Receiving an acceptance letter from an overseas university is a thrilling experience, but preparing a packing list for your move can be daunting. Choose wisely and focus on practical items. If you’re an international student starting a program at a foreign university, you’ll need to prepare for your journey. Follow our study abroad checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared for your trip.
If you’re considering studying abroad for a month, a semester, a full academic year, or even an entire degree, create a checklist of everything you’ll need to ensure you miss nothing. Plan and take care of essential documents like travel insurance so your experience overseas goes as smoothly as possible. Remember that once you leave your home country and travel to a foreign land, it may be challenging to return soon.
When managing your packing, having a well-planned checklist in place is essential. Know the difference between checked-in and carry-on luggage when packing for their trip. Certain items are not allowed in checked-in baggage, so read the restrictions carefully to avoid any issues. A well-prepared study abroad guide for Indian students can help them make informed decisions about what to pack and leave behind.
1. Use a pen or Google Drive to store all the documents and information.
2. Arrange airport transfers in advance.
3. Book temporary accommodation.
4. Check the luggage weight restriction.
5. Check the items that are not allowed to be carried.
6. Use a luggage tag to identify your baggage and avoid getting confused with someone else’s.
7. Upload the photos of all the critical documents.
8. Find a suitable place to accommodate all your essentials before you pack them up.
9. Keep ticking off the checklist by matching the items and essentials.
Read on for our study abroad checklist essentials.
Travel Documents:
Your travel documents are the most important things to remember when traveling. They are necessary for students to fly, pass immigration check-ins, board the plane, and complete post-departure formalities. Keep a separate photocopy of your papers in case they get lost, as this will make acquiring duplicate or replacement documents easier for immigration services. Here are all the important travel documents:
Passport
Checking if your passport will remain valid for your study abroad program is important. Many countries require at least six months of validity beyond the end of your studies for visa applications and other purposes. Make sure to account for your study time, additional travel time, and an extra six months. If you need to renew your passport, it’s best to apply as soon as possible to ensure you have it before the start of your term. Processing times may vary, but it often takes six weeks or more. Renewing your passport abroad can be a hassle, involving embassy visits, queuing, and additional form-filling. It’s best to avoid these inconveniences in a new and exciting country!
Student visa
If you plan to study abroad, you need a student visa for the duration of your program. If you’re pursuing an undergraduate degree at an accredited university, they may offer assistance in the visa application process, but it’s only sometimes the case. If you need help, you must handle the visa process yourself. It involves contacting the embassy or consulate of your study destination and possibly attending an appointment to submit the required documents, such as a university approval letter, a valid passport, proof of funds, and sometimes a return ticket for the end of your studies.
International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
As an international student, adding the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) to your study abroad checklist is important. This card provides worldwide discounts on various products and services, including public transportation, travel insurance, international calling cards, phone repairs, and Segway tours. To find out if the ISIC can benefit you, check online. The International Student Travel Confederation oversees the ISIC and has offices in 106 countries globally, and can assist you with travel-related concerns that may arise while studying abroad.
Other documents:
- University enrollment confirmation, acceptance letter, or program verification
- Housing contract
- Proof of medical and travel insurance
- Health records: copy of medical records, vaccination certificates
Foreign currency
Carry some foreign currency of your destination country for immediate expenses upon arrival, small purchases, and emergencies. Before leaving for your study abroad destination, familiarize yourself with the local currency. Find the exchange rate and consider how much cash you need for your initial expenses. Be mindful of exchange rates and fees associated with converting your currency. Find the best currency exchange service provider to ensure you get the best value for your money. Contact Unimoni to ensure the availability & best rate for foreign currencies is also wise.
Forex Card
A Forex/Travel card or prepaid travel card can be a great option if you travel abroad. It’s a type of prepaid card that’s specifically designed for use by travelers while they’re away from home. It is a convenient and secure way to carry and spend foreign currency while traveling internationally. A Forex card allows you to load a specific foreign currency onto the card before your trip. You can lock in the exchange rate when loading, so you know exactly how much money you can spend. Unimoni gives students a free Forex card!
Electronic devices
When traveling, it is necessary to bring mobile phones, laptops, headphones, and tablets. However, the most important item is a universal adapter, as the outlets in hostels, accommodations, and dormitories may differ from those at home. It’s better to purchase one before traveling to a new country, as it may take time to locate one once you arrive. Here are some other electric gadgets that are essential to bring along:
- Mobile phones
- Headphones
- Tablet
- Charger
- Laptop
- USB cable
- Anything that you use for daily convenience
Toiletries
Refrain from carrying hair styling gadgets in your carry-on luggage. It is better to avoid hair styling gadgets because they consume a lot of power, and electricity can be too costly in foreign countries. Some of the essentials you can carry in this segment:
- Hairbrush/comb
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Make-up
- Contact lenses
- Tissues
- Mask
- Hand sanitizer
Medicines
If you are an international student undergoing treatment, always take your medication. Make sure to bring a sufficient amount of your prescribed medication, as it may not be available in your host country. In case of an emergency, local medical assistance teams can provide help. It is also recommended to carry the prescription for future reference. Bring some common or general medicines with you for safe travel.
Pack light, pack right!
You’re ready to pack for your study abroad trip! To make the most of your luggage space, be strategic and consider leaving behind any non-essential items. It’s a good idea to practice packing a few times beforehand. Don’t stress if you need to remember something, as you’ll likely be able to find substitutes abroad. Get excited about the adventures, connections, and valuable lessons you’ll experience in and out of the classroom. We’re confident that your time overseas will be a life-changing experience!
