Ibrahim Gardner
Moving to university as an international student can be daunting, and packing for the move can be overwhelming. It is important to remember that you will be sharing space with other students, so it is best to pack only the essentials and buy larger items when you arrive. Some essential items to bring include clothing, shoes, technology, medicine, and hygiene products. It is also a good idea to bring items that will help with homesickness, such as photos, mementos, and non-perishable food items from your home country. Don't forget to bring important documents, such as your passport, visa, proof of funds, and insurance documentation, and keep them safe in a folder with digital copies.
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What You'll Learn
Documents, visas, and insurance
As an international student, you will need to ensure you have all the necessary documents, visas, and insurance in place before travelling to your university. Here is a checklist to help you prepare:
Documents:
- Passport: Ensure your passport is valid and will remain valid for at least six months after your planned date of re-entry to your home country. Make digital copies and keep the original safe in your hand luggage.
- Visa: Check the specific visa requirements for your destination country. For the US, you will need a valid student visa and, if you are an M-1 student, your Form I-94, "Arrival/Departure Record." Keep these documents easily accessible in your hand luggage.
- Proof of Funds: You may be required to provide evidence of sufficient financial resources to support your studies and living expenses.
- Academic Records: Bring official transcripts, diplomas, or certificates related to your previous education.
- Health Documentation: In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, you may need to provide proof of vaccination or other relevant medical records.
- Prescriptions: If you require regular medication, bring a doctor's note and a copy of your prescription in English. Remember that you can only carry a limited amount of medication with you, so you may need to transfer your prescription to a local pharmacy.
- Driver's License: If you plan to drive, bring your driver's license and check if you need an international driving permit.
Visas:
- Check with your university's international student office for specific visa requirements and guidelines. They can provide support and help you gather the necessary forms.
- Maintain your student visa status by taking the required number of classes. In the US, a full-time status is typically necessary to maintain your visa.
- If you plan to travel internationally during your studies, consult with your Designated School Official (DSO) to ensure a smooth re-entry to your host country. Keep their contact information, including emergency phone numbers, easily accessible.
Insurance:
- Travel and Health Insurance: Ensure you have adequate coverage for your time abroad, including health insurance that covers medical expenses in your host country.
- Contents Insurance: Consider protecting your personal belongings with contents insurance, especially if you plan to bring valuable items.
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Clothes, shoes, and bedding
When packing clothes for university, it's important to consider the local weather and dress code. For example, if you're studying in a region with cold winters, make sure to pack warm clothing such as jackets, scarves, sweaters, and winter shoes. Conversely, if you're in a warmer climate, bring lighter clothing such as t-shirts and sandals. Most universities have a casual dress code, so jeans and t-shirts will be suitable for everyday wear. However, it's a good idea to bring one or two more formal outfits for interviews, networking events, or parties. Don't forget to check with your university to ensure you have appropriate attire for classes and events.
As for shoes, it's recommended to bring 2-3 pairs, including a pair of comfortable walking shoes for everyday use. If you plan to participate in sports or other activities that require specific footwear, be sure to bring the necessary shoes.
Regarding bedding, it's usually not worth packing these items due to limited luggage space and the bulkiness of items like pillows, sheets, blankets, comforters, and mattress toppers. Instead, it's recommended to purchase these items upon arrival, as you'll have a better sense of what to buy after seeing your dorm room. Remember to check the size of your dorm bed to purchase the correct sheet size, typically a Twin XL.
To save space and avoid unnecessary items, it's suggested to consult a packing list provided by your college or university, which can guide you in determining what to bring and what to leave behind. Additionally, consider purchasing larger items, such as a TV, once you arrive and can assess the available space in your dorm room.
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Electronics and adapters
As an international student, you will likely need to bring some electronics and adapters with you to university. Here are some things to consider:
Electronics
- Laptop: A laptop is highly recommended as it offers flexibility for studying outside of the library or computer lab. It can also be used for entertainment purposes, such as watching TV shows or movies. You may want to purchase a new laptop when you arrive, taking advantage of student discounts, or bring your current one.
- Mobile phone: It is advisable to look into whether your current mobile phone plan will work in your new location. Services like campusSIMS can help international students set up a mobile phone plan before arriving on campus.
- Other devices: Consider bringing other technological devices you may need, such as a tablet or e-reader.
Adapters
- Depending on your country of origin, you may need to bring plug adapters to accommodate the power sockets at your university.
- It is also a good idea to bring any chargers and cables necessary for your electronic devices.
Remember to check luggage restrictions and limited space in residential halls. You may need to prioritize what electronics to bring and plan to purchase any additional items upon arrival.
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Food and medication
As an international student, you may be subject to airline luggage restrictions and limited space in your university accommodation. Therefore, it is advisable to pack only essential items in your luggage and buy the rest once you arrive at your destination.
If there is a food item that you absolutely need to bring from home, make sure it is non-perishable. Some students bring their favourite snacks or condiments from home to make their new accommodation feel more familiar. However, you will likely have a meal plan, on-campus food options, and access to local grocery stores where you can purchase food items.
When it comes to medication, it is important to check the regulations of your destination country or state. Some countries have restrictions on bringing medicine into the country. For example, Japan allows both over-the-counter and prescription medications to be brought into the country but has strict restrictions on the process and the quantity. It is always a good idea to bring your medication in its original, labelled container, along with a copy of your doctor's prescription and a letter stating the purpose of the medication.
In addition to any prescription medication you take regularly, you may want to bring a basic first aid kit with items such as:
- Pain relievers and fever reducers such as acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g. Motrin)
- Topical antibiotic cream to prevent infection
- Cough and cold medicine
- Eye drops
- Hydrocortisone cream for itching
- Peroxide or rubbing alcohol to clean and disinfect wounds
- Elastic bandages, butterfly bandages, and medical tape
- Antiseptic wipes
- Pulse oximeter to measure blood oxygen levels
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Personal items and mementos
When moving to university as an international student, it's important to remember that you will likely have limited space in your residential hall, so it's best to focus on bringing personal items and mementos that will make your new space feel like home.
Firstly, bringing photographs, small decorative items, and mementos from home can help stave off homesickness, especially if you are moving thousands of miles away. You could also consider bringing non-perishable food items that are unique to your home country, which can provide a sense of comfort as you adjust to new surroundings and cuisine.
Secondly, while it's important to pack essential items like clothing, shoes, and technology, you should also consider bringing items that will add a personal touch to your new space. This could include a favourite book or two, a special keepsake box, or a small piece of artwork that holds sentimental value. If you have space, consider bringing a small plant or a favourite mug or cup, which can make your new space feel more welcoming and familiar.
Lastly, don't forget that you can always purchase additional items once you arrive. Many universities provide a packing list, and you can also connect with other students to see what they are bringing. It's a good idea to set aside some money for purchasing larger items, such as bedding and decor, once you know how much space you have and what is needed.
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Frequently asked questions
Some essential items to bring to university as an international student include:
- Passport
- Visa information
- Proof of funds
- Insurance documentation
- Prescription medications (limited to 90 days' worth)
- Clothes suitable for the local climate
- Laptop
- Phone and adapters
- Important mementos from home to stave off homesickness
In addition to your passport, you will need to present your visa information, proof of funds, and insurance documentation upon entering the US. It is important to keep these documents safe in a dedicated folder and to have digital copies as well. You may also be asked to present your "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status" (Form I-20) and your most recent "Arrival/Departure Record" (Form I-94).
It is not advisable to bring bedding and other bulky items such as pillows, blankets, and comforters/duvets, as these take up precious luggage space and can be easily purchased once you arrive in the US. Instead, focus on packing essential items that you will need from the start, such as clothes, shoes, and technological devices.
When packing for university as an international student, it is important to consider luggage restrictions and limited space in residential halls. Check with your university's international student office for guidance on what to pack, leave at home, or buy upon arrival. Remember that you will be sharing space with other students, so it is more practical to buy larger items once you know how much space you will have.
