Essential items to pack for your study abroad journey

Are you all set to join your dream university? Do not forget to carry these essential items when you do packing for your study abroad journey.

This is that time of the year when some of you would be joining universities for Spring (Jan-May) intake. Most of you would be packing your bags for your study abroad journey and would be taking some packing tips from friends and family members. In India, it is almost a ritual in which all your known ones would tell you – Do not forget to carry this. You will not find it there (they say there is always something special from your motherland)

When I went abroad for my studies, I got a similar advice. However, in my experience even if you forget something, almost everything can be bought there afterwards. I am sharing some information which may be helpful when planning what to pack and bring with you on your study abroad journey.

For your Air Travel:

• Carry air ticket, original passport with valid visa and complete itinerary with you as close to your skin as possible.
• Make sure that your name, address and contact number are on the inside and outside of all your luggage pieces

• Pay close attention to airline weight restrictions. Check your airline website for luggage size and weight restrictions for each flight you are travelling on. Pay special attention to your domestic flight connections with international ones as there can be huge difference in weight allowance.
• Carry a photocopy of your visa and travel insurance always. Some countries do not allow you to enter without valid travel insurance.

Gadgets and Electronics:

• If you are traveling with your computer/other electronics note that voltage in other countries can be different from your home country. In the USA the standard voltage is 120 Volts and the frequency is 60 Hz and in Ireland it is 230/400 Volts, 50Hz. Also, do not forget to check the ratings of your electrical items before bringing them to your destination. It may be advisable to purchase some electrical appliances in your destination country instead of bringing them with you. If you do take your own appliances, remember to take an adapter with you or purchase one on your arrival.
• Cell phone: if you phone accepts a sim card and has been unlocked by your current carrier (open to all networks), then you can get an International SIM card (with a new number) for free when you buy call credit (minutes). There are several different providers in the market, all with different Pay As You Go plans (Just like Prepaid in India). Most give you free calls and texts for one month with some data for students.

Forex and Cash:

• Always carry some Currency in Cash for use when you arrive but no need to carry a lot of cash, there are ATMs almost everywhere.
• I strongly recommend to carry a Multicurrency card as it is a safe and convenient mode to carry money.

Others:

• Carry enough prescription drugs for the length of your stay. This is important as some of the medicine approved for use in your home country, may not be available to be prescribed by a doctor in destination country.

• Carry at least one towel and few basic toiletries in case you want to grab a shower when you arrive. (Men should avoid carrying shaving foam on flights, a small tube of shaving cream is recommended)

• Clothing according to local weather: Some countries are famous for their changeable weather (London and Boston specially). It is advisable to bring a warm coat with you and something appropriate for rain showers. A nice jacket, scarf and warm socks are a good idea also.

This is not a complete list. For now, I am publishing this incomplete post and will work on it again later. Please feel free to share your inputs on our Facebook Page or email us on info@eduken.in and I will add the interesting ones in the post with full credit.

Till then, keep packing!

Vipul Tandon

Twitter: @VipultheHope | @edukenin