It is very important to be sure about what you pack when going to study abroad. The first step is to keep your official documents like visa, passport, air ticket, original mark sheets, vaccination certificates, etc ready.
Personal Belongings
Then it comes to personal belongings. These include clothes, electronic devices and gadgets, personal care products, home appliances and much more. Carrying your own belongings is one of the best ways of curbing your daily expenses. Getting your own luggage will further contribute to reducing your living expenses.
Below are some lists for your clothing, electronic gadgets, and personal care products. Make sure to check these before you pack for your trip to study abroad.
As some particular styles or brands may or may not be easily available in your new home, carry the basics.
Clothes
One can never have too many clothes. However, when you have a limited budget, cutting down on buying extra clothes will help you a great deal. Hence, here is the basic list of certain essential clothing that every student needs to carry when travelling abroad:
1. T-shirts (round neck) – 8
2. T-shirts (with collar) – 3-4
3. Jeans (stick to blue/black) – 6-7
4. Formal shirts – 3
5. Formal trousers – 2
6. Undergarments – at least 15 pairs (very important)
7. Formal suit – 1 complete set
8. Ties – 2-3
9. Shorts/three-fourths – 5-6
10. Track pants – 2-3
11. Swimming trunks – 1 (if you plan to swim)
12. Gymwear
13. One traditional dress for festivals
Extra Apparel
1. Towels – 5
2. Hand towels – 3-4
3. Leather belts – 1-2
4. Belt for jeans – 1
5. Formal leather shoes – 1 pair
6. Sneakers (optional) – 1 pair
7. Sports shoes (optional)
8. Sunglasses – 1 pair (any good brand is okay)
9. Socks – 6-7 pairs
10. Sweater – 1-2 good warm ones
11. A light jacket (you can get a thicker one once you land there)
12. A good umbrella
13. Handkerchiefs – 12 nos.
14. Hawaii slippers – 1 pair (for wearing inside the apartment)
15. Flip-flops – 1 pair (for summer and spring)
16. Bedsheets – 2
17. Blanket – 1 (optional)
18. Pillow covers – 3
19. A good wallet (leather) – 1
20. A wallet for passport
21. Shoe polish – 1 (don’t get liquid, might spill during travel)
22. Shoe polishing brush – 1
23. Monkey cap – 1
Essential Electronics
1. External HDD (the portable one)
2. USB keyboard and mouse (optional) – gamers might need this. Even otherwise, it is a good thing to have.
3. Laptop – If you already have a laptop, carry that.
4. iPod/mp3 player (optional)
5. A small table clock with alarm functionality
6. A scientific calculator (very important) Casio fx991MS or fx991ES .
7. A good branded, decent wristwatch.8. Indian pin to US pin converters – 2-3.
Personal Care Products
To maintain good, personal hygiene, especially while studying abroad. Also some brands may not be available in the country where you are going. So here’s a handy list:
1. Toothpaste – one large tube.
2. Toothbrushes – 3-4
3. Soap – 1-2 bars/ 3 bottles of Shower Gel.
4. Shampoo – 1 bottle.
5. Shaving razor (for guys) – A couple of disposable ones.
6. Shaving foam (don’t buy cream) – 1 small can
7. Cold cream – 1 bottle
8. Vaseline – 1 bottle
9. Good clean combs – 2-3
10. Comb cleaner/old toothbrush for cleaning the combs.
11. Soap cases – 2
12. Hair oil – 2 bottles
13. Deodorant – 1 can
14. Nail cutter – 2
15. Earbuds – 1 small pack
16. Sunscreen – 1 bottle
17. Lip balm – 2 tubes