What to pack?

Here’s your handy checklist!

Being organised when you are packing to study abroad will save you a lot of time and hassle in your new country.

Before you leave

It is good to know what you need to bring from home, or what you can buy in your new town. Review this checklist before you even drag out your bag!

• Load copies of documents, photos, and some music to cloud storage.
• Save all important contact details and information in a Google document.
• Check your flight’s weight restrictions, entertainment and food facilities.
• Pre-arrange for your airport pick-ups and drops in home and host country both.
• Download a messenger or online calling app so you can contact your family and friends using available Wi-Fi.
• Create a list of items you need to take to your host country and get them all in place before you start packing.
• Make your luggage identifiable by adding a motif/symbol.
• Bring hand baggage for day trips and daily use.
   

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In your carry bag

Let’s start packing! First, we start with the carry bag.

• Passport with your visa (along with few copies of the same)
• Air tickets/boarding pass
• Letter of acceptance from your place of study
• Documentary evidence of your finances
• Original or certified copy of degree qualifications
• Copy of birth certificate
• Foreign currency enough to cover your immediate requirements (lodging, food, transport, etc.)
• Credit/Debit card
• Insurance document
• Medical prescriptions (mandatory if you are taking any medicine) and prescribed drugs you are carrying
• Contact details and address of the place you are heading to
• Spare outfit along with some warm clothing, in case your luggage is delayed
• Hand sanitizer
• Face wipes
• Wallet
• Laptop
• Headphones
• Power bank
• Phone
• Charger
• Spare batteries
• Passport size photos
• Travel pillow and itinerary
• Keep your reading glasses and sun glasses

Toiletries

Just get the essentials in small quantities for immediate requirement. Everything else will be available in your host country.

• Face wash
• Body wash
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Face cream and body lotion
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Hair brush
• Makeup
• Razors
• Pocket deodorants

Please note that toiletries in your carry-on baggage must be 3.4 ounces or less. Wrap them in a plastic bag to avoid leakage.

Clothing

Check weather before packing. It’s best to purchase warm clothing from your host country rather than loading up your luggage with clothes that may or may not help you with the climate there.

• Some sets of casual clothing
• Formal outfits
• A pair of classy attire
• Intimate wear
• Pyjamas
• Sneakers
• Flip flops
• Jackets and hoodies
• Active wear
• Scarf

Do not carry too many valuables. If you wear jewellery, limit what you choose to take with you.

Electronic items

• Flash drive
• USB Cable
• Laptop
• Camera (if required)
• E-book reader/Kindle
• Headphones
• Chargers
• Cases for your electronic items

First aid

Check if the medicines you are carrying are legal in your host country or not.

• Adhesive bandages
• Allergy medicines
• Painkillers
• Cold and flu medicines
• Motion sickness
• Eye drops
• Vitamins and supplements

If you are going to carry any prescription drugs or medical equipment, ensure to carry a written prescription/valid document from your doctor. Also check the official immigration website of your new country for more information on the same. 

Additional items

• Journal
• Sunglasses
• Compact towels
• Books (1-2)
• Watch
• Gift for your host family (if you are opting for off-campus accommodation)

What not to bring?

• Spices or plant products as these are readily available in your host country
• Stationary items
• Bedding
• Too much cash
• Pirated goods (such as movies)
• Anything sharp or what may be considered as a weapon

It is a good idea to always check for the list of banned and restricted items on the official website of your airlines in order to avoid any form of conflict at the airport.

Hope this helps gather all your stuff in one place. Bon Voyage!