10 Things to Must Pack for Students Going to Study Abroad

Traveling internationally for a college degree is an adventure that is best planned in advance. It
is a life changing transition that young aspirants pass through every year. However the
pandemic has particularly affected travel and entry into different countries, as India remains on
the red list for many student favourite countries still..
Leaving home and family is not an easy phase to go through, but the promise of a bright future
makes ambitious students travel to a strange new place, even at this time.

As Indian students prepare to make their journeys to their future in 2021, we thought of lending
them a helping hand with an essentials checklist. Amidst the myriad of emotions from loved
ones, this list is for everyone travelling to varied climates and will help them see through the first
few weeks of arrival at university.

Efficient packing to start a new life within a few days of arriving in a new country is critical to
simplifying this process. This checklist is designed by experts at Kosha and approved by
renowned educational advisor Jitin Chawla.

Crucial College Documents

● Prescribed Books and Supplies

● Study Permit
● Offer Letter
● Official academic transcripts & degree certifications
● Other official profile-related documents

Organize your travel documents and credit cards

Make sure to carry all the necessary and important documents [WHO approved Vaccine
certificate(Covid19), passport, visa, itinerary, mandated travel insurance, plane tickets, ISIC
card, etc.]

Money

● International Debit/Credit Card

● Forex Card/Travelex Card
● Local currency in various denomination
● Coins to make phone call/hire trolleys etc

● Check whether your travel visas are up to date. Some countries require your passport to
be valid for at least six months after you plan to return. Therefore, please make sure that
you will not be rejected or delayed by customs because of your old passport.
● Keep your vaccination certificate in your carry-on, in case you are required to present it
at immigration
● Also keep physical and digital copies of your passport and all your paperwork readily at
hand, in case your luggage is lost in transit.
Necessary layers of Clothing

Students from India often travel to colder climates when moving to countries like the US, UK,
Canada, Germany or Ireland. It is important to wear comfortable layers to withstand the cold
temperatures at your destination upon arrival.

Regular Wear

● Jeans – A few pairs

● Pajamas – Two pair at most
● Swimsuit - ( Depending upon location )
● Workout clothes - Pair of Joggers & Sweatshirt
● Formal Attire - For official University events

Winter layers

● 2 sets Thermal top & Pants / Base Layers - Can use as night wear as well
● 1 Cotton Pullover that doubles up as a t-shirt (for Spring)
● 1 Woolen Pullover that doubles up as a t-shirt (for peak winters)
● 1 Sweatshirt or Hoodie
● 1 Warm track pants can double up as nightwear
● 1 All Weather Jacket with insulation
● 3 Blister free socks
● 2 Woolen Caps
● 2 Woollen Muffler / Stoles
● 2 Touch screen friendly Woollen Gloves
● 1 Waterproof gloves

Accessories

● Cotton Socks
● Flip flops – Good for showering in hostels. One pair is enough.
● Walking shoes – Find a comfy fashionable shoe – walking is a major part of everyday
life.
● Running shoes – Good to have if you join a gym or enjoy running outdoors

PREPARE YOUR PERSONAL ITEM CARRY-ON BAG

While the contents of your checked baggage will largely depend on the weather you are visiting,
you should have most of your travel essentials close at hand in your carry-on baggage. Start
with this international travel item packing checklist:

Gadgets
● MP3 Player/ iPod (for long plane/train rides)
● Laptop , Electrical converters and adapters specific to your destination
● Camera – Memory cards, chargers and adapters
● Headphones – It is nice to have a good pair that cancels out the sound
● Phone and charger
Don't forget a portable backup charger. Hours of watching your favorite TV show is sure to drain
your device’s battery life, and there is nothing worse than finally finding a WiFi spot only to have
your phone/laptop die.

Other standard items

● Precautionary Covid Essentials - Masks ,chemical free sanitizer, face shield , first aid ,
disinfectant spray(100ml)
● Thermometer
● Enough prescription drugs to sustain you before you could find new supplies
● Travel pillow, blanket, eye mask, and ear plugs
● Sunglasses/ extra eye glasses/ contacts
● Pen to fill out customs forms
● Sweater/scarf

Pack these essentials for stay at hostel or temporary accommodation

● Notepads/Stationery Items
● Pillow case – useful if staying in hostels
● Hydro towel – compact towel, good for traveling
● Sheet sleeping sack – great for use in hostels
● Wash Cloths
● Folding umbrella
● Power strip with converter
● Outlet adapter
● A few hangers

Note: Consider taking photos of your packed suitcase (both inside and outside) in case it is lost.
That way, the airline staff will know what to look for and you will know what's in it. With all of the
above essentials in your pocket, you can board your flight with peace of mind.

Happy travels and wishes for a wonderful new world of education!