If you are flying overseas for the first time as an international student then this list would be quite helpful for you. If you follow this list and pack things mentioned in it then you will save time and money. Even if you have lots of cash in hand, I would still suggest you to take these things with you.
1. Essential Documents
- Passport (with a valid visa).
- University admission letter and enrollment documents.
- Flight tickets and itinerary.
- Copies of important documents (passport, visa, IDs).
- Travel insurance details.
- Academic transcripts and certificates.
- Local currency and an international credit/debit card.
- Health records, including vaccination certificates.
2. Electronics
- Laptop and charger.
- Smartphone and charger.
- Universal power adapter and voltage converter.
- Earphones or headphones.
- External hard drive or USB drives.
- Portable power bank.
- Any required software or eBooks for your courses.
3. Clothing and Accessories
- Weather-appropriate clothing (based on your destination’s climate).
- Formal attire (for university events or interviews).
- Comfortable casual wear.
- Undergarments, socks, and sleepwear.
- Shoes: casual, formal, and any specialized (e.g., sports shoes).
- Jacket/coat, gloves, and scarf (if traveling to a cold region).
- Traditional/cultural attire (optional but great for cultural events).
4. Toiletries and Personal Care
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss.
- Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
- Deodorant and personal hygiene items.
- Any prescribed medications with a copy of the prescription.
- Nail clippers, tweezers, and a small grooming kit.
- Sunscreen and skincare essentials.
5. Study and Stationery Supplies
- Notebooks, pens, and other basic stationery.
- Backpack or laptop bag.
- A planner or calendar.
- Course-specific tools (e.g., calculator, drawing tools).
6. Kitchen and Food Essentials
- Travel-sized spices or seasonings from home.
- Lightweight utensils and a reusable water bottle.
- Non-perishable snacks for initial days.
- Local food staples (if unavailable in the destination country).
7. Health and Safety Items
- A small first aid kit (band-aids, pain relievers, etc.).
- Masks and hand sanitizer.
- Contact lenses or glasses (with spares).
8. Miscellaneous
Travel pillow and eye mask.
Locks for luggage.
Laundry bag and detergent pods.
Basic sewing kit.
Photos or keepsakes from home (for comfort).
9. Do Not Forget
- Check baggage weight limits and rules for your airline.
- Leave copies of important documents with family or on cloud storage.
- Label your luggage clearly.
I invite other members to add more things to the list which I might have missed.
