Now you’ve decided that you’re studying abroad, it’s time to think about what you’ll need to take with you when you begin your studies.
Packing might seem like a frustrating task, even though you’re excited to start the next step in your life. But trust us, you need to take time and care when packing because you need to make sure you don’t forget anything important or leave your favourite things at home. To make things a little easier, here’s our ultimate study abroad packing list.
What you need to take when studying abroad
We’ll break our list down into categories that you can mark off as you go.
Clothes and accessories
You need to resist the temptation to take your whole wardrobe with you when you leave for university. Remember that if there’s anything you need that you don’t bring, you can just visit the local shops or markets to find what you need.
Think about whether an item matches anything else because there’s no point bringing something that you might only wear once or twice.
- Comfortable clothes - t-shirts, jeans, sweatshirts - whatever suits your personal style
- Shorts - make sure you’re ready for the warmer months
- Workout clothes - many gyms offer student discounts, so don’t forget your fitness gear
- Coats and jackets - again, make sure you’re prepared for cold mornings with a winter coat
- A formal outfit - you never know which events you’ll be attending, so make sure to bring a formal outfit so you’re ready
- Sneakers, dress shoes, boots - you’ll need trainers for the gym, shoes for everyday use and maybe even boots for winter activities
- Hats, gloves and scarves - it might be nice and sunny where you are but remember to pack for cold and rainy days too, especially if you’ll be dealing with the notoriously unpredictable UK weather
Toiletries
Almost everything you need is available from supermarkets and shops when you arrive. It might be worth bringing essential items you may need for the first week or so until you get settled, but don’t waste too much space in your luggage with toiletries.
- Contact lenses and solution/prescription glasses - although you can buy solution here, if there are prescription items you need then make sure to bring them
- Any medicine you regularly take
- Makeup
- Razors and shaving supplies
- Feminine care products
- Any shampoo/toothpaste etc. you might need in the first couple of weeks (but remember you’ll be able to get everything you need when you’ve arrived)
Electronics
You’ll probably have a few different devices that you plan on taking when you leave to begin your studies. Remember that other countries will have different power outlets so you’ll need adapters. Plus, they might not be able to fix something of yours if it breaks if it isn’t supported there.
- Laptop, charger and padded case - make sure you have a good-quality case to store your laptop in so that it’s protected as you travel
- Phone and charger - you aren’t likely to forget your phone but make sure you’ve checked whether or not it will work abroad. Do you need a new SIM card? Does the plan you’re on cover international roaming?
- Camera, memory cards and charger - if you have a state-of-the-art, expensive camera, then make sure it’s transported carefully and stored effectively when you arrive
- Headphones - perfect for wearing in the library when you’re carrying out research
- Power adapters - there’s a chance your current chargers and plugs aren’t compatible, so either bring adapters or buy them when you arrive
Important extras
These are the extra bits that are essential - don’t forget them when packing. They might not be as exciting as a new pair of shoes but they can be the difference between your travels being smooth or not.
- Passport and visa - an obvious one but easy to forget when you’re caught up in the excitement of moving day
- Local currency - it’s important to have some cash on hand for when you arrive. Make sure you know the value of each note and coin, so you aren’t trying to pay for a loaf of bread with a note that’s 100 times its value
- Student ID and/or driver’s license - basically any formal identification
- Padlock - you may be given a locker or have a storage cupboard. Bring a padlock you can store expensive items securely
- Backpack - you’ll need to bring your laptop and books to university each day, so it’s important to have a good-quality backpack or bag. Plus, it’ll come in hand when you explore the country you’re studying in during time off
Don't forget documents and financial information too
With this blog you should be able to pack almost everything you need to get started when studying abroad. There are a few extra things you’ll need, like health insurance documents and bank statements. We run through absolutely everything you need when studying abroad in our free student preparation checklist which you can download using the link below.