Study Abroad Packing List: Essentials You Don’t Want to Forget

To study abroad has its joy and happiness. When you are going abroad, you have a huge number of things to keep in your mind. As a student, it is essential to keep all the important things in your baggage to avoid last minute rush. And before that, it is also essential to be aware of the weather conditions of the place so that you can do packing accordingly. If you are clueless what to pack or what not to pack, we are there to help you. This article covers Study Abroad Packing List: Essentials you don’t want to forget while moving abroad.

Passport & Visa (Including Photocopies)

If you are leaving your country and going abroad to study, ensure keeping passport with you. Most nations with study abroad programs also need to get a visa in advance. Thus, ensure to apply before you start your packing. To be on the safer side, you are advised to keep the copies of passport and visa with you in case you lose it due to any mishap.

Besides the photocopy and originals, keep a copy of the same on some electronic storage device such as USB drive. This will help you to replace your passport and visa if originals are lost or stolen.

Keep Your Important Documents

Passport is a significant document to identify you when you are on a foreign trip. However, some other documents are also required along with this. Carry the below mentioned documents and their photocopies to study abroad: 

•   Passport Printed copy of student visa
•   Local and international driver’s license
•   University enrollment confirmation, acceptance letter, or program verification
•   Copy of your birth certificate
•   FBI background check (if needed)
•   Housing contract
•   University transcripts
•   Electronic Travel Authorization (if needed)
•   Travel itinerary details such as flight tickets, arrival hotel
•   Bank statements (for the proof of funds)
•   Proof of medical and travel insurance
•   Embassy/consulate phone numbers and/or email
•   List of emergency contacts
•   Health records: copy of medical records, vaccination certificates 

Basic First Aid Kit, Medical Prescriptions etc:

While you will need a few band aids, etc to overcome the emergency situations. Make a basic first aid kit with useful medical items. It is advised to buy a compressed and dark hard-wearing nylon bag that provides you a huge space. Basic essentials to keep in your first aid kit are as follows:

•   Bandages in small and large sizes
•   Wound dressings in different sizes
•   Antibacterial wipes
•   Cotton swabs
•   Cotton wool
•   Medical tape
•   Tweezers
•   Pain killers
•   Antibiotics
•   Anti-diarrheal tablets     

Local Currency:

When you travel abroad keep the foreign cash in your wallet, if you want to buy or eat something from the local market. Make a visit to the local bank or a kiosk in the airport to solve the purpose of currency exchange. 

Basic Supplies:

Unfortunately, basic school supplies are overlooked at times when studying abroad. Your instructors ask you for the specific course supplies or particular school material. Ensure, it is added in your packing list. Check the syllabus and contact the study coordinator to know about the supplies.

Toiletries:

Make a list of the toiletries needed first. To freshen up during traveling, you must the following essentials in your bag:

•   Shampoo
•   Hair Conditioner
•   Body Wash
•   Toothbrush and Toothpaste
•   Hair brush or comb
•   Sanitary items (required for women)
•   Deodorant

A Few Sustainable Swaps:

•   Shampoo bars in place of shampoo bottles
•   Soap bars instead the bottle of body gels
•   Bamboo toothbrushes rather than plastic or disposable toothbrushes
•   Toothpaste tablets
•   Reusable menstrual cups
•   Deodorant bar/refillable deodorant tubes
•   Reusable makeup remover pads