What is Schoolies?
Schoolies is the graduation celebration of Year 12 school leavers from all around Australia. It takes place between mid-November and mid-December each year and is a time to hang out with friends and celebrate the end of school and the hard work you’ve put in over the years. For most of you it may be the first holiday on your own without family.
Early planning
There are lots of places to go, things to do and ways to safely celebrate the end of your school life, so it’s a good idea to start thinking about Schoolies well before you are in Year 12. Accommodation at the popular destinations gets booked out fast. So, talk to your friends and start planning sooner rather than later.
What kind of celebration do you want?
Schoolies does not have to be about drinking alcohol, there are other ways to celebrate safely. Think about whether you want to go to a quiet place and relax, or to a busy place and party? Would you rather sunbathe and swim at the beach, walk in the bush or hit the shops? Do you want to do your own thing? Attend organised events and activities? Or a bit of both?
Who do you want to go with?
Do you want to spend Schoolies with a few close friends, or a big group of mates? Before you start to make any arrangements, decide on your own preferences before talking to your mates. Then, as a group, you can discuss where you would all like to go and what you would all like to do. The more you can all agree on beforehand the better and the less likely arguments may get in the way of you all enjoying yourselves.
What will it cost?
This depends on how long you want to go for and how much you are willing to spend. Budgeting before you go to Schoolies can help you work out what you will need to save and how much you can afford to spend when you’re there. You can calculate your expenses in advance by using the online budget tool at www.schoolies.qld.gov.au
Where do you want to go?
Do you want to stay in your home town, travel further afield or even overseas? Do you want to stay in a tent, caravan, back packers, motel/hotel or in a self contained unit? These decisions will likely depend on your budget, your friends’ budget and whether your parents are willing to contribute!
Booking your accommodation
Do your homework and compare accommodation prices because there is a wide range of accommodation to suit a wide range of budgets from cheap to very expensive. There are different ways to book your accommodation – through a Schoolies accommodation website, through a travel agent or contact directly via phone or Email. Remember that many accommodation places will require a bond and have strict rules about visitors and partying in your room.
Plan for safety
Everyone deserves to enjoy a safe, fun and memorable Schoolies experience. The more planning and thought you put into your celebrations, the more likely you are to reduce the risk of things going wrong. For more information about planning and safety at Schoolies visit the official Queensland Schoolies website www.schoolies.qld.gov.au
