What To Pack When Studying Abroad
The old maxim of travelling light if you are going away for a long period of time certainly holds true, and if you are studying in another country it helps to do some advance planning to ensure you only take what’s absolutely necessary.
With that said though, it’s important not to stick with the absolute minimum either and end up having to get things sent over or buy more than you have to when you get there.
Start with the most important items such as your passport and visa – if needed – and make sure you have any regular medication with you. Check in advance to see if you need to get a doctor’s note to confirm you have been prescribed this medication, since different countries have different rules about what you can carry with you and what you can’t.
Practical matters aside, there is also the question of clothing. Assuming you will be staying at your chosen destination for a few months at least, you will have to buy several items of clothing when you get there to make sure you have enough to last through your entire stay.
You should pack enough to last the first few days though, since you will almost certainly have too much to do and take in to find the time to go shopping straightaway. Once you are settled in you can take the time to explore the surrounding area and buy some new clothes at the same time.
You will probably find you can leave all your textbooks and other study aids until you get there. This is by far the best way to do it since they will naturally weigh down your luggage if you try and take them with you. Find out if there are any items you need to take with you and buy the rest when you arrive.
It’s easy to get so caught up in the practicalities of packing for this kind of trip that you can forget to take other items which are just as important to you on a personal level. A diary can be an excellent item to take, since it gives you the chance to record your experiences in a country you may never have visited before. Photos of your loved ones are a must, as is a list of addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of everyone that you will want to keep in touch will while you are away.
The most important thing to think about is making sure you have everything you need to be able to get through at least the first couple of days without having to go shopping for anything. For example, a hairbrush, deodorant, underwear and a couple of spare outfits are always a necessity, since you may not know exactly how long it will be until you can grab some time to yourself to go shopping.
Studying abroad can be an exciting experience and certainly one to remember, but don’t forget the practicalities of packing in all the excitement.
