The ultimate packing guide for international students

Filipinos are known for their exceptional travelling habits: being punctual, organized, and meticulous. If you are an international student with your passport and student visa ready and have your enrollment letter in hand, then the only thing left to do is pack. This can be an overwhelming task especially when going on a meaningful trip like flying to a different country to study abroad.

With that, we are here to guide you and make sure you have everything you need on your flight.  

1.    Choose your luggage wisely.

First things, first. The type and capacity of the baggage you will use and bring with you is a matter of importance. It is recommended that your bag is multipurpose—easy to move around but big enough to hold all the stuff you’re bringing. A stroller bag is best for mobility and convenience, but should you prefer a backpack, you can try getting a wheeled one for its versatility. 

2.    Organize ahead of time.

The sooner you plan and organize what to pack the less likely you are to forget anything. It is helpful to gather the necessary documents and items and arrange them in a way that they are easy to access. Check out the list below on the things you should consider while organizing your things. 
•    Photocopy important documents such as your passport, student visa, and enrollment letter.
•    Scan and save a soft copy of said documents on your cloud or phone storage. 
•    Check flight’s weight restrictions.
•    Pre-arrange your airport pick-up and drop-offs at both your home and accommodations abroad. 

3.    Consider the season and culture of your destination country.

As you choose what clothes to pack, you may need to consider the climate and culture of your destination country. If you are going to an international school located in a country with a hot climate, it’s better to pack clothes with light and breathable fabrics. If your destination country has colder climate, consider bringing mittens, beanies, and earmuffs, and clothes with thicker fabrics to keep yourself warm. Additionally, you may need to check if there is a dress code in the school where you will study abroad so you can choose your clothes accordingly. 

Moving to a different country is no easy feat and as a Filipino abroad, it requires adapting to an unfamiliar culture. Thus, it is also important to take into consideration the cultural norms in your destination country. It is best to bring clothes and items that do not disrespect the country’s culture; thus, make sure to research on the community of the country beforehand. 

Check out the cultural no-nos and taboos in the UK, Canada, and Australia to kickstart your research.

4.    Carry-on baggage

You have chosen the best luggage, organized your stuff and the logistics of your travel, and done your research on the destination country. All that’s left is to pack everything up. For your carry-on baggage, it is recommended to only bring the essentials that you need to access easily like the following: 
•    Passport, student visa, enrollment letter, and boarding pass once you get it.
•    Smartphone, earphones, and their respective chargers
•    Rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer
•    Prescription drugs (if any)
•    Some currency of your destination country
•    Book or e-book to help pass the time 

5.    Check-in baggage

The contents of your check-in baggage may depend on the capacity of your luggage but here are the things you should not forget to pack:
•    The photocopy of important documents
•    Other electronics such as laptop and tablet
•    Clothes and shoes
•    Toiletries
•    First Aid Kit
•    Language Dictionary
•    Memorabilia or your favorite items

6.    Things not to bring

To protect the safety of all travelers as well as countries’ agriculture, some items are not allowed in international flights like:
•    Sharp objects, explosives, and anything that can be considered a weapon
•    Fresh produce (e.g., meat, poultry, dairy, fruits and vegetables, spices)
•    Pirated and objectionable items (physical and electronic copy)

7.    Things you may need to declare

Depending on the airport and country, certain items may need to be declared beforehand such as: 
•    Prescription drugs
•    Antique Items
•    Certain Foods
Check for the list of prohibited items on the official website of airlines to avoid conflicts at the airport.

If you have checked off all the items on the list, then you are ready to go and conquer your study abroad dreams, surely in one of the best universities in the world. Best of luck and safe skies!

Want to be an international student? Book an appointment with our education counselor and let IDP help you pursue your studies abroad. From school and visa applications to pre-departure activities, we are here to guide you!