So you might have everything you need to study abroad. Your visa and school requirements are kept in your carry-on bag, while your clothes are already packed in the checked luggage. You have also mastered the local language.

When packing, there are a lot of things that you need to consider. You might freak out on the things to bring, leaving out a couple of essentials in the process. 

Luckily, we are here to help! We have crafted this list to make sure that you bring everything that you might need when travelling abroad:

1. Comfortable and appropriate clothes

The clothing that you need to bring will depend on the season or weather of the country that you will be moving into. 

If you will be moving into a walking city, then chances are, you will be spending more time outdoors than usual. On the other hand, if you are staying in a dorm, then you should also bring shower shoes or sandals with you. We do not recommend that you purchase your clothing abroad since it would generally cost you more. You also do not want to be without it once you arrive. 

2. Toiletries

If you will be bringing only a suitcase (or two) then this kind of set-up will not leave you with a lot of room to store all of your things.  Do not fill your bags with toiletries that you can easily buy once you settle in. 

However, keep in mind that you should bring the following items:

• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Deodorant
• Body wash
• Shampoo 
• Hairbrush
• Hairdryer

We advise that you bring these items in toiletry sizes, just so you can bring it in the airport. It would also be helpful to check whether your preferred toiletry brand is available in your destination country.

3. Universal adapter

Chances are, the outlets in your new dorm or apartment are going to be different from those that you come from. Buy an adapter that features dual USB ports and a dual USB connection so that it is compatible with your phone and other devices. 

4. Medicines

If you are taking prescribed medications, then it is also a great idea that you are covered for the entire duration that you are gone or away from home.

Some foreign drugstores or pharmacies will not honor prescriptions coming from other countries, so it is better that you have a copy of it. That way, you can show it to a local doctor in case you might need more. 

5. Sheets and towels

Another thing that you need to consider is whether there are sheets and towels provided in your accommodation. If not, then you might have to bring some with you if you have extra room in your luggage. Another alternative is to buy them once you arrive and settle in. 

6. Camera

Nowadays, most smartphones have already replaced more traditional and compact cameras. 

But if you are really into photography, and you want to document and take stunning photographs of your study abroad experience, then it might be a good idea to bring a DSLR. Otherwise, an advanced, compact camera. 

These are a lot better in the dark than using a smartphone. Real cameras also have significantly better image quality, and you can choose from a variety of lenses and focal lengths. 

7. Documents

Finally, do not forget to bring all your important documents with you such as your passport, visas, plane tickets, and printed itineraries. Make sure that you have separate copies of all of these documents as well. 

These include the backs for your debit and credit cards, just in case you lost these, or it will be stolen. The same thing goes for your passports or visa in case your originals were lost or stolen. 

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is usually the gold emblem you see on your credit and debit cards. However, documents with RFID can be duplicated with ease, which makes it prone to digital theft. That said, you can keep all of these documents organized in an RFID blocking wallet.

You Might Be Coming Back With More Stuff

If you are planning to study abroad, it is safe to anticipate that you will be staying there for a while. Hence, you are more likely to buy stuff that you will need, as well as your textbooks. 

This includes your toiletries and medicines. Not to mention that you might be required to visit the local foreign affairs office once in a while. By the end of the semester, it is possible that you already possess other stuff that you acquired while studying.

So, if your return flight is coming up, make sure that you purchase additional baggage with you, or send home a package in advance to send the things that you will not immediately need. 

By that time, you are all set to study abroad. Good luck and safe travels!