Which One Are You in the Group Chat?
You’ve booked your trip. The group chat’s popping off. The excitement of your week in paradise is creeping in fast. Someone’s already stressed about overpacking. Someone else still hasn’t paid. There’s always chaos. But within the madness of planning, packing, and prepping for the biggest trip of your life, certain personalities always emerge. You’ve seen them. You are one of them.
And no matter how big or small your grad trip group is, one thing’s for sure, you’re about to experience one of the best weeks of your life. It’s the post exams freedom, the beach sunsets, the dance floors, the last minute chaos, and the feeling of “OMG, we’re actually here.” It’s the thrill of counting down the days until grad trip on your phone wallpaper. The stress of wondering if you packed enough outfits (don't worry, you probably did). The final trip to Kmart. The group calls that somehow turn into two people arguing over shared luggage space while someone else just wants to know if there’s WiFi.
Everyone’s texting, planning, screenshotting deals, and spamming TikToks of outfit ideas, hacks, and ‘what to bring’ videos. And yet, somehow, you know it’ll all come together. It always does.
Because no matter how prepared (or unprepared) your crew is, it’s not really about having it all sorted. It’s about the memories you’re going to make. The chaos you’ll laugh about in 10 years. The friendships that get stronger. The ones you make on the trip. The iconic photos. The unexpected moments.
From the one who has all the details to the ghost who disappears mid-party, every grad trip has its cast of characters. And honestly? That’s what makes it iconic.
If you don’t know who you are yet, you’re about to find out.
The 7 Personalities Every Group Has
1. The Planner
"Did you remember your charger? And your sunscreen? And your passport?"
This one’s been organising since year 11. They had a packing list before they had their exam results. They’ve sent reminders, been on your back about paying, and probably threatened to cancel the whole thing at least once.
They’re across every detail, from flight times to room arrangements, meal plans to meet-up points. They remind you what to bring, double check bags, and somehow become the official keeper of everyone’s passports (and let’s be real: without them, someone would definitely show up without sunscreen and wonder why they’re sunburnt).
Google Docs? Sorted. Emergency snacks? Packed. The Planner runs on organisation and low key stress. Respect.
Real Talk: They probably have a spreadsheet tracking who’s paid, who hasn’t, and who still owes for the Uber to the airport. They’re the reason your group actually makes the flight instead of missing it because someone slept through their alarm.
Tips for The Planner: Try not to micro manage too much. Remember, some chaos is part of the fun! But please keep those reminders coming because nobody likes being the person scrambling last minute.
2. The Insta King or Queen
"Wait, do it again, the lighting was bad."
Not a single moment goes undocumented. From the airport selfies to the afterparty boomerangs, this one’s collecting content like it’s their full time job.
Every outfit is planned, every location is a photo op, and yes, they will stop the group mid-walk to get “candid” shots (even if it means you’re standing there awkwardly in the hot sun for 20 minutes).
While the hotel room might look like chaos, their Instagram grid? Flawless. They’re the reason your group has 47 Reels, a TikTok montage, and a highlight reel that low key looks like a promo ad.
And let’s be real, when the post grad trip nostalgia hits? You’ll be thankful they made you pose.
Real Talk: They may make you roll your eyes, but their energy is contagious and you end up with memories you never knew you wanted.
Tips for The Insta King/Queen: Pace yourself. Not every moment needs to be ‘Instagram perfect’, sometimes it’s better to live it than film it. Also, don’t forget to tag your friends!
3. The Mum or Dad of the Group
"Drink water. No, seriously. Right now."
They didn’t ask to be the parent. But the role found them.
This one’s got Panadol in their bag, aloe vera packed, and a spidey sense for spotting bad decisions before they happen. They’ll hold your hair, guard your phone like it’s sacred, and talk you through your mini life crisis during sunrise.
Basically? A walking first aid kit with emotional support unlocked.
Slightly bossy? Sure. But absolutely essential. They’re the glue when things get messy and the reason you wake up with all your belongings.
Real Talk: Without them, some people wouldn’t survive day one, let alone the whole week.
Tips for The Mum/Dad: Remember to take breaks yourself. You can’t be everyone’s lifeline 24/7 but your crew definitely appreciates you more than you know.
4. The Budget Boss
"If you’re broke on Day 4, that’s a you problem."
This legend’s been saving since last year skipping iced lattes, dodging impulse buys, and living that spreadsheet life.
No random splurging, no “I’ll just tap and hope” and absolutely no broke on day 3 energy.
They’re the reason your group can afford the island day trip and still look fire at theme night.
While you’re out here considering another round of cocktails, they’re calculating if you’ll have enough left for jet skiing.
Financial queen/king/royalty. Respect.
Real Talk: They’ll guilt trip you for that extra souvenir but secretly have your back when you need cash for a taxi.
Tips for The Budget Boss: Share your saving hacks, your crew will thank you. But don’t be afraid to loosen up a little. Grad trips are for memories as much as budgets.
5. The Wanderer
"I was just grabbing a towel… now I’m on a jetski with strangers?"
You turn around, they’re gone. Again.
No one ever really knows where they are, but somehow they’re always mid activity, mid adventure, or mid making new friends.
They’re the first to sign up for island hopping, snorkelling, beach volleyball, anything that requires a wristband and a waiver.
You blink and they’ve joined a limbo contest, crashed another resort’s party, and made it onto someone else’s group chat.
Never in the room, always in the mix and when they come back? They’ve got the wildest story from the day.
Vibe check: Random wristbands, sand in their shoes, permanently booked and busy, and still managing to end up on stage at the party.
Real Talk: If you want a story to tell, stick close to the Wanderer, just try to keep up.
Tips for The Wanderer: Check in now and then, your crew worries when you go full ‘where’s Waldo.’
6. The Romantic
"I think I met someone. Like, actually met someone."
Came for the beach. Stayed for the situationship.
They caught feelings before the welcome party even ended. Now they’re off making eyes across the pool and sending heart emojis in the group chat.
They’re planning couple outfits for the boat party and saying things like “This one feels different.”
Will it last? Probably not. Will it be a main character moment? Absolutely.
They’re the walking rom com of the group. We support their delusion.
Real Talk: Everyone secretly loves the drama, even if they pretend not to.
Tips for The Romantic: Enjoy the moment, but maybe pack a little extra sunscreen for those late-night talks by the water.
7. The All-Rounder
"Down for whatever. Just tell me when and where."
The true MVP.
They’re up for anything, chill with everyone, and somehow manage to keep the peace and the party going.
They can rage ‘til 2am, wake up for the day trip at 6am, and still be first to the buffet.
They’ll help you find your lost phone, calm down the Planner, and jump on a jet ski with the Wanderer just for the story.
They’re the friend that just gets it. No drama, no fuss, just straight-up vibes.
Real Talk: If you’re lucky enough to have an All-Rounder in your group, you’re winning at Schoolies.
Tips for The All-Rounder: Keep being you. Balance is everything.
So… Who Are You?
You might be the Planner stressing in the group chat. Maybe you're the Insta Queen chasing golden hour. You might be the Wanderer who’s already halfway to another island.
Or maybe, you’re a chaotic mix of all of them. (Honestly? Same.)
Whatever your vibe is, that’s what makes your group yours. The chaos, the personalities, the inside jokes, it all comes together to make your Schoolies trip unforgettable.
Maybe you’re the one holding the camera, or maybe you’re the one making everyone late. Maybe you’re sneakily booking an extra activity while pretending to nap. You might be the backup charger supplier or the one who always brings snacks.
No matter what kind of grad trip personality you are, you’re part of a group making memories that’ll last way longer than your tan. These roles aren’t just random, they’re what makes the group chat stay alive long after the trip’s over. The laughs, the chaos, the “remember when” moments… that’s the real grad trip magic.
Now go pack your sunscreen. And maybe check that group chat again…
Written by Nicole Brooks
