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Travelling abroad for further studies is an exciting and enriching experience. You’ve secured that coveted place in a desired university and are brimming with anticipation of things to come! But, there’s a small detail to consider before you travel. Packing!
Packing for your trip can be daunting, especially if it’s your first time abroad and you are unsure of what to take. You’re probably worried about not fitting in all your favourite things or exceeding the weight limit.
Rest assured, we’ll tell you all the do’s and don’ts of packing in this detailed article and set your mind at ease.
Before You Pack
Select the Right Luggage
It’s important to select and take the right luggage and bags, this can make or break your travel. Make sure your luggage is sturdy and large to accommodate all your stuff. Depending on what you pack, you will need a couple (or more) of such large suitcases to fit your belongings. Factor in future additions and always check for expandability of your luggage, which comes in handy for packing extra items on your return home.
Look for luggage with wheels ( 4 wheels preferably)- these strollers are easy to lug around airports and even on roads. Make sure they all have digital locks for security.
Types of luggage
You will need 2 types of luggage:
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Check-in baggage: Large suitcases that you will check in before your flight
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Carry-on or cabin bags: You will carry these bags with you on the plane and they include one or more of the following: your handbag, backpack, laptop bag, a small duffel bag, or a small suitcase.
Check luggage restrictions
Always, check your baggage allowance with the airline and confirm it before you travel. Students typically get more allowance on certain airlines. So, research carefully before you do the bookings. If required, opt for extra baggage to avoid last-minute hassles.
Research the Climate and Weather
Do your due diligence on the selected country and the city of your study destination. Check the climate and weather patterns. If you’re traveling to a warmer country, select light clothing including light jackets and coats. For colder climates, keep warm clothing like thermals or thick jackets and coats.
Just before you travel, it’s good to check the weather forecast for your destination and pack your bag accordingly. For example, if you expect rain on the day you land, it’s better to pack a light raincoat in your backpack or cabin bag.
Research the Local Culture and Customs
Additionally, it’s important to be aware of local customs and culture as it may be different from the one you’ve grown up in. There may be certain restrictions or rules when it comes to dressing in public or religious places. For example, wearing shorts or sleeveless dresses may not be appropriate in some places or may be banned. So, keep this in mind when packing. Check with your university for any cultural practices that you should know before you go.
Checklist for Packing
It’s always confusing to know what to or what not to pack, especially if it’s your first time abroad. Don’t worry! Use this checklist to ensure you pack all your essentials for your upcoming trip and keep it handy.
Essential Documents
Before you embark on your journey, ensure you have all necessary documents packed in a carry-on bag, backpack, or pouch.
Important: Always make photocopies of these documents for safety and security. They will come in handy in case your passport is lost or stolen. You can also store scanned copies of your documents digitally in a secure folder on your mobile phone, on the Cloud (Google Drive, for example), or on a USB or a hard drive for extra safety.
These documents include:
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Passport: Ensure your passport is up-to-date and is valid for at least 6 months before your travel date.
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Student visa: Obtain the visa for your study destination well in advance and take a photocopy.
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Birth certificates and university documents: Keep copies of these documents with you. University documents can include transcripts, acceptance or confirmation letters, fees paid receipts etc.
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Travel insurance: Your travel insurance may be mandatory for certain student visas, so ensure you do your due diligence in getting one. Keep it handy.
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Medical insurance: Keep a copy of health insurance availed, which is mandatory for student visas.
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Flight tickets/Boarding passes: Print or save electronic copies of your flight itinerary and boarding passes.
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Credit cards/Cash: Carry a mix of credit cards and local currency for convenience.
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Accommodation confirmation or contract: Show proof of accommodation confirmation (campus accommodation, student halls, or any other) along with payment receipts.
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Bank statements: They may be required to show proof of funds for living abroad.
Clothing
It’s better to take as many clothes as possible from your home as it’s cheaper and you can save money this way. Try to pack clothes that you can easily mix and match. Here’s a list of items you must pack:
Casual outfits - Shirts, trousers, blouses, tops, skirts, pants, jeans, T-shirts etc.
Formal attire for special occasions - formal shirts, pants, dresses, and skirts
Footwear - Comfortable walking shoes (you may have to walk lots!), waterproof shoes and boots suitable for rain and snow conditions, flip-flops, soft house slippers, formal or dressy shoes as required
Swimwear and beach attire (if applicable)
Winter wear - Jackets, coats, sweaters, gloves, hats, scarves, or stoles for cold weather
Raincoats and hoodies that are water-resistant
Undergarments and socks
Pajamas or comfortable sleepwear
Thermal wear if you’re travelling to a cold climate
Activewear or work-out clothes
Belts and other accessories
Toiletries
Always, pack these toiletries separately in a toilet pouch or a kit, rather than putting them directly in your luggage. Here are some essentials you can carry:
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, face wash, and body wash or soap
Skincare products like moisturiser, makeup, body lotion, and makeup accessories like brushes, cotton wool, earbuds etc.
Hairbrush or comb
Razors or electric shavers and shaving cream
Deodorant or perfumes
Sunscreen and lip balm
Personal hygiene items
Hand sanitisers and tissues
Hair dryer or hair styling products
Nail cutter
Contact lenses and contact lens solution
Medications
Carry medicines that you are currently taking along with doctor’s prescriptions. This applies to homoeopathic and ayurvedic medicines as well. Even if you’re not on any medication, keep general and common medications with you till you get settled in your new country.
Prescription medications (with copies of prescriptions)
Over-the-counter medications (pain relievers, antacids, etc.). For example, paracetamol, aspirin, antihistamines (for allergies) etc.
Cough syrups, cold medication like Vicks Vaporub, and pain balms for headaches.
First-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medical supplies, such as Dettol
Motion sickness remedies (if prone to motion sickness)
Electronic items
Pick your electronic devices judiciously. Take only the essentials. Consider taking a universal adapter for all your devices. These are some of the necessary items you can take along:
Your smartphone and charger
Laptop, charger, mouse (if required)
Power adapters or converter/universal adapter
Camera or GoPro for capturing memories
Portable power bank
Headphones or Airpods
USB cables if required
Tablet if you use one
Memory cards, USB stick or flash drive
Miscellaneous Items
Lastly, here are some sundry items that you can carry based on your requirements:
Small umbrella
Travel pillow and blanket for long flights
Lightweight backpack or tote bag for day trips
Jewellery
Reusable water bottle
Spectacles, reading glasses, and sunglasses
Books or Kindle if required
Lock and key for your room
Dictionary of the local language
What Not to Pack
Focus on must-haves rather than good-to-have items. If possible, avoid packing these items for your journey:
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Jewellery: If you must, wear them rather than keeping them in check-in luggage
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Sharp objects such as scissors, knives or blades are prohibited by most airlines.
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Messy food items like liquids or pickles, a lot of home food, spices
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Books: Carry one or two to read during travel, do not fill your suitcase with them even if you are a voracious reader
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Stationery: You can buy this in your local stores
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Some toiletries: Pack them if you are used to the brands. If not, you can purchase them in the destination country.
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Towels, face cloths etc can be bought locally.
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Blankets, big pillows, quilts and other such bed linen can be avoided. Check with your student accommodation if they provide these, most likely they will. You can even purchase these abroad.
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Plants
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Pirated items like movies
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Excess cash: Stick to smaller amounts to avoid thefts or losses
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Weapons or anything that may be considered as such
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Cooking utensils, pressure cooker, rice cooker, pans, induction stove etc.
Steps in Packing
Here are some basic steps in packing for your journey abroad:
Select the right luggage as described above. Add a luggage identifier or tag to each piece so you can easily identify your bags.
Organize your belongings:
Make photocopies of your documents and store them digitally
Save contact details securely
Download a calling or messenger app like Whatsapp or Skype if you don’t have them on your phone. Preferably, research mobile phone and data plans of your destination and purchase a suitable plan before you travel.
If required, book airport transfers well in advance
Segregate your carry-on items from check-in items.
Carry-on items should have all the necessary stuff like:
Important documents - passport, visa, university acceptance letters etc
Cash in local currency
Boarding passes, flight tickets
Mobile phones, laptops, other electronic items and chargers
Notebook and pen if required, else use your phone or tablet to write important stuff
Sanitiser, wipes, neck pillow
Spectacles, sunglasses, jewellery (if required)
Sweater, gloves, and caps if travelling to a cold place
Few basic clothing items in case there’s a delay in baggage
Necessary medicines
Your check-in luggage should contain:
Copies of your important documents
Toiletries
Clothes
Other medications and first-aid
Other items
Tips and Tricks for Packing Efficiently
Maximise your travel experience with these smart packing tricks:
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Buy lightweight luggage so that it doesn’t add to the overall weight.
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Pack right and light, and avoid excess baggage. If you can, wear your heavy jacket and bulky boots to reduce weight.
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Try rolling clothes instead of folding them. This can save space in your luggage and minimize wrinkles.
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Use packing cubes or organizers to keep your items organized and maximize space in your suitcase.
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Keep important documents, medications, a change of clothes, and valuables in your carry-on bag so they are easily accessible.
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Add luggage tags to your suitcases with your name, contact information, destination, and home address for easy identification.
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Have an extra foldable bag or a duffel in your check-in luggage for souvenirs or other items on your return home.
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Review baggage allowances and pack accordingly. Weigh your bags before you travel so you can be within the specified baggage limits. If you must, purchase excess baggage prior to your departure.
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When selecting your clothes or shoes, choose comfort over style. Iron your clothes so that they are easy to pack. Choose light clothing materials if possible.
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Adhere to airline restrictions regarding gels, liquids, and electronics for hassle-free security screening at airports.
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Avoid taking kitchen items like heavy utensils or cookers, they take up a lot of space and add weight. Consider buying these locally if you need them.
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Another space-saving trick is to use the space in your shoes - you can keep socks or belts in them.
Safe Travels!
So, now you’re ready for that exciting journey! By following these packing tips and the checklist given above, you can ensure a stress-free and enjoyable international travel experience.
Remember to pack smart, stay organized, and follow guidelines. Ideally, your baggage should consist of 2 suitcases and 1 cabin bag.
For further assistance, reach out to our ]study abroad expert counsellors who can make your entire journey seamless from start to finish!
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