What To Pack in Your Luggage When Studying Abroad

Packing for travel seems like an overwhelming task. For many, it is their least favorite thing to do when it comes to traveling. For students going abroad to study, packing can be daunting as it requires you to list things, cross out items, and make sure that you don’t forget anything important.

As you prepare for your educational journey, you need to bring things that will be essential for you as you study away from home.

The major factors to consider when packing for a trip include the country you are going to and the environment that you will live in. Listed below are some of the factors and things that you should assess before putting them in your luggage.

Overview of the country

Before going to your host country, you should first know the basics about it. You also need to know about the city that you will live in, the school that you will attend, and the people that you will interact with. From these, you will know what you need to bring. Get familiarized with the country and the things to bring will follow. 

The climate of the country

Some countries experience four seasons, which will require you to bring winter clothing, while some countries only have two, which means bringing an umbrella for both sunny and rainy weather. Knowing what to expect in terms of climate will help you pack the right set of clothing and accessories to make your stay more comfortable.

Societal norms

Certain customs need to be followed once you step foot in another country. You need to respect the cultures and traditions of the country you will be studying in. One of the ways to do this is by wearing appropriate clothing. It is best to research the country’s norms and traditions to know what you need to pack before you go.

Accessibility

If you will study and live in an urban area, you will probably have easy access to daily essentials. However, if you will be living in a more rural area and are unsure of the availability of things you need, it is best to bring extras. 

Considering these factors will help you gear up for your stay in another country. To further help you in your preparations, here’s a list of the things you need to take with you when you study abroad:

What To Pack: Essential items

• Passport
• Student visa
• Travel documents
• Personal identification documents
• Health insurance documents
• Wallet, including cards and cash
• Face masks

Clothing

• Standard clothing
• Formal clothing
• Comfortable clothes for travel
• Seasonal clothing
• Comfortable footwear
• Accessories

Electronic items

• Phone and charger
• Laptop and charger
• Power bank
• International power adaptors
• Other accessories such as memory cards, earphones, flash drives, etc.

Toiletries

• Dental hygiene kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss)
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Sunscreen
• Deodorant
• Skincare essentials
• Menstrual hygiene kit, for the ladies
• Hairbrush
• Hand sanitizer, alcohol
• Tissue

Miscellaneous items

• Medicines along with prescriptions
• Backpack
• School supplies
• Sunglasses, contact lenses, if necessary
• Padlocks and keys for the luggage
• Sleeping bag
• Essential jewelry and accessories
• Travel pillow
• Photos of loved ones
• Digital camera
• Journal
• Books

Now, after reading this quick guide, pack your bags, fly toward your study destination, and chase that dream you are soon to achieve.

Living in an unfamiliar environment is not easy. To help you become familiar with different study destinations, check out MSM Unify for more information.