Make a list of essential items you need for your apartment.

Start by unpacking your luggage and taking a sweep around your apartment. Make note of any essential items missing. Toiletries, cleaning supplies, dish soap, sponges, school supplies etc. 

Research your nearest store to purchase these essentials.

The Pacific Fair Shopping Center is where I found all the essential items. Pac Fair has a Target, KMart, and Woolworths among several other stores. Pac Fair can be reached by Tram, just get off at Broadbeach South stop!

Make a list of grocery items for the week.

Do a separate trip to the grocery store to purchase your food items for the week. For students staying in Peppers Hotel, the closest grocery store is Woolworths (five-minute walk). For Griffith Uni Village students you have a choice between Aldi (19 min walk) on Olsen Ave or Woolworths (25 min walk) on Village bvd in Southport. 

Explore your new neighborhood.

Go for a walk or run around your new neighborhood. Make note of any cool shops or amenities you want to check out. 

Find a public space to relax.

Be sure to check out the pool! The pool is a great place to meet people and get to know more students studying abroad. Plus you get a little relief from that Aussie heat!