Voila!! You've aced your admission and gotten into your dream university! Time to pack your bags and take a confident stride through those campus gates.
But wait, first, you need to pack! Worried about what to take and what to leave behind? We've got you covered!
First and foremost, keeping all your documents organized is perhaps our most critical advice. We highly recommend using a pen drive or google drive to keep your records digitally synchronized in one place. Furthermore, we advise keeping a closeable folder containing all the documents you will carry.
We recommend writing your personal information, ie. Passport Number, Passport Issue Date, Passport Expiry Date, Passport File Number, University Code, University Address, etc., on a paper and carrying that with you through the airport in your backpack to avoid pulling out your official documents to fill out forms. This way, you reduce the risk of misplacing and losing your documents.
Furthermore, carrying a photocopy of all your documents would also aid you at university.
We also recommend carrying a few passport-size photos of yourselves, which you can use in any form.
Look at the university list of required immunizations and vaccines, and ensure to get yourself immunized. Carry your proof of immunizations with you.
Most international flights typically allow 23kg for check-in luggage. Therefore, the idea should be to find versatile and spacious bags (2) to accommodate all the essentials. A four-wheel 360-degree rotating suitcase will be a good option. It will help to keep the weight off your hands.
When you book your ticket, check the luggage and the weight limit per luggage to avoid any last-minute hassle!
Furthermore, check the list of restricted items to know which items you can carry with you in your check-in versus carry-on bags.
FUN ADDITION: Sometimes, mishaps happen at airports regarding luggage. We highly recommend using luggage tags to add personal contact information.
Map out your journey to your dorm room in advance! It is hard to figure out the various moving parts which require you to reach your dorm rooms on the spot. We highly recommend ensuring you have airport transfers, hotel reservations for overnight layovers, and transportation to your university before you leave.
Carrying the currency of your destination country is imperative. This will keep you prepared to tackle any unexpected situations easily.
Prescribed Medication.- For students on any prescription medication, we highly advise you to carry your medication along with the doctor-signed prescription.
Universal Adapter is a must. Invest in a quality universal adapter to ensure you do not have issues with charging your devices.
Here's a more comprehensive breakdown of some things you wouldn't wanna risk leaving behind!
Travel Documents
Passport
Student Visa
Travel Itinerary
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
Prescribed Medicines
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
Cellphones
Laptop
USB Cable
Chargers for all electronics
Universal Adapters (Recommend 2)
Recommended: E-Book Reader
Clothes
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
Toiletries
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
Miscellaneous
Backpack
Sunglasses
Purse/Wallet
Prescription Glasses/Lenses if Required
Basic Stationery like Pens and Notebook
TSA Locks for Luggage
Umbrella
A list of important numbers in case you lose your phone
What Not to Pack
There would be hundreds of things you might want to take with you, but remember - there will be shops where you're moving! Traveling light and buying things once you're settled at the dorm is better. Here's a list of things you can avoid taking to the university:
Heavy Liquids in Bottles
Do not carry a large bottle of hand sanitizer, shampoo, or other liquid stuff. 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 Stationery
Like books, stationery is often heavy.
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.
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