Study Abroad Essentials
What to Pack for Your Adventure
Studying abroad is a fantastic way to learn about a new culture, meet new people, and try new activities. However, preparing for your study abroad trip might be a stressful undertaking. There are several factors to consider, ranging from the weather to the activities you intend to participate in.
This article will go through the Study Abroad Essentials: What to Pack for Your Adventure. We’ll also give you some pointers on how to pack light and effectively. So, whether you’re just getting started planning your trip or you’re already counting down the days for travel, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about packing for your study abroad journey.
Along with preparing students, it’s equally important to prepare families – see our Parent’s Guide to Supporting Your Child’s Study Abroad Journey.
Things to pack
Consider the following essentials for your study abroad adventure list:
1. Necessary Documents:
Here is the checklist for your documents that should be with you on your flight in your carry-on luggage.
- Passport
- Visa Documents (Student Visa: I-20)
- Tickets
- Travel Insurance
- Travel Itinerary (flight info, accommodation)
- Proof of Covid Vaccination
Other official documentation including Final Acceptance Letter and Guardianship Forms Copies of all the above documents (in each piece of luggage AND on your person) Your passport is the most vital document to bring. Bring a printed copy of your I-20 Form if you hold a Student Visa. Travel insurance is required for many students, so if you got it in your home country, you’ll want to carry a printed copy with all the important details in case you need medical assistance while abroad.
Making photocopies of all of the aforementioned papers is also a good idea. Keep these photocopies in your luggage in case you misplace one of the following documents.
2. Basic Medication and Important Prescriptions:
Bring medicine from your home country (that you know works!) for the following conditions:
- Headaches
- Aches and pains in the stomach
- Cramps
- Diarrhea
- Allergies (even if you don’t generally suffer from allergies at home)
It’s usually a good idea to keep a small supply of ’emergency medicine’ on hand in case you fall sick on the plane or during your first few weeks abroad. If you have any prescriptions (medication supplied to you by a doctor), attempt to pack enough of those prescriptions for the duration of your stay abroad. Also, having a basic first aid kit and health supplies is better.
3. Appropriate Clothing
What clothing to bring is a tough choice? You should wear comfortable clothes that are acceptable for school. Take note of the typical weather and climate for the location where you intend to study abroad and pack weather-appropriate attire. If you’re traveling to study abroad in the summer, pack light and prepare for scorching temperatures. If you’re going to study abroad in the winter, bring warm clothes and prepare for chilly weather. Also, if you want to study abroad for an extended period of time, you need to be aware of the different seasons so that you can plan properly. Additionally, pack your comfort items too.
Bring the following items:
- Light clothing (for warmer days or to wear indoors)
- Heavier clothing (for colder days or to wear at night outside)
- Exercise clothing
- Fancy clothing
- Sweatshirt or Sweater
- Raincoat or a heavy coat
- Swimsuit
- Undergarments
- Sunglasses
- Accessories
- Shoes (Casual, Fancy, Exercise/sports Shoes, Sandals, or flip-flops)
4. Adaptors and Electrical Plugs:
Electronics are something you may want to carry with you when traveling, but not every nation has the same type of wall outlets. Check to ensure that your plugs and chargers will work abroad. Don’t forget to bring chargers for all of the electrical gadgets (laptop, tablet, and phone) you want to bring!
5. Toiletries:
You’ll want to make sure you carry enough toiletries to last at least two weeks in your new home abroad. Consider all of the objects in your bathroom that you use on a daily or frequent basis. Having a supply of these products with you when you arrive at your location will allow you to visit a local store to purchase more toiletries without worrying about running out.
Things you can think about:
- Toothpaste
- Brushes or combs
- Contact lens cleaning
- Razors
- Cleanser
- Cosmetics
- Feminine products
- Personal care items
6. Credit Cards, Travel Cash, and Phones:
You must be able to use both cash and a credit card in the United States and many other nations. To exist in the United States, you must have a credit card!
- Inform your bank about your trip intentions.
- Inform your credit card companies of your trip arrangements.
- Keep at least $200 in cash with you.
- Choose whether to unlock your phone or utilize an overseas phone plan.
It is important to notify your bank, credit card agencies, and phone company that you will be residing abroad. If you do not notify your bank or credit card provider, they may ‘freeze’ your account or credit card because they believe your cards were stolen and used overseas. Your phone carrier may also offer an “international phone plan” that is less expensive than unlocking your phone and purchasing a phone plan in another country.
When you wait to exchange money at the airport, you are frequently given a poor exchange rate. So, check with your local bank to see if they can exchange money for you!
Safety is just as important as planning – explore our Study Abroad Safety Tips before you leave.
Finally, if you know where you will be living overseas, use Google to identify the closest food stores, banks, pharmacies, and public transit to your new home.
