What’s the first thing you can think of when starting your study abroad packing? Is it your acceptance letter? Passport? Homemade food that you are going to miss? Or is it the picture of your loved ones? These are all essential items a student must carry with themselves when planning to study overseas along with others. Living and pursuing your dream education overseas is always full of excitement. You must have seen in movies how life transforms when a person moves abroad, not just because of the environment he/she lives in but because of their passion to achieve their goals. This page will discuss the essential packing tips for studying abroad.Â
Tips for Packing When Planning to Study AbroadÂ
From the day you’ve decided to study abroad till the day you’ve received your degree, each moment is crucial. And this includes your packing list as well. Most study-abroad aspirants often forget one or more essential items required to support their lives abroad. As a study abroad aspirant, you must create a strategic list of what to carry and what not to do. Here are some essential tips for packing for your study abroad.
Understand Your DestinationÂ
Your primary task will be to understand your destination for studying abroad. The country or region you are going to will significantly affect your life and health. To prepare yourself in advance, you must become familiar with your destination, its climate, and lifestyle, and make sure to carry all the essentials.
Essential List and Packing StrategiesÂ
What do you understand by the word ‘essential’? This includes things you will be required for your day-to-day life. It will include your original and duplicate documents, valuables, electronics and adapters, clothing, toiletries, personal care, and other stuff.
Documents and Valuables
- PassportÂ
- Plane tickets Â
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)Â
- Application FormÂ
- ResumeÂ
- Letter of Recommendation (LOR)Â
- Financial DocumentsÂ
- Prescriptions (if any)Â
- Student ID (for discounted admissions)Â
Electronics and Adapters
- Cell PhoneÂ
- Laptop/Desktop/iPadÂ
- Chargers/ AdaptersÂ
- EarphonesÂ
- Cables and wiresÂ
Clothing
- Jeans (branded pair of jeans are expensive abroad)Â
- PyjamasÂ
- Sweaters/ HoodiesÂ
- Shirts and T-shirtsÂ
- Formal Clothes (Shift and Pants)Â
- Shoes (2 pairs at least)Â
- Flip Flops/SlippersÂ
- SocksÂ
- BeltÂ
Toiletries and Personal Care
- Hairbrush/comb Â
- Toothbrush Â
- Perfume/ Deodorant Â
- Razors Â
- Hand sanitiser Â
- Contact lenses solution Â
- Sunblock/Suntan lotion Â
- Makeup kitÂ
Space-Saving and Efficient PackingÂ
There is a baggage weight limit each time you travel via plane. For example, the baggage limit of an Economy Class in Virgin Atlantic is 23 kg. If your luggage weighs more than the limit, you will be charged. So, it is becoming crucial to efficiently pack your luggage.Â
Efficient packing means adding essential items first, and then if there is room for more, you can do so. Moreover, it involves saving space in your luggage by utilizing all the pockets given in the bag and folding your items appropriately.Â
Bonus TipsÂ
Here’s a bonus tip: if you are planning a trip via train or plane, make sure to book your tickets at least a month in advance. This way, you can buy tickets at a much more affordable price and can also avoid last-minute hassle. Â
Here’s another: get a minimum discount of £50 after booking your student accommodation from the University Living portal.
Importance of Packing Tips for StudentsÂ
Luggage packing tips are crucial for every student planning to study abroad. The luggage packing tips listed above allow students to make the most luggage space, allowing only essentials to carry and making room for more. These effective luggage packing tips can help reduce the stress and confusion of trying to figure out what to add at the last minute.
Moreover, well-organized luggage ensures a smoother transition to the new environment. This will help students settle into the new environment and focus on their new life and studies rather than worrying about packing issues.
Best Student Accommodation BirminghamÂ
A 2022 report stated that over 80,000 students were enrolled at the University of Birmingham and other colleges in the city. To accommodate these many students, several private student housings have been established in and around the city. Student accommodation United Kingdom, especially Birmingham, are known for their student-friendly environment and comfortable living. Below, we have listed the top 10 Birmingham student accommodations located close to the university campus.Â
- Mary Sturge ResidenceÂ
- Chamberlain PlaceÂ
- Vita Student Pebble MillÂ
- Pershore JunctionÂ
- True BirminghamÂ
- Staniforth HouseÂ
- Pebble Mill ResidenceÂ
- Belgrave ViewÂ
- Jennens CourtÂ
- 60 Gillott RoadÂ
ConclusionÂ
Studying abroad requires a comprehensive strategy, understanding the destination, making the list of essentials, and thorough research about life abroad. Planning to study abroad is a big move, and it requires big preparation. It is important to carry all your day-to-day essentials with you while keeping the luggage’s weight within the limit. We all want our lives to function hassle-free, and to do so, we must have accessibility to our daily use items. Life abroad is expensive, so it’s wise to carry essential items from home itself.Â
Also Read: Living and Learning in Liverpool: Guide for Students