss the start of a semester or trying to settle in with a lower budget can cause many problems, so try to avoid it. Try getting a free quote before hiring movers and double-check their reputation.

Reliable movers should help you with your move every step of the way. Discuss the whole process with them and let them help you identify what you need. It’s completely normal to be clueless when moving abroad for the first time. That’s why professionals should guide you through the process. They can provide useful information for things you need to do yourself and handle the part you hired them for.

Tips for Americans studying in Australia regarding the costs of living

Life in Australia can easily drain your budget. That’s why moving to Australia is not very popular for expats or for students. However, the English-speaking country always feels welcoming if you can afford it. Many people consider moving abroad because of the lower costs of living, which you won’t find here. Still, pay rates in Australia can allow you to keep living comfortably. Not all students can afford to work while they study, but sometimes you need to do it to help you round up your budget. Hourly rates are very high in cafes and other places where you can get lower or flexible hours. Many part-time jobs can easily fit into your studying schedule so rethink your options if you thought about giving up.

Healthcare is also very expensive in Australia for foreigners. However, purchasing healthcare insurance won’t hit your budget too much. You never know when you’ll need medical assistance but you shouldn’t risk it. High prices make a lot of young people rethink visiting the doctor, but you shouldn’t do that. While healthcare is expensive, it is also of very high quality. You can expect proper care for your money and always stay in top form.

Consider the climate before moving

While you don’t need winter clothes in Australia, note that it can get cold, contrary to the popular belief. Most of the continent is indeed tropical, but that’s not the case with all parts of it. Southern parts of Australia experience distinct seasons with wet and cold winters. Don’t expect snowy blizzards in these parts, but make sure to adjust your expectations. Australia is large and the climate varies depending on where you go to. You can experience extremely hot summers in tropical areas, which don’t see much rain over the year. Wherever you’re moving to, check the climate so you don’t get any surprises.

Get all the paperwork in advance

Enrolling in a university in Australia usually means they will help you out with the whole process. You shouldn’t have too much trouble getting clearance for staying for studies in Australia. However, make sure you don’t miss anything important. You don’t want the stress of finding out you forgot something once you’re across the ocean. Discuss all the required paperwork with university employees. They should know all you need to prepare before the move and provide more useful tips for Americans studying in Australia. Note that if you plan to work while you study, you might need a special permit. Recent years saw a decline in work permits given, but that doesn’t have to apply to you. The policy in recent years underlines the importance of having a skillset before they allow you to move here.