Your Packing Guide as an International Student Moving Abroad - LegitBio
Advertisement

It is time – time to pack. You are excited but yet nervous as an international student moving abroad! This might or might not be the first time you leave your family for a long time.

There is a lot to think about, but one thing is sure – you know you need to pack. So, what do you bring to your new “home from home”? Packing for your study abroad trip is easier than you imagine.

Advertisement

However, before you start packing, read through all air travel regulations, especially those of the airline you will be flying with. There is essential information you should know to reduce the hassle of travelling.

This article will discuss everything you need to pack as an international student moving abroad.

Essentials to Pack for Your Study Abroad Trip

Significant Documents

While your passport is the most critical identity document you’ll need on your trip, it’s not the only document you’ll need to bring when looking for what to pack for study abroad.

Understand the documents needed for your trip and destination to guarantee a hassle-free time abroad; these include:

  • Passport (and extra photocopies)
  • Printed copy of student visa
  • Copy of your birth certificate
  • Local and international driver’s license
  • University enrollment confirmation, acceptance letter, or program verification
  • Housing contract
  • University transcripts
  • Electronic Travel Authorization (if required)
  • Proof of medical and travel insurance
  • List of emergency contacts
  • Health records: copy of medical records, vaccination certificates
  • Travel itinerary details: flight tickets, arrival hotel (if staying in one)
  • Bank statements (if required to show proof of funds)

If these documents are stolen, you should also make copies and store them on your cloud storage. Place your passport photocopies in different locations within your luggage, but make sure you store them somewhere organized and easily accessible.

Additionally, it is a good idea to attach at least one identity document to your checked luggage if the luggage tag comes loose while in transit.

Basic First Aid Kit and Medications

While we hope you’ll only need a few band-aids on your study abroad experience, it’s always good to be prepared for emergencies. Assemble a basic first aid kit with valuable medical items to help you care for yourself.

Advertisement

Purchase a compressed, dark, hard-wearing nylon bag with plenty of space. What you carry in your first-aid kit should be tailored to what you’ll need at your destination, the type of activities you’ll be doing, and your specific health needs.

Here are some essentials to keep in your first aid kit:

  • Bandages come in various sizes, one larger and one smaller, and can be cut to the desired size.
  • Bandages available in multiple dimensions
  • Wipes with antibacterial properties
  • Cotton wool and swabs, medical tape, and tweezers

Consider including over-the-counter drugs like antibiotics, painkillers, antihistamines, and antidiarrheal medicines in your bag. If you take any prescription medication, it’s a good idea to buy adequate drugs to cover your entire trip.

A foreign pharmacist won’t likely fill an American prescription, but it’s best to have a copy to show a local doctor. Place copies of your medical insurance, emergency contacts, and other helpful information in your first aid kit.

Once you’re all set, ensure you know what’s in your kit and how to use them. If you don’t, these items won’t be helpful at all!

Local Banknotes

Generally, a foreign credit or debit card is the best way to access international money, but you can also bring some foreign cash or traveler’s checks with you.

Having some foreign cash on hand is a brilliant idea if you wish to eat at a local market or in an establishment where credit and debit cards are not accepted. To exchange money, visit a currency exchange booth at the airport or your neighborhood bank at home.

Necessary Toiletries

Your essential toiletries should be stowed in your carry-on bag, which includes:

  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body wash/soap
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Hairbrush/comb
  • Sanitary items (for women)
  • Deodorant

We recommend choosing sustainable products to encourage responsible travel rather than buying one-time-use travel-size toiletries.

Sustainable swaps:

  • Shampoo bars instead of travel shampoo bottles
  • Soap bars instead of travel body gels
  • Bamboo toothbrushes instead of plastic, disposable toothbrushes
  • Toothpaste tablets
  • Reusable menstrual cups
  • Deodorant bars or refillable deodorant tubes
  • Reusable makeup remover pads
  • Bamboo cotton buds or reusable silicone cotton swabs
  • Reusable tissue

In other countries, you may require easy access to your regular hygiene supplies, so make sure you bring enough when you relocate.

Specialty goods frequently exorbitantly priced in other countries, such as sunscreen, insect repellent, and contact lens solutions, can be transported as is.

You can always ask your study abroad coordinator what personal hygiene products your host nation offers!

Power Adapters

You’ll likely need a few chargers on your journey, whether for your phone, computer, or e-reader. For that, you’ll need a converter and an adapter.

The voltage at which power is used varies between countries, so simply reshaping the plug won’t guarantee that your charger works and might short-circuit the gadget. Check the plug types and voltage used in the country you visit to ensure you have the appropriate adapters for your gadgets.

If your study abroad location experiences a blackout, bringing a reliable power bank or a portable solar charger is a good idea.

How to Pack Clothes as an International Student Moving Abroad

Your Packing Guide as an International Student Moving Abroad

Consider the Season

Opt for light, breathable fabrics if your study abroad destination has a hot climate. This will be your secret to staying relaxed and comfortable.

Packing light when studying abroad in winter or in a destination with a colder climate is more complex than packing light for summer or warmer destinations. You’ll need more layers and extra accessories to keep you warm.

If you’re spending a semester abroad in winter, it’s a good idea to pack a lightweight jacket that suits the average temperature or a coat that falls right above the knees to shield your legs from solid winds.

We advise dressing in thinner, insulating layers, such as base layers, long-sleeved shirts, and light sweaters, rather than heavy sweaters, sweatshirts, and hoodies. Gloves with touchscreen fingers are convenient because you won’t have to take them off to use your smartphone.

We advise bringing many warm, odor-resistant pairs of socks so you can wear them a few times before cleaning them. Two or three pairs will do.

When the weather alternates between sunny and snowy, ice or slush forms, a brutal fall or wet feet can ruin anyone’s day, so bring waterproof shoes with an anti-slip foot-bed.

Pack Weightless Clothes

When studying abroad, it’s ideal to pack lightweight clothing for many activities and weather conditions, such as a lightweight down jacket for chilly winters and waterproof walking shoes for city strolls.

If you pack lightly and correctly, you can enjoy studying abroad in any weather without lugging around heavy clothing in your luggage.

Pack Mixable and Match-able Clothing

There’s nothing more annoying than being halfway through your study abroad program and realizing you didn’t even wear half the clothes you packed.

Packing versatile clothes that you can match and interchange on your study abroad packing checklist will help you reduce the number of clothes you bring.

Consider Your Access to Laundry

Access to a washer and dryer in your dorm or hostel will make a big difference in the clothes you pack for your study abroad packing list. Instead of taking extra outfits, use these provided amenities.

However, if getting to the laundry is challenging, consider packing extra detergent in reusable bags to clean your panties between loads. Socks and underwear are constantly in short supply, even if you launder them once a week.

Suppose you plan to go skiing or hiking throughout the summer. Having extra underwear and socks on hand is a good idea to prevent discomfort and bad hygiene caused by odorous and sweaty underwear.

Studying abroad can sometimes cause you to become extremely busy. These extras will also be helpful if you’re late to do your weekly laundry.

Pack Your Shoes Well

You’ll need three essential pairs of shoes:

  • Flip-flops for communal showers
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • A more excellent pair of shoes you can wear when going out or eating dinner

Refrain from packing more pairs than that. Additionally, we advise bringing shoes appropriate for the classroom and dinner. You’ll be shocked at how quickly they may become worn out when worn daily.

Look for shoes that can withstand a beating. Travel shoe bags keep your other clothes and belongings clean. You wouldn’t want to put your muddy sneakers together with your underwear and lightweight layers.

Conclusion

Now, you’re all set to pack as an international student moving abroad! Just be strategic about what you’ll bring and leave for when you return. Even if you forget to get some things with you, don’t worry, because you’ll likely find the most essential items abroad.

Advertisement

If not, you’ll find close substitutes. Get ready for the exciting activities, the meaningful connections you’ll make, and the lessons you’ll learn in and out of the classroom. Happy packing!

Check this out :  Essential Documents to Apply for a Student Visa in Canada