Your ultimate study abroad packing checklist

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.

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.

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 hand bag.
• 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 sun glasses.
• Mittens and cap if you are going to a colder country.

• 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.
• Shoes- 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 as 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.

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Also, you can download an extensive list of what to pack and what to not here, and if you are looking forward to pursuing your studies abroad then talk to our international education experts at IDP, who will help you with the procedure in every way possible!