Feeling difficult to pack for study abroad? Nah, it’s easy!

Packing for your study abroad vacation is not as difficult as you might think. In this blog, we’ll go over what to do to prepare for an overseas study trip, covering which essentials to have, what to wear, and what you should leave behind.

If you start your packing sufficiently in advance, you can:

• Make a packing checklist. 
• Look into what you require. 
• Get the best deals on travel materials and luggage.
• Set priorities.
• Check to see if you meet all the requirements and constraints for the trip.
• Make an early airline check-in.

Things you should bring

1. Passport and visa (along with photocopies)
2. Essential documents

• Passport (and extra copies of passport photos)
• A printed copy of the student visa
• A copy of your birth certificate
• FBI background check (if needed)
• Driver licenses from both domestic and foreign areas
• An acceptance letter, program verification, or university enrollment confirmation
• University transcripts
• Housing contract
• Electronic Travel Authorization (if necessary)
• Embassy/consulate phone numbers and/or email addresses
• List of emergency contacts
• Health records: copies of medical records, vaccination certificates
• Travel itinerary details: flight tickets, arrival hotel (if applicable)
• Bank statements (if needed to demonstrate finances)

3. Essential first-aid kit and medications

• Bandages
• Wound dressings
• Antibacterial wipes
• Cotton swabs and cotton wool
• Medical tape
• Tweezers

4. Local currency
5. Essential Toiletries

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

6. Power Adapters and Converters
7. Essential School Items

What is the best way to pack clothes?

1. Pack for the weather.
2. Pack lightweight clothes.
3. Pack mix and matchable clothes.
4. Value the local culture.
5. Thoughts about your laundry access
6. Carefully pack your shoes.
7. Make a conscious decision to prioritize comfort over fashion.

Miscellaneous things to pack

• A little padlock for the hostel lockers
• A daypack or compact backpack for quick journeys
• A camera and an SD card 
• A tablet, laptop, or smartphone
• Other devices, such as a flash drive and headphone
• e-readers such as the Nook or Kindle
• Non-electronic pastimes for when you’re without power, such as a book, a deck of cards, or a few crossword or sudoku puzzles 
• keep a journal to record your thoughts or travelogue.
• Additional personal hygiene supplies, including tweezers, razors, and clippers
• Small and adaptable makeup that works for both going out and classes
• To ensure safety, take contraceptives.
• A refillable reusable water bottle on campus
• Something from home, such as a family photo or a necklace you may wear while studying overseas, can help you deal with homesickness.

Packing tricks

• Your clothing, electronics, paperwork, and toiletries are all neatly arranged in your suitcase with the assistance of packing cubes and travel organizers. 
• Clothes that are rolled up save storage space and avoid wrinkles.
• Make use of the space in your shoes by inserting belts, socks, and other small objects inside. 
• Your shoes will stay together better in travel, and your garments won’t get muddy if you wrap shower caps over them.
• A good way to keep your study abroad materials organized is by using binder clips.
• We suggest putting your liquid goods into reusable, liquid-proof containers. 
• Do not bring anything that you can obtain at your location.
• Wear big stuff rather than packing it.
• Make use of a smaller bag.

What should I not bring when studying abroad?

• Plenty of food or snacks
• Heavy liquids
• Books
• Electronic devices or appliances in large numbers
• bedding
• Luxurious and valuable items
• Anything that is not appropriate for the culture

Take a last-minute look

Although we know you may be worn out from packing, doing one more check is an effective way to make sure that you’re ready and to calm yourself down. When doing your check, some questions to include are:

• Have I checked that the weight of my luggage complies with the rules? 
• Do I know when my flight is?
• Can I do an early check-in?
• Is everything I need in the correct bag, as I thought?
• Have I brought extra clothes or prepared for any unforeseen circumstances, like delays?
• Do I have all my documents?
• Do I have easy access to my family’s and my university’s contact information?

Conclusion

It’s time for you to start packing for your study abroad vacation. Just make sure you have a clear plan for what you’ll bring back and what you’ll leave behind. Pack a few days before leaving for your trip. If something is missing from your packing list, don’t panic; you’ll likely be able to find what you need abroad.