Moving abroad to study is a significant life event. It requires preparation, planning and patience. With so much to consider, it can be easy to overlook important parts of the process, and these can make a big difference to your experience. One that might not be first on your list is packing, but it should not be left until last. To help, we have some tips, advice and ideas on how to pack for study abroad.
Don't delay and start early
While starting early may seem obvious, it's not unusual to put off packing. Beginning it with time to spare allows you to:
- Research what you need
- Decide what you will take
- Create a packing checklist
- Find the best deals on luggage and travel essentials
- Ensure that you follow all requirements and restrictions for travel
- Check in with your airline early
It's much less stressful than putting everything together near your departure date – or worse, trying to pack at the airport. By concentrating on your packing early, you give yourself the best chance of getting it right, and not forgetting essential items.
Consider following our ultimate study abroad checklist.
Pack for the weather
Knowing what the weather will be like in your study destination is critical. You need to research the city and region in which you will live. This allows you to select the right clothing, accessories and footwear to pack.
For an idea of how greatly weather can vary between popular study abroad locations, consider Canada and the USA. If you study in Toronto, you can expect around 50 days of snow per year, with temperatures typically below 0 degrees Celsius in the winter months. By contrast, studying in Los Angeles comes with a much warmer climate. Temperatures tend to be above 20 degrees Celsius in even the coldest periods.
Wherever you go, try to select clothes that complement each other and which can be combined in a variety of ways. This allows you to create more outfits from fewer items. You'll save yourself space and potentially money, as airlines charge for luggage that goes over the allowed weight. Remember that you can always buy more clothes once you arrive.
Get to know more about the world's best student cities.
Don't try to take everything
While it is tempting to try bringing everything with you, that's not practical. Studying abroad is not about recreating what you have at home; it’s a new start. Taking things you could easily purchase in your study destination is not the best approach. Feel free to bring a few treasured items, but avoid ones that are bulky or heavy.
When packing for study abroad, it's always useful to have a checklist of essential items, such as:
- Key documents
- Basic toiletries
- Local currency
- Adapters and chargers
- Electronic devices
- Medication and first-aid items
- Clothing
- Stationery
Things you can leave off the list include:
- Books
- Appliances
- Bed linen
- Excessive food and snacks
- Luxury items
Check your student travel insurance to see how it covers you. It will help if your luggage or any items go missing.
Be aware of restricted items
There are some things you cannot take in your hand luggage or in your suitcase. You don't want to unpack these after being stopped by security, so it's best to check what is and isn't allowed in advance. This is especially important with cosmetics and liquids.
The general rules for hand luggage are:
- All liquids, creams, gels and pastes must be placed in transparent containers of no more than 100ml
- Medication is permitted but may require evidence of prescription (especially if it is a liquid over 100ml)
- Electrical items such as laptops, gaming devices and cameras are permitted
- Food items must meet the regulations of your destination
- No flammable liquids
- No chemicals or poisons
- No sharp objects such as scissors, razors, knives or needles
Some of the differences for luggage going into the hold include that:
- You are allowed liquids, creams, gels and pastes in containers of more than 100ml
- You are allowed items such as razors, scissors and tools
A good procedure is to pack all of your toiletries in sealable bags. You may also want to wrap them in softer clothing, such as socks. This can help prevent breaks and leaks. You don't want liquid appearing on your clothes or bag, as you may be stopped by security for a check.
Remember that there are also size and weight limits for both your hand and hold luggage. These baggage allowances can vary depending on your airline and destination, so you should check them carefully.
Read more about staying safe when studying abroad.
Make sure you have essential documents
You must have easy access to your important documents for travelling abroad. We recommend keeping all of these with your hand luggage in a folder or file. This will make things simpler if you are asked for them along the way.
Documents you should have include:
- Passport
- Travel itinerary
- Copy of your student visa
- University acceptance letter or confirmation of enrolment
- Evidence of travel and/or health insurance
- Bank statements (proof of funds)
- Certified copy of your birth certificate
- Emergency contacts list
- Driving licence (if applicable)
Depending on your study destination, you may require additional documents. This could include a security clearance certificate or medical test results. Always check with your university or education counsellor before travelling.
Do a last-minute check
We know you might feel exhausted after all the packing, but doing a final check is a great way to ensure you're ready and reduce anxiety. Some questions to ask yourself include:
- Do I have all my documents?
- Do I have all the items I need in the correct bags?
- Have I weighed and measured my luggage to see that it meets restrictions?
- Do I know when my flight is, and when I can check in?
- Have I packed for any unexpected events such as delays?
- Do I have easy access to the contact details of my university and family?
At all stages, preparation is the key to success and will make your experience less stressful. You may even find that you enjoy the process of planning and packing. Regardless, you should never be afraid to ask for help from family, friends or your university.
We hope this has increased your confidence around how to pack for study abroad. For more planning advice, you can read our ultimate guide to student flights, our tips on how to choose student accommodation, and all about what to do if you get sick while studying abroad.
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