Comprehensive Pre-departure Guide for New International Students

Whether you are going for a week, semester, or the summer, studying abroad requires adequate planning and packing the right items.To make your transition smoother, we have created the ultimate packing list with helpful study abroad packing tips to ensure you have everything you need to make your experience abroad feels like home.

• University Offer Letter

Your acceptance letter is the most important document regarding the place you will study in, especially while in the travelling process. It is needed in your Visa application and could be of aid to you on your University arrival.

• Passport

Aside from being the container of your student visa, it is also the key to opening your travel door. You will need a processed passport to pass through customs; this has to be the first document to enter your documents handbag alongside other identification and allowance muniments.

• Vaccination and full body check-up certificate

It is recommended to do a full body check-up once a year; you must ensure you have everything up to date before you go. Additionally, doing a check-up abroad can be expensive; it is more affordable and flexible to do yours in your home country.

Nowadays, the importance of certain vaccines has become tremendous, especially to travellers and the public health system of tourism leader countries. In the academic scenario, certain courses require some specific vaccinations.

For example, medical courses tend to require pre-requisitioned anti-tetanus and hepatitis b vaccination certifications alongside a certificate of aptitude.

• Health insurance

Health insurance is often required in such cases. Therefore, you must get student health insurance. You can get one in your home country before you leave (one that must also work in the country you’re going to), or you can get one in the country once you arrive (which is usually more expensive).

• Monitor the cost of the flight tickets

You can book the flight that suits you best. However, it also has to be affordable kind of suitability. If you have any difficulties or need help with taking care of this, you can find a travel agency or directly contact the companies. There are multiple offers, especially for common travel destinations.

• Travel Insurance

It is crucial to get travel insurance, for there may be issues during your travel that you may need to address; however, it will be easier with travel insurance. You can acquire this when booking your flight or at any other moment.

Packing Tips

Packing tips can help you pack efficiently and effectively for your trip. By using these tips, you can save space in your suitcase, avoid forgetting important items and keep your belongings organized and protected. Additionally, packing tips can help you avoid overpacking, saving you money on baggage fees and making it easier to move around with your luggage. Overall, using packing tips can help you make the most of your trip and have a great time.

• Choose the right size bag

Usually, the weight of the baggage allowed in the basement should be at most 23kg, and the dimension has a minimum of 158cm. While booking the flight, you may be given the option of one or two baggage flight tickets.

It is up to you which one you choose, but after that, you are allowed one hand baggage, a briefcase, a laptop, and a purse.

Make sure to check your company’s baggage policies; the knowledge you’ll find will certainly be essential for your better understanding and management.
Additional packing tips:

• Make a packing list. This will help you keep track of what you’ve packed and what you still need to pack. It will also help you avoid forgetting important items.
• Start packing as early as possible. This will help you avoid feeling rushed and overwhelmed.
• Only pack what you need. Avoid overpacking by only bringing items that are essential for your trip.
• Use packing organizers. Packing organizers, such as packing cubes and toiletry bags, can help you maximize space and keep your items organized.
• Roll your clothes. Rolling your clothes instead of folding them can help you save space and prevent wrinkles.
• Use luggage with ample storage space. Make sure to choose luggage with enough storage space to accommodate all of your items.
• Follow liquid restrictions

Put all liquid bottles in your check-in bag, but if you need to take one in your hand baggage, keep in mind that said bottles should not exceed the limit of 100ml; otherwise, they will be confiscated.

• Pack appropriate clothes

The best option is to take a small variety of clothes initially. You might not have immediate access or the opportunity to do your laundry as soon as you arrive; however, the country’s weather variation is the principal factor.

Organizing this course will prepare you for almost any type of weather. Bedsheets, blankets and covers for the bed may also be included.

• Bring necessary medications

Get a small first aid kit to take with you set with basic meds.
The most common are the sets with meds for flu, stomach ache, headaches or any body pain, sprains, and bandages.

• Food Items/utensils

Generally, food and kitchen utensils are easy in any country; however, you can also take some local and pre-prepared meals that can last a few weeks, alongside some condiments that you might want or need.

• Bring books or other entertainment

Investigate by asking some of the students or seniors in your university which books you might need, taking only the most essential ones with you.

• Pack electronic gadgets carefully

Depending on where you’re departing from and where you’re going, you should check which one has the most affordable gadgets regarding technology devices.

However, you can take your laptop, an external hard drive disk, or any other gadget that you may find useful.

• Educational Documentations

Organize your degree certificate, recommendation letter, GRE and TOEFL mark sheet, and any other necessary educational documents.

It is recommended to photocopy all your documents in case you lose or forget them in your home country. It is always good to have a backup.

• Bring foreign currency

Make sure to change some of your money to the new currency for things you might need to buy or pay when you arrive.

• Photo Copies of documents

Make photocopies of all your documents, so you have a backup. Passports, flight tickets, travel and health insurance policies, college/university acceptance letters, accommodation details, proof of funds, school transcripts, and more are among the most significant documents.

Aside from clothes and toiletries, consider bringing a small padlock, a small backpack or day pack, feminine products and contraceptives, a camera, charger and SD card, an e-reader, non-electronic activities, a journal, and basic school supplies. Things not to pack include heavy liquids in bottles, expensive items, and too many shoes.

Arrive at the airport at least 3–4 hrs prior to your departure

There are several reasons why you should go to the airport 3 hours prior to your flight. Some of the key reasons include the following:

• Allow enough time for check-in and security

Airports can be busy, especially during peak travel times, so it is important to allow enough time for check-in and security. Going to the airport 3 hours prior to your flight will give you enough time to check in, drop off your luggage, and go through security without rushing.

• Avoid missing your flight

If you arrive at the airport too late, you may miss your flight due to long lines, traffic, or other delays. Going to the airport 3 hours prior to your flight will give you a cushion of time in case of unexpected delays.

• Relax and enjoy the airport amenities

Arriving at the airport early allows you to relax and enjoy the airport amenities, such as restaurants, shops, or lounges. This can help reduce stress and make your travel experience more enjoyable.

• Prepare for unexpected events

Going to the airport 3 hours prior to your flight allows you to prepare for unexpected events, such as flight cancellations or delays. This extra time can also be used to rebook a flight or make other necessary arrangements.

Final Thoughts

Pre-Departure Guides or Orientations are sessions designed to prepare outgoing study-abroad students for a meaningful experience abroad. They cover essential topics such as safety, health, cultural differences, and other important information to ensure students have a successful experience. Orientation is essential to any international experience, as it helps ensure students stay safe and healthy while abroad.

Applying to study abroad can be complex and time-consuming; Global Colliance supports everything from choosing the right college/university, filling out application forms to writing personal statements, preparing for interviews, and pre-departure orientation.

Visit us at www.globalcolliance.com and get answers to all your study abroad-related queries.