The night before the first term, many boarding families have the same moment: a pile on the bedroom floor, a crumpled school list, and the feeling that something important has been forgotten. This guide gives you a calm way to approach packing — what to bring, what to leave, and how to keep things manageable through the year.
One rule overrides everything below: the school’s own boarding list and handbook come first. Houses differ in what they provide, what space students have and what is banned. Use this checklist to fill the gaps around the official list, not to replace it. If you have not read the handbook yet, our guide to reading a boarding handbook shows what to look for.
Before you buy anything
Answer these questions first — they will save money and space:
- What does the house provide? Mattress, pillow, doona, linen, towels, desk lamp, storage? Some houses provide almost everything; others very little.
- How much storage is there? Ask about wardrobe, drawer and under-bed space, and whether there is a storeroom for suitcases.
- Is there a laundry service? If so, how often, and what needs special labels or laundry bags?
- What is the device policy? Which devices are allowed, any required specifications for a school laptop, and when phones are collected.
- What is prohibited? Electrical appliances, food rules, aerosols, valuables.
- What is the climate? A boarding house in the Southern Highlands or Tasmania needs very different winter gear from one in Townsville. The Bureau of Meteorology has climate information for any location.
The core checklist
Uniform and sport
- Full school uniform as listed, including the formal or winter version if required
- Sport uniform and house shirts
- School shoes, sports shoes and any specialised footwear
- School hat and any approved sun protection gear
- School bag and sports bag
Buy uniform early and try everything on. Second-hand uniform shops run by school parent associations can be excellent value.
Everyday clothes
Boarders spend evenings and weekends out of uniform, so they need more casual clothing than day students. Aim for a sensible rotation rather than a wardrobe:
- casual clothes for about a week, suited to the climate
- something warm — a jumper, a jacket and a beanie for colder campuses
- sleepwear and a dressing gown
- underwear and socks for more than a week (laundry schedules vary)
- one or two "nicer" outfits for outings, chapel or formal dinners if the house holds them
- swimwear, and a rash shirt if your child swims outdoors
- thongs or slides for shared bathrooms
Bedding and bathroom
Only what the house does not supply:
- sheets in the right size (check — some houses use single or king single beds)
- doona and doona cover, pillow and pillowcases
- a mattress protector
- two or more towels and a beach towel
- a toiletry caddy or bag that can be carried to a shared bathroom
Toiletries and personal care
- shampoo, conditioner, soap or body wash
- toothbrush, toothpaste and floss
- deodorant (check whether aerosols are allowed)
- sunscreen and lip balm
- hairbrush, hair ties, a small mirror
- personal hygiene products
- a small first-aid basics pouch only if the house allows it
Medications and health
- prescribed medications, in original packaging, handed to the house health centre according to school policy
- action plans for asthma, allergies or other conditions, signed by your doctor where required
- spare glasses, contact lenses and solution
- a copy of your child’s Medicare details and any private health insurance information as the school requests
Never send medications without following the school’s process. The health centre needs to know what your child takes and when.
Study gear
- the school stationery list
- a laptop or tablet meeting the school’s specifications
- chargers, labelled, plus a spare
- headphones
- a calculator if required
- a small desk organiser
- a reading book or two
Technology
Before term starts, set up devices together, agree on expectations, and read the house rules on phones, gaming and internet use. The eSafety Commissioner has practical guidance for conversations about online safety. Consider device insurance or adding items to your home and contents policy, and record serial numbers.
Comfort and connection
These small things often matter most in the first weeks:
- photos of family, friends and pets (removable adhesive strips if posters or pins are not allowed)
- a familiar pillowcase or blanket
- a few envelopes, stamps and writing paper — letters from home are surprisingly treasured
- a small game or pack of cards to share
- a water bottle and a reusable lunch container
- a torch or reading light if allowed
Money and admin
- a debit card or the school’s pocket-money system details
- a small amount of cash, within house limits
- a list of key phone numbers on paper, in case a phone is lost or confiscated
- travel documents if your child flies home
What to leave at home
Check the prohibited list, but as a general guide, leave behind:
- electrical appliances such as kettles, toasters, heaters, fans, hair straighteners or extension cords unless specifically allowed
- valuables — expensive jewellery, watches or sentimental items that could be lost
- large amounts of cash
- excess clothing — space is limited and laundry is regular
- food that needs refrigeration, or food that breaks house rules
- anything unsafe or against the code of conduct
If you are unsure, ask the house before term. It is easier than taking things home later.
Labelling: the job everyone underestimates
Boarding houses process a lot of laundry and a lot of lost property. Label everything:
- every item of clothing, including socks
- shoes, hats, bags and sports gear
- towels and bedding
- devices, chargers, headphones and calculators
- water bottles, containers and stationery
Iron-on or sew-in labels with your child’s full name are the most durable for clothing. Some schools assign a laundry number or require a specific format — follow it.
Packing by season and by term
Australian school terms span very different weather. Rather than packing for the whole year, pack for the term ahead and swap clothing at holidays. A labelled storage tub at home for "out of season" boarding clothes makes the swap easy.
| Term (approximate) | Season | Typical additions |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Late summer – early autumn | Sun gear, swimwear, light layers |
| Term 2 | Autumn – early winter | Warm jumper, jacket, winter uniform, warmer bedding |
| Term 3 | Winter – early spring | Heaviest layers on cold campuses, rain gear |
| Term 4 | Spring – early summer | Swap back to light clothing, sun protection |
Term dates vary by state and school, so check the school calendar.
Restocking through the year
Plan a quick check-in at each holiday:
- What was never used? Take it home.
- What ran out or wore out? Replace it.
- What did your child wish they had? Add it.
Many parents find a small monthly care package — toiletries, a treat within the rules, a letter — keeps things topped up and gives the child something to look forward to.
A one-page summary
- Read the school list and handbook first.
- Ask what the house provides and how much storage there is.
- Pack uniform, a week of casual clothes, bedding if needed, toiletries, medications through the proper process, study gear and a few comfort items.
- Leave appliances, valuables and excess clothing at home.
- Label everything.
- Pack for the term ahead, not the year.
- Review and restock at every holiday.
Where to go next
- Our preparation plan covers the year before boarding.
- Read boarding school homesickness before term starts.
- See things your child should do before starting school.
- Return to the parent guide to boarding school in Australia.
Packing is one of the few parts of boarding you can fully control. Keep it simple, follow the school’s list, and remember that anything forgotten can usually be posted.
Questions parents ask
What should you pack for boarding school?
Start with the school’s official boarding list, then add personal items: labelled everyday clothes, bedding if required, toiletries, medications with the right paperwork, study supplies, a few comfort items from home and a small amount of storage. Pack less than you think — you can always send more.
Do boarding schools provide bedding?
It depends on the school. Some supply a mattress and pillow only; others provide full bedding or ask you to bring everything. The boarding handbook or packing list will say, including any required sizes.
Can boarders bring phones and laptops?
Most Australian boarding houses allow phones and laptops with rules about when and where they can be used, and many collect phones overnight. Check the device policy and any required specifications before buying anything new.
What should not be taken to boarding school?
Prohibited items vary by school but commonly include electrical appliances such as kettles or heaters, valuables, large amounts of cash, aerosols in some houses, and anything unsafe or against the code of conduct. The handbook lists what is banned.
How should I label boarding school clothes?
Label everything that can be lost — clothing, shoes, towels, bedding, sports gear, devices and chargers — with your child’s full name using sew-in or iron-on labels. Some schools specify a format or a laundry number.