One last step before you are about to live your academic dreams is defining the items for the Pre-departure packing list for students going abroad. Its one of the most easiest (some say!) but also the most restrictive work you could be undergoing before travelling abroad to your study destination. 

Clothing:

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

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Toiletries:

  1. TSA Compliant Toiletry Kit / 1-quart zip-top Ziploc bags
  2. Shampoo/Conditioner
  3. Toothbrush/toothpaste
  4. Soap
  5. Deodorant
  6. Feminine Products (one month’s worth – should go without saying you don’t want to be stuck without those)
  7. Brush/Comb
  8. Razors/ other shaving supplies
  9. Contact lenses and solution
  10. Nail clippers
  11. Makeup
  12. Over-the-counter medicines
  13. Contraceptives
  14. Tissues/ toilet paper (you don’t want to be stuck in a bathroom when it runs out)

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Extras:

  1. $300 in local currency
  2. Purse/ wallet
  3. Important documents (passport, visa, itinerary, plane tickets, ISIC card, etc.)
    Sunglasses/ extra eye glasses/contacts
  4. Cell phone (you might not 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.)
  5. Laptop and charger (don’t forget, you’ll need an outlet adapter for the plug on your charger to work)
  6. Camera w/cords and charger
  7. Sheets/ bed linens*
  8. Bath towels*
  9. Enough prescription drugs for the length of your stay (You need to make sure you are allowed to bring them into the country and that you have documentation, either the prescription or a doctor’s note)
  10. MP3 Player/ iPod (for long plane/train rides)
  11. Sleep sack/sleeping bag (most hostels have sheets, however, some do not, some will charge you for them, and for those people that don’t like sleeping in unfamiliar sheets, I recommend a Cocoon Travel Sheet.)
  12. Journal/ diary (you’ll be taking plenty of pictures on your travels, but it’s always nice to have something to write in. Of course I recommend writing a blog, but you may not always have your laptop with you.)
  13. Backpack (for daily use and as your carry while traveling)
  14. Plastic bottles for toiletries for use in your carry-on or while traveling (the maximum is usually 100ml)
  15. Water bottle/ Nalgene bottle (since the Nalgene bottle is plastic, it’s a lot easier to get through airport security

Wish you all the best and travel safe!

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Let us know more about your experience while travelling abroad and any tips you found useful in the comment section below.