Study Abroad Travel Checklist for International Students

When you plan to study abroad, your focus is mainly on selecting the right university, getting into it and finally, securing a visa so that you can actually begin studying at the university of your choice. These steps require your complete attention and as a result, packing is often left for the last minute. We’re compiling this travel checklist necessities so that you won’t find yourself wanting for items you may not be able to get your hands on initially.

DOCUMENTS -

Letter of acceptance
Letter of enrollment
Student ID card
Flight tickets
Hard and soft copies of pay slips and fee receipts
Attested copies of academic certificates
A rental agreement (if you’ve already found a place) or other documents indicating where you will be staying
Bank statements, salary slips, and other documents that prove you have the funds to sustain yourself during the course of your program
Scholarship certificate (if you’ve earned a scholarship)
Copies of medical reports and history
Certificates confirming you’ve received all the necessary vaccinations
Blood group ID (not compulsory, but recommended)
Health insurance papers
Passport (with copies)
Visa (with copies)
Residence permit (with copies)
Medical fitness certificate
Travel insurance
Driver’s license and other identification documents

FINANCE -

International credit card
Traveller’s cheque
Local currency

CLOTHING -

Underwear (two weeks’ worth)
Socks (two weeks’ worth plus a pair or two of woolen socks)
Undershirts
Thermal underwear
Long sleeve shirts
Short sleeve shirts
Sweatshirt/ hoodie (2-3)
Sweaters
Jeans/ Khakis (2-3 pair)
Shorts
A belt or two
Skirts (for the girls)
A set or two of workout clothes
Pajamas
Swimsuit (for those going to warmer climates)
Coat/Jacket (I recommend at least 2 – one for cold weather, and one that is water resistant)
At least one nice outfit for formal occasions*
Flip flops/ sandals of some sort (good if you’re going to a warm climate, but also good for hostel showers)
Sneakers/ dress shoes/ boots/ rain boots*
Cold weather gear (i.e. gloves/ mittens, hat, scarf)

TOILETRIES -

TSA Compliant Toiletry Kit /1-quart zip-top Ziploc bags
Shampoo/ conditioner
Toothbrush/ toothpaste
Soap
Deodorant
Feminine products (one month’s worth)
Brush/ comb
Razors/ other shaving supplies
Contact lenses and solution
Glasses
Nail clippers
Makeup
Over-the-counter medicines
Tissues/ toilet paper (You don’t want to be stuck in a bathroom with no TP!)
Medications (if any)

EXTRAS -

Backpack/ bag/ purse/ wallet
Outlet adapter
Sunglasses/ extra eye glasses/ contacts
Cell phone (you probably won’t be able to use it in your host country, but it’s invaluable if you’re stuck in domestic airports and need to contact someone for delayed flights, etc.)
Laptop and charger (remember, you may need an outlet adapter for the plug on your charger to work)
Camera w/cords and charger
Sheets/ bed linens
Bath towels
Enough prescription drugs for the length of your stay (Ensure that these drugs are allowed in your country and that you have the appropriate documentation – either the prescription or a doctor’s note)
MP3 Player/ iPod (for those long flights)
Sleep sack/ sleeping bag (most hostels will provide you with sheets, but some hostels require payment for these sheets)
Journal/ diary (Useful if you want to document all those interesting experiences)
100 ml plastic bottles for toiletries necessary while traveling
Water bottle (plastic bottles are better in terms of security checks)
A few hangers
Passport-sized photographs

KITCHEN NECESSITIES -

Pressure cooker
Plastic containers
Frying pan
Peeler
Coffee mug
Spice rack
Dinner plate
Serving bowl
Half plate
Table spoons
Tea spoons
Knives
Forks
Cheese grater
Chopping board
Spatula
Kitchen napkins
Drinking glass

OVERSEAS TRIP PACKING CHECKLIST FROM OUR COUNSELORS -

Packing Tip: If you’re one of those people, who have been taught the importance of neatly packing your clothes before packing them, this may be the time to ignore the proper way to pack. Rolling your clothes can be a lot more space-efficient, so get rolling!

Packing Tip: Pack your socks (and maybe underwear) last. Small items can fit into smaller spaces left over after you’ve packed all those larger items.

Packing Tip: It would be wise to pack a change of underwear, basic toiletries and clothes, if possible, in your carry-on, just in case your luggage is misplaced by the airlines.

Packing Tip: Use Ziploc bags for your toiletries. They’re approved by the TSA and are great a great way of protecting other items in case of a leak.

Packing Tip: Do pack herbs and spices. You never how long it’ll take to source a shop that sells your favorite spice.

Packing Tip: Label your luggage.

Packing Tip: Carry a phrasebook of the local language (this is going to be very useful in European countries such as Spain, France, Italy and German

At Azent, we have a strong commitment to education and career development. We are passionate about bringing global education to the doorsteps of students all over India.