Studying abroad has always been something I wanted to do, but I never thought my first trip outside the US would take me all the way to the other side of the world in Perth, Australia. This is my first time leaving the country, so the chance to explore somewhere completely new while continuing my studies was something I knew I had to take.
One of the biggest reasons I chose to study abroad was because the University doesn’t offer a forensic science program, and since I’m in the New College program, I needed to find those courses somewhere else. I spent a lot of time researching schools with forensic options, checking if my scholarships would apply, and comparing costs. There was a lot to think about—visa fees, plane tickets, living expenses, and whether the program included housing. The visa to Australia alone was around $1,100 USD, and round trip flights were close to $2,500, so I had to make sure I chose something that made sense financially. After searching for a while, I found the AIFS Abroad Perth program at Murdoch University, and it felt like the right fit.
My Packing Guide
□ Underwear
□ Socks
□ Undershirts/ Bras
□ Long sleeve shirts
□ Short sleeve shirts
□ Sweatshirts/ Sweaters
□ Jeans/ Khakis
□ Shorts
□ Sneakers, Dress shoes, Sandals
□ Skirts/ Dresses
□ Activewear
□ Pajamas
□ Coat/Jacket (warm coat,
rain coat)
□ Gloves/ mittens, hat, scarf
(colder climates)
□ Swimsuit and beach towel
(warmer climates)
□ Nice outfit for more formal
occasions
□ Deodorant
□ Feminine Products
□ Brush/Comb
□ Toothbrush/toothpasteExtras
□ Purse/ wallet
□ Important documents
(passport, itinerary, plane
tickets, handbook)
□ Sunglasses/ extra eye
glasses
□ Umbrella
□ Laptop and charger
□ Cell phone and charger
□ Camera and charger
□ Outlet adaptor
□ Phone and headphones
□ Journal
□ Backpack
□ Watch
Getting ready to leave was exciting but stressful. I had to juggle workshops, scholarship applications, and endless paperwork to make sure everything was turned in on time. I triple checked things like my passport, visa, and housing confirmations because I didn’t want any last minute surprises. Packing was another challenge. Since Australia’s seasons are opposite from the US, I arrived during winter. I brought a few coats, sweatpants, and jeans, a few hair items, essential shoes, but kept things light with just one checked bag, a carry on, and my backpack. Bedding was something I skipped since it’s easier to buy once you get here. Still, I sometimes feel like I packed too light.
Perth Winters
Winter in Perth isn’t quite what you might expect. It doesn’t snow, and on paper the temperatures don’t sound too bad compared to other places, but the chill here still gets to you. In July especially, it rained almost every single day. In fact, it was raining the moment I stepped off the plane. The constant dampness, cloudy skies, and cooler winds make it feel colder than the numbers suggest, especially if you aren’t used to it. It was definitely something I had to adjust to right away.
When I finally landed in Perth, I was hit with a mix of emotions. I felt nervous about being so far from my family and friends, but at the same time I was beyond excited to start this new adventure. There’s something really freeing about stepping into a place you’ve never been before and knowing you get to make it your home for the next few months.
Perth itself is amazing. It’s known as one of the sunniest cities in Australia, and even in winter the weather feels mild compared to back home. The city has this relaxed vibe, with beautiful beaches and open green spaces everywhere. Murdoch University has already impressed me too. The campus is big and welcoming, with plenty of spots to hang out or study, and it has a strong research focus that makes it a great place to dig into forensic science.
Looking ahead, I have a lot of goals for my time here. I want to push myself academically by taking courses I wouldn’t be able to at the University, but I also want to grow personally by embracing a new culture, making friends, and saying yes to new experiences. I can’t wait to check out more of Perth’s city life, spend time at the beaches, and maybe take some trips around Western Australia on the weekends.
The journey here wasn’t easy—between the costs, the planning, and the nerves—but sitting here in Perth now, I already know it was worth it. This is the start of something exciting, and I’m ready to see where it takes me.