Packing, Phones & More

Packing

Victoria has a mild, temperate climate with summers that are warm, producing dry heat (Dec-Feb), autumns (March-May) that are moderate, winters (June-Aug) that are cool, and springs that are sunny and bright (Sept-Nov). This may all sound lovely - and it is - but the weather can be changeable here, REALLY changeable, with wide swings of temperature in a single day. As such, layers are the name of the game, as is rain gear and sun block. Make sure all your shoes are comfortable and good for protection from the elements. In case you're wondering, snow is rare.

Don’t forget US to AUS adapters for electrical outlets. Adapters for Australia are available on Amazon and potentially at Walmart (and similar stores!).

Tips for Purchasing your flight

Students should purchase a round-trip flight to Sydney (NOT to Melbourne), since Orientation begins in Sydney. You will fly with your cohort to Melbourne after the Orientation period is over, accompanied by an Arcadia staff member.
We strongly advise students to purchase airline tickets that permit a change of date.
We strongly recommend purchasing tickets directly from the airline rather than a third-party vendor (like Expedia or Travelocity). Making changes or cancellations is generally easier to do directly with the airline.
Students should purchase a flexible flight.
Research many different airlines. Some will waive change fees, regardless of fare type. For other airlines it depends on the fare you purchase. Be sure to read all of the rules associated with any airline ticket before purchasing.

As indicated in the Study Abroad Acknowledgement and Release Form, Holy Cross is not responsible for travel expenses, including but not limited to, airline tickets and transportation to and from airports, which result from program suspension or termination, schedule changes, flight changes, emergency evacuation, or any other exigency. Such expenses are the sole responsibility of the student.

Travel Day / Your Carry-On

On the day of your flight, make sure you have the following in your carry-on bag:

Passport

Your passport needs to be valid at least through Dec. 2025.

Holy Cross Affidavit Letter

This is a document provided by the Office of Study Abroad that states you are a student in good standing at the College of the Holy Cross and are on an official Holy Cross program. You may need to show this to the immigration officer once you arrive in Sydney.

UniMelbourne Confirmation of Enrollment Letter

Print your CoE letter from your email. These letter serve as proof that you are an accepted student at University of Melbourne. You may need to show this to the immigration officer once you arrive in Australia.

AUD$ - the amount you bring is up to you, but A$ 200 is a good start!

Phone Apps & Int'l Plans

You are required to have a cell phone with the app Whatsapp (wifi/data texting) in Australia. Whatsapp is an international texting & calling app that our SA office will use this to stay in touch with you. You are not allowed to study abroad without a phone.

There are several ways of ensuring you have cell phone coverage while in Melbourne:

Call your American carrier and ask what your current plan allows for travel in Australia. Make sure you understand the parameters and if there are any steps to follow immediately before and after you land in Sydney and switch on your cell phone/take it off Airplane mode.
Another option, as convenient but potentially expensive, is to pay your American carrier for an expanded international plan for the duration of your study abroad program.
Ask a Holy Cross Student Ambassador to UniMelb what their experience was / what worked well!

No matter what your plan is, make sure you understand whether your American phone needs to be unlocked before you leave!

Required Apps

Whatsapp is a free international texting & calling app that our office will use this to stay in touch with you. You are required to have Whatsapp on your phone. Whatsapp operates on wifi, so you can start using whatsapp the moment you land in Italy, even if you don't have an international cell phone plan just yet. All you need is wifi, which you can connect to at the airport!

ISOS

You are required to download the International SOS Insurance App. Once you land in Italy, you must open that app and press the "Check-In" Button. You should also press the "Check-In" Button any time you are traveling outside of Melbourne. This allows us to best contact/help you in the event of an emergency.

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