What to pack when moving abroad?

Your ultimate study abroad packing list

1. Your ultimate study abroad packing list

Congratulations! You have got your offer letter and visa approval and now you’re ready to take the flight! All that’s left is packing, which can be a little tiresome for many! All you need now is a comprehensive list of what to pack and what not to make sure you don’t forget anything!

2. Choose your luggage

It is essential to take the right kind of baggage – ensure that your primary gear is versatile, easy to move around and big enough to hold all your stuff. A four-wheeled stroller bag works best since it keeps the weight off your wrist. If you’re going for a backpack, try getting a wheeled one for hands-free mobility.

3. Organise your stuff

Plan your travel – gather all your essential documents in place and make all the arrangements you’d require on the day of your arrival. Use this checklist as reference:

- Load copies of documents, photos, and some music to cloud storage.

- Save all-important contact details and information in a Google document.

- Check your flight’s weight restrictions, entertainment and food facilities.

- Pre-arrange for your airport pick-ups and drops in home and host country both.

- Download a messenger or online calling app so you can contact your family and friends using available Wi-Fi.

- Add something to make your luggage identifiable.

4. Carry-on luggage

Let’s start with something quick and easy – your carry bag.

- Keep your passport, visa and enrolment letter handy.

- Once you get your boarding pass, keep that safe in your carry bag.

- Keep some currency of the host country.

- It’s a good idea to have a journal and pen ready for documenting experiences.

- Keep your prescription medicines, if any.

 - Ensure that your phone, charger and other gadgets like cameras and batteries are in the handbag.

- One or two pair of clothes, in case your luggage is delayed.

- A book or e-reader for the journey. Also, keep your headphones.

- Face wipes, gum, hand sanitiser, travel pillow and itinerary.

- Keep your reading glasses and sunglasses.

- Mittens and cap if you are going to a colder country.

5. In your checked baggage

- A copy of all your important documents.

- Toiletries including contact lenses, solutions, and/or feminine products.

- Appropriate clothes according to the weather in the host country.

- A handy first- aid.

- Souvenirs for the host family, if you are staying with one.

- Umbrella for sun/rain.

- Soes- running, flip flops and college wear.

- Extra money for emergencies.

- A language dictionary.

- Any books that you might require for your studies.

 Remember, some things are best left at home, so to avoid wasting your money or issues with customs, make sure you don’t pack any of the following.

- Spices or plant products.

- Stationery, you can buy that locally.

- A lot of cash. Bring only what you might need, and some emergency cash.

- Pirated goods or movies.

- Anything that might be considered a weapon.

Check for the list of banned and restricted items on the official website of your airlines in order to avoid any form of conflict at the airport.

By the way, you can download an extensive list of what to pack and what to not here.