Study Abroad Packing List: A Complete Guide | GyanDhan

Clothes

  • 3-4 long-sleeved shirts/tops
  • 3-4 short-sleeved shirts/tops
  • 2-3 pairs of jeans, pants
  • Socks
  • Undergarments (two week’s worth)
  • Shorts/skirts
  • A couple of belts and other accessories
  • 1 formal shoe
  • 1 Formal suit/business suit
  • 1 pair of walking shoes, 1 bathroom slippers
  • Sports wear for working out
  • Scarf (keep it handy for emergencies)
  • Nightwear
  • 1 Indian attire for cultural events at university
  • Raincoat
  • Weather-proof jacket
  • Sweater and hoodies
  • Warm clothes if the host country is cold (hats, mittens, gloves)
Tip - Pack clothes like you are going on a two-week trip. It will help you avoid over-packing. Pack clothes according to the weather of the country.

Documents

  • Ticket
  • Boarding Pass
  • Original copies of passport and visa
  • I-20 and enrollment confirmation from the university
  • Study permit
  • Student card
  • Health Insurance card
  • Fee receipt for accommodation allotted
  • Credit card/travel card
  • Emergency cash/wallet
  • Vaccination certificate

Appliances/Electronic Gadgets

  • Laptop
  • Padded laptop case
  • Cell phone
  • USB Cables
  • Outlet Adapter
  • Chargers for every gadget

Miscellaneous

  • A Padlock
  • A small backpack
  • Sunglasses
  • Basic school supplies - pen, pencil, a journal/diary
  • Travel pillow

Medicines and Toiletries

  • Towel
  • Travel size shampoo, soap, conditioner
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Deodorants/perfume
  • Tissues and toilet paper
  • Shaver, razor, shaving cream, comb
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Makeup and some other grooming kit
  • Lotion, sunscreen
  • Paracetamols
  • Bandages, band-aid
  • Antiseptic cream
  • Anti-allergy medicines
  • Dettol or any antiseptic liquid
  • Prescription medicine (if any)
  • Contact lenses and contact lens solution
  • Sanitizer

Carry-on luggage

These are the things that need to be on your person.
  • Passport and visa
  • Photo ID
  • Plane ticket
  • Insurance card
  • Credit/debit card
  • Cash in local currency/wallet
  • Photocopies of your important travel documents
  • Cell Phone and charger
  • Tablet/E-reader
  • Laptop and charger
  • Portable power bank
  • Headphone/earphones
  • Emergency outfit, in case of flight delay or layover
  • Travel size toiletries - handwash, facewash, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste.
  • Tissue pack
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Masks
  • Antibacterial wipes/wet wipes
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Snacks
  • Medicine (if any required for daily use)

What not to pack / Tips for packing

  • Do not pack heavy liquids. Travel size is your friend.
  • Don’t overpack clothes. You know you’d want to shop in the host country.
  • Keep the expensive appliances and jewelry at home.
  • Put a name tag on your luggage.
  • Don’t pack blowdryer or hair straightener.
  • Books add extra weight to your luggage.
  • Don’t pack snacks for a month. Just for the flight.

This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://www.gyandhan.com/blogs/study-abroad-packing-list

Wow this is a really detailed list.
A few points that I can add are that pack as lightly as possible. If you are going to live in an urban or a populated area, you have the advantage of leaving out a few things and buy from there. It’s better to buy winter clothing from there specially if it is a cold country. The jacket you might buy from here may not be as warm as needed.
It’s easier to source things when you arrive rather than bring things from home ‘just in case’.

Also, load up on free mobile apps that help you connect with folks at home, Skype, WhatsApp, and what have you.