Things To Remember When Travelling Abroad for Studies

The exciting opportunity of studying abroad offers not only academic enrichment but also deep personal growth and cosmopolitan immersion. When we travel abroad for education, we often tend to be worried about the mainstream things, such as financial matters, documentation, accommodation, and so on, which are quintessential in our journey.

While our main focus remains on the study abroad packing list, we must not forget the important things to remember when travelling abroad for studies, that is, the things that truly matter: ‘Our Very Self!’ We tend to forget the most important thing for which we are leaving our home town and going abroad; and that is - Gaining Unmatched Experience & Transforming Life!

While packing your bags for a study abroad adventure is thrilling, the real journey begins with smart preparation and packaging ‘your outlook’. This is not just about packing clothes; it is about preparing for a new life that awaits! From securing your essential documents to blending into a new culture, a little planning goes a long way.

Let us unravel a comprehensive study abroad packing list coupled with travel tips for international students that help navigate the overseas education journey with all the essentials for an overall enriching experience.

Travel Tips for International Students Before Landing

Of the few things you need to prepare beforehand, here is a list of the most important ones in order of leaving abroad for your education.

#1 Travel Tips for International Students on Packing Essential Documents

Ensure all your documents are in order of their requirement and easily accessible before you board your flight. Store them in your carry-on in case your checked luggage is lost or delayed. Your complete study abroad packing list of must-have documents is given below.

• Valid Passport (with at least 6 months validity remaining)
• Student Visa (specific to your study programme)
• University Acceptance Letter or Enrollment Verification
• Proof of Travel and Medical Insurance
• Flight Tickets & Travel Itinerary
• Copies of Important Documents (stored both digitally and physically)
• Emergency Contacts (family, university, and embassy contacts)
• Health Records (vaccination certificates, prescriptions)
• Driver’s License & International Permit (if applicable)
• Proof of Housing Arrangements
• Bank Statements (if required for proof of funds)

Note: Leave copies of your documents back in your home country, and upload digital versions to a secure cloud storage service. In addition to digital copies, leave a copy of your Aadhar card and other important national IDs with a trusted family member.

#2 Travel Tips for International Students on Accommodation & Transportation

Start with your accommodation hunting to settle your living arrangements before you arrive study destination. This reduces stress during your initial days abroad, which is when you already have nervous excitement about beginning your new academic life.

Make sure to secure housing before your departure, irrespective of your housing type, whether university dorms, homestays, or private rentals. Arrange airport pickup or transportation to your new home.

#3 Travel Tips for International Students On Early Reaching

Reach early and get the lay of the land: It is advisable to reach your study destination at least two weeks before the college orientation to allow yourself ample time to explore the locality of your residence and college. Also, familiarise yourself with local public transportation systems to get around efficiently.

#4 Travel Tips for International Students on Financial Planning

Money matters can make or break your study abroad experience. The best practice is to plan as much as possible to avoid financial stress later.

• Create a budget for tuition, living expenses, travel, and emergencies.
• Exchange local currency in advance for immediate needs upon arrival.
• Get an international debit card for secure spending.
• Inform your bank of your travel dates to avoid card blocks.
• Track your expenses using budgeting apps or a financial journal.

Tip: Get a forex card or an international debit card for secure spending, as they often offer better exchange rates and lower fees than a standard Indian bank account.

#5 Travel Tips for International Students on Packing Smart for Your New Life Abroad

Packing for an extended stay in a foreign land is nothing like packing for a vacation. The key is to focus on versatility and the absolute essentials that you cannot buy abroad easily. You must be prepared for any surprises that may come your way by creating a suitable study abroad packing list.

Study Abroad Packing List

A smart study abroad packing list will help you identify what to pack and what to leave behind. And a super-smart list will also discuss space-saving hacks. Let’s explore all of these.

What to Pack?

• Clothing: Ensure to pack according to the country’s climate, while respecting local dress codes. Pack versatile layers that mix and match.
• Toiletries: Bring enough for the initial days, including speciality products. Opt for sustainable options like shampoo bars or reusable cotton pads.
• Electronics: Bring your laptop, phone, chargers, adapters, and a power bank. Research voltage requirements for your destination.
• First Aid Kit: Include basic items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any prescribed medication, with original prescriptions and a doctor’s note.
• School Supplies: Bring only essentials like notebooks, pens, or specific items your courses require.
• Shoes: Limit yourself to three pairs: walking shoes, flip-flops for communal showers, and one dressy pair.
• Personal Items: A few comfort items from home can ease homesickness, such as photos, favourite snacks, or a small keepsake.

What to Leave Behind?

• Too much food: Try local snacks instead.
• Heavy liquids or large toiletries: Buy locally in travel size or refillable containers.
• Too many books: Opt for digital readers or library resources.
• Luxury items or expensive gadgets: They are theft targets.
• Bedding: Takes up too much space; buy it locally.
• Culturally inappropriate clothing or accessories: That may be considered offensive.

Space-Saving Hacks!

• Use packing cubes for organisation.
• Roll clothes instead of folding to prevent wrinkles and save space.
• Stuff socks and small items inside shoes.
• Wear bulky items like jackets on the plane.
• Do not pack items that you can buy locally.

Travel Tips for International Students After Landing

Many international students experience cultural shock upon landing. If not handled in time, this can lead to homesickness. It does not matter how much research you have done about the local culture. No matter how many TV shows you have watched or how much research you have done, it is hard to adjust to a new place for several reasons. The topmost reasons are:

• Cultural differences between the study destination and your home country,
• Global diversity within the institution of study,
• Difficulty in adjusting to a new housing and locality,
• Not finding a friend or a family who makes you feel at home,
• Missing heartfelt conversations in your local language anytime you want,
• Home-cooked meals or even local roadside snacks, as in your home country,
• Time difference makes it difficult to connect with people back home, and
• Disagreement with fellow students due to cultural differences, among many more.

Phew! Sounds overwhelming, right? No worries! We have compiled a set of instructions that can make your life abroad easier. Just a few things that you need to be aware of as travel tips for international students upon landing, to avoid clashes with fellow international students and mingle with the local students and residents in the neighbourhood.

#1 Travel Tips for International Students on Blending In

Dress Appropriately: You must have heard it at some point in your life, “When in Rome, be like Romans!” Dress modestly where required, and research religious or cultural dress norms. If you do not wish to be identified as an outsider at a glance, try to blend in by wearing the local outfits. It does not mean that you should forget yourself completely. You must not lose your values. It means that you respect your surroundings and want to fit in without shrinking.

#2 Travel Tips for International Students on Cultural Awareness

Respect Different Cultures and Customs: To understand the new environment and adapt to the change, you must keep an open mind. Be culturally sensitive to avoid misunderstandings.

Disagree Politely: Disagreements can happen politely. This helps build positive relationships with fellow students, making you feel at home.

Language Adaptation: Learn greetings and key phrases in the local language to show respect to locals and smooth your everyday interactions. Even a simple 'hello' or 'thank you' in the local language can make a huge difference.

Local Laws: Follow local laws and etiquette, even if they are different from what you are used to. These may seem insignificant at first, especially if you have not been following in your home country.

Develop Generic Understanding: Understand expectations around personal space, gender roles, or public behaviour. Be open-minded, listen more than you speak, and observe before acting.

Meaningful Bonds: While sarcasm may seem an easy and interesting way to go, it is vital to initiate bonding appropriately with the local and other international students on meaningful grounds first.

Observation Tip: Pay attention to social cues and follow their lead on how people greet each other or behave in public spaces. Observation is the best way to learn.

#3 Travel Tips for International Students on Safety and Connectivity

Your well-being and safety in a foreign land deeply depend on you staying informed and connected with the new as well as the old society.

• Download essential apps for translation, easy navigation, everyday budgeting, and communication.
• Buy a local SIM card or get an international plan to stay connected.
• Check in regularly with friends or family back home.
• Stay updated on local news and safety advisories.
• Carry a padlock for hostel lockers and a daypack for excursions.

Most Important Travel Tip: Embrace the Experience

Get this from Indians enrolled abroad: Studying abroad is a marathon, not a sprint. Life gets easier when you are not stressed about the small stuff. Planning smartly includes not only doing the packing mindfully but also staying mindful in a foreign country.

Ensure to give yourself the best chance to focus on what truly matters, that is, the overall experience of studying and living in a new country, where you make lifelong connections, exploring not only the countries culture but study the ideologies of students from different cultures and all walks of life, and lastly, building a strong foundation for your career and life afterwards. So, prepare well, stay curious, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Sticking to these and travel tips for international students and the study abroad packing list will not only boost your confidence but also ensure that you arrive ready to embrace the experience. Want to know more? Register with AECC today and book a 1:1 counselling session with our experts who help you at every stage of your study abroad journey.