🎒 First, Think Strategy
Golden rule: Only pack what you can’t easily buy abroad.
Yes, that includes your favorite chili powder but not 5 pairs of jeans.
Break your list into three parts: Essentials, Important, and Nice-to-Have. Here’s what goes in each.
✅ Essentials (Carry-On or Top of Your Luggage)
- Passport, visa, university admission letter
- Prescription meds (+ doctor’s note) if any
- Universal travel adapter
- Power bank (for airport layovers)
🧥 Clothing
Pack clothes for the first season (you’ll buy more there)
- 5–7 casual outfits
- 1 jacket (lightweight or winter based on location)
- 1 formal outfit
- 1–2 traditional outfits (for culture nights!)
- Sneakers, slippers, and dress shoes
🏠 Dorm Room Basics
- Compact towel set (fast-dry microfiber)
- Bedsheets + pillowcase (1 set)
- Reusable water bottle
- Travel-size toiletries (until you settle)
💻 Study & Tech Gear
- Laptop (light but powerful)
- Headphones
- External hard drive or USB drive
- Scientific calculator (if needed)
🍜 A Little Bit of Home
- Spices/snacks (sealed, non-liquid)
- Photos or souvenirs
- A small flag or token from home (great for events)
🚫 Don’t Waste Luggage Space On:
- Full-size toiletries (buy them there)
- Multiple heavy books (get digital copies)
- Blankets or pillows — too bulky
📥 Bonus Freebie
Want to keep track of your packing?
Download our Free Printable Packing Checklist for International Students
