Travelling internationally for a college degree is an adventure that is best planned in advance. It is a life-changing transition that young aspirants pass through every year. However, the pandemic has particularly affected travel and entry into different countries, as India remains on the red list for many students’ favourite countries still.
Leaving home and family is not an easy phase to go through, but the promise of a bright future makes ambitious students travel to a strange new place, even at this time.
As Indian students prepare to make their journeys to their future in 2021, we thought of lending them a helping hand with an essential checklist. Amidst the myriad of emotions from loved ones, this list is for everyone travelling to varied climates and will help them see through the first few weeks of arrival at university.
Efficient packing to start a new life within a few days of arriving in a new country is critical to simplifying this process.
Crucial college documents
- Prescribed Books and Supplies
- Study Permit
- Offer Letter
- Official academic transcripts and degree certifications
- Other official profile-related documents
Organise your travel documents and credit cards
Make sure to carry all the necessary and important documents WHO approved vaccine certificate, passport, visa, itinerary, mandated travel insurance, plane tickets, ISIC card, etc.
Money
- International Debit/Credit Card
- Forex Card/Travelex Card
- Local currency in various denominations
- Coins to make phone calls/hire trolleys etc
- Check whether your travel visas are up to date. Some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after you plan to return. Therefore, please make sure that you will not be rejected or delayed by customs because of your old passport.
- Keep your vaccination certificate in your carry-on, in case you are required to present it at immigration.
- Also, keep physical and digital copies of your passport and all your paperwork readily at hand, in case your luggage is lost in transit.
Necessary layers of clothing
Students from India often travel to colder climates when moving to countries like the US, UK, Canada, Germany or Ireland. It is important to wear comfortable layers to withstand the cold temperatures at your destination upon arrival.
Regular Wear
- Jeans – A few pairs
- Pajamas – Two pairs at most
- Swimsuit – (Depending upon location )
- Workout clothes – pair of joggers & Sweatshirt
- Formal Attire – For official university events
Winter layers
- 2 sets Thermal top & Pants / Base Layers – Can be used as night wear as well
- 1 Cotton Pullover that doubles up as a t-shirt (for Spring)
- 1 Woolen Pullover that doubles up as a t-shirt (for peak winters)
- 1 Sweatshirt or Hoodie
- 1 Warm track pants can double up as nightwear
- 1 All Weather Jacket with insulation
- 3 Blister free socks
- 2 Woolen Caps
- 2 Woollen Muffler / Stoles
- 2 Touchescreen-friendly Woollen Gloves
- 1 Waterproof gloves
Accessories
- Cotton socks
- Flip flops – Good for showering in hostels. One pair is enough.
- Walking shoes – Find a comfy fashionable shoe – walking is a major part of everyday life.
- Running shoes – Good to have if you attend a gym or enjoy running outdoors
- Prepare your personal item carry-on bag
While the contents of your checked baggage will largely depend on the weather you are visiting, you should have most of your travel essentials close at hand in your carry-on baggage.
Start with this international travel item packing checklist:
Gadgets
- MP3 Player/ iPod (for long plane/train rides)
- Laptop , Electrical converters and adapters specific to your destination
- Camera – Memory cards, chargers and adapters
- Headphones – It is nice to have a good pair that cancels out the sound
- Phone and charger
- Don’t forget a portable backup charger. Hours of watching your favorite TV show are sure to drain your device’s battery life, and there is nothing worse than finally finding a WiFi spot only to have your phone/laptop die.
Other standard items
- Precautionary Covid Essentials – Masks, chemical free sanitizer, face shield, first aid , disinfectant spray(100ml)
- Thermometer
- Enough prescription drugs to sustain you before you could find new supplies
- Travel pillow, blanket, eye mask, and ear plugs
- Sunglasses/ extra eye glasses/ contacts
- Pen to fill out customs forms
- Sweater/scarf
- Pack these essentials for stay at hostel or temporary accommodation
- Notepads/Stationery Items
- Pillow case – useful if staying in hostels
- Hydro towel – compact towel, good for traveling
- Sheet sleeping sack – great for use in hostels
- Wash Cloths
- Folding umbrella
- Power strip with converter
- Outlet adapter
- A few hangers
Note: Consider taking photos of your packed suitcase (both inside and outside) in case it is lost. That way, the airline staff will know what to look for and you will know what’s in it. With all of the above essentials in your pocket, you can board your flight with peace of mind.
Happy travels and wishes for a wonderful new world of education!
This checklist is designed by experts at Kosha and approved by renowned educational advisor Jitin Chawla.
Read: Things to look out for when it comes to studying abroad
Read: Guide to enrolling in a foreign university in a pandemic
