Excited about studying abroad- Get to know what to pack?

All of you guys must be super excited about the thought of studying abroad and finally making it. What comes next? Oh yeah, packing our bags but how do I pack my 22 years of life in two suitcases. Don’t you worry; it is simple if that is the thought then no. Just kidding! There is a simple process though. Make a list; yes it is as simple as that.

Before you make a list, have in mind the country you would be studying in. A brief research about the climate, food, currency and culture is important. This gives an idea as what you can carry with yourself or cannot. For example, if I am travelling to a country which has cold weather round the year then full sleeves clothes, thermal wears are more logically then shorts pants. I am writing a list which is suitable for girls as well as boys.

So here is the list:

Clothing

·         Inner-wear ( for at least a week or two)

·         Socks (two weeks plus woolen ones especially for cold climate)

·         Long sleeves shirts

·         Short sleeves shirts

·         Thermal wear (2 no.)

·         Trousers and jeans

·         Winter jacket

·         Blazer/ Formal jacket (in case you like to be dressed up for presentations in college)

·         Nightwear (Pajamas)

·         Workout outfit (2 no.)

·         Swimsuit (for warmer climate, as European summers are beautiful and warm for a swim)

·         Belt

·         Flip flops (home use)

·         Sport shoes (most European streets are cobblestone, it becomes easier to walk)

·         Hand gloves, scarf, hat, hoodies, etc.  (some winter can be harsh)

·         Dress shoes/ rainy boots/ boots/ formal shoes

Toiletries (at least for a month)

·         Toothbrush, toothpaste

·         Body shampoo, loofah

·         Hair shampoo, conditioner

·         Detergent (small packets) or washing soap

·         Deodorant/ roll on

·         Feminine products

·         Hair brush/ comb

·         Razor/ shaving kit

·         Contact lenses and solution

·         Spectacles/ glasses

·         Nail clippers

·         Medicines (with prescription)

·         Tissue/ wet tissues

·         Make up products

·         Important medication (for 2 months, in case you don’t get the same brand elsewhere)

·         Ziploc bags/ disposable bags

Important

·         Documents (asked by college- keep two copies, passport, flight tickets, ISIC card, etc.)

·         Mobile and earphones (check with the company if it is not a sim-lock mobile) also make it sure that you have an international recharge done, as it becomes easier to communicate.

·         Mobile charge (2 no.) also adapter/ plug (check the plug system in the country of study if it is 2 plug or 3 plug)

·         Laptop and charger

·         Hard disk, USB cable, data card (in case)

·         Music player or Ipod (do update your playlist)

·         Local currency worth 8,000-10,000Rs. equivalent to 100 Euros

·         Travel card (which has option of pre-paid currency in it, you can opt for one or multiple currency) some banks give ISIC card along with it.

·         ISIC Card (International Student Identity card comes in handy for discounts on transportation, food, etc.)

https://www.isic.org/get-your-card/

·         Stationaries (pen, 5-subject notebook, diary)

·         Basic cutlery and crockery- spoon, plate, glass (carry plastic or steel ones)

·         Snacks (dry eatables, soup packets, IMPORTANT- Nutella jar, pickle, chutney, etc.)

Now you might think that why would I ask snacks, stationaries and cutlery to be packed.  From my example, when I had been to Denmark for the first time we were sent to a hotel for our stay. Unfortunately many European countries have conditions where the students have to find their own accommodation. In such a case, if you don’t have a room with kitchen amenities you can rely on the snacks and other ready to make packets instead of overspending. One should keep in mind the currency difference and expense of buying everything as well eating out daily.

Also, it usually take a week or two to get accustomed to the surroundings, to get to know the supermarkets, food joints, shops, etc. So it is better to have a backup.

It is also advisable to get a ticket to your study destination at least 4-5 days before your college starts. So you have enough time to get a hang of the locality and how to get around.

I hope you find this post helpful and make full use of it. Good luck to your first step in the global exposure, keep experiencing cultures, places and of course keep studying.

Here are the tips on how to pack by Sonia travels which I referred when I travelled for the first time.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pNTSm66CFg

My article is also featured on EHEF Asia blog!
http://www.ehef.asia/study-opportunities-in-the-european-union/blog/excited-about-studying-abroad-get-to-know-what-to-pack