Preparing for university can be an exciting and overwhelming experience, particularly when it comes to packing. To ensure a smooth transition and a comfortable living space, it is essential to create a comprehensive packing list. Here is a detailed university packing list, covering essential items that will help you settle into your new environment. Let's dive into the essential items that should be on your university packing list.
WHAT TO PACK
Travel Documents
One of the most essential things to pack is your travel documents. You will need them to successfully fly, pass immigration check-ins, board, and undergo post-departure formalities. Make sure you keep a photocopy of each document separately so you can have an alternative in case you lose it. Here are some travel documents you must keep with you:
Passport
Student Visa
Travel Itinerary
I-20/Enrolment Confirmation
Fee Receipt for Accommodation
Cash/Credit Card
International Sim Card (If not, buy at the airport)
Official Academic Transcripts
Immunization Certificates
Recommended: Full-Body Check-Up Reports
Medicines
You need to keep certain medicines handy, especially if you are undergoing treatment. If you are under some prescribed medication, make sure you are carrying it in good quantity. Sometimes you might not find the same medicine brand in the host country. Also, ensure that you're carrying your prescription for any future reference. Some common or general medicines that you should carry are:
Paracetamols for Fever/Body Pain
Cough Syrups
Nausea Medication
Acidity Medication
Dysentery Medication
Antiallergens
Pain Sprays/Balms and Painkillers/ Analgesics
Dehydration ORS Powders and Becosules
Antiseptic Creams and Liquids
Handiplaster/Band-Aids and Gauge
Any Personal Prescription Medications
Electronic Devices
You can definitely not picture yourself traveling without gadgets like mobile phones, laptops, headphones, etc. However, one of the most essential things would be a universal adapter because the outlets in your dorms or accommodation won't be the same as at home. It is better to purchase one beforehand, as it will be difficult to locate things as soon as you move to a new country. Here are some electronic devices that you should definitely carry:
Cellphones
Laptop
USB Cable
Chargers for all electronics
Universal Adapters (Recommend 2)
Recommended: E-Book Reader
Toiletries
Some essentials that you must carry with you are your toiletries. Here are things that you must remember to carry:
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Shower Gel, Shampoo, Conditioner, and Soap
Deodorant or Perfumes
Shaver/Razor, Shaving Cream, and Comb
Sanitary Napkins
Tissues and Toilet Papers
Makeup and some other Basic Grooming Kit
Clothes
It goes without saying that you must pack enough clothes, however, make sure you're packing clothes for various climatic conditions. Check the weather updates of the country you are moving to. Here are some clothing essentials you must carry:
Jacket (preferably weatherproof)
Raincoat (if it is rainy weather in the country)
Shoes and Socks
Undergarments
Casual outfits and Dressy Outfits
At least one Business Outfit
Nightsuits
Towels
Miscellaneous
Other items that aren't absolutely necessary to carry, but you can consider taking with you are:
Backpack
Sunglasses
Purse/Wallet
Prescription Glasses/Lenses if Required
Basic Stationery like Pens and Notebook
TSA Locks for Luggage
WHAT NOT TO PACK
While we have mentioned most things you should carry with you when you move to a new country, there are also things you should leave behind. Here are some:
Heavy Liquids in Bottles
Do not carry a large bottle of hand sanitizer, shampoo, or other liquid stuff. A small size to survive you for a week is enough.
Books
Books add extra weight and take up much space. You can buy them from the host country or borrow them from the library. We recommend carrying an e-book reader instead if you are an avid reader.
Large Sums of Stationary
Like books, stationery is often heavy and can be avoided.
Expensive Items
Laptops and mobile phones must be included in the packing list for Indian students going abroad. However, other expensive items like jewelry should be avoided. These might get broken or stolen during the journey.
Snacks or Food
Carrying some snacks for the flight is a good idea but packing for a month or more will add extra weight and take up the space of other more important things.
Culturally Inappropriate Clothing
It is vital to carry acceptable clothes in the country you are moving to. Also, remember that you will spend most of your time in the university or college. So pack according to the culture prevalent in your university or department. For example, some universities have strict formal dress guidelines, whereas some allow dressing in casual clothes.
Make sure you have a checklist ready when you start packing to ensure you're not forgetting any of the essentials behind. We wish you all the best for your college journey!
Sources
“Home.” Study Abroad Packing List - Checklist for Essentials & Fun Stuff. n.d. Web. 03 Aug. 2023.
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