Your Ultimate Study Abroad Packing Guide

Study Abroad Resources Pre-departure Your Ultimate Study Abroad Packing Guide

So you’re about to study abroad! How exciting! But first, let’s address the questions you’re probably plagued with:

How much do I really need to bring?
What if I forget something important?
Will one or two suitcases be enough to pack my life away?

Firstly – BREATHE. We’ve prepared a checklist just for you! And we’ll go part by part so it makes your packing less overwhelming!

The Non-Negotiables (Don’t Even Think About Leaving Without These)

These are your golden tickets to the adventure ahead:

Passport (valid for at least 6 months!)
Student visa (if required)
Flight tickets & travel itinerary
Student ID & university documents
Wallet/purse
Debit & credit cards
Emergency cash in local currency
Phone & charger
Backpack or day bag
A small first-aid kit (plasters, meds, etc.)

Clothes

Mother Nature’s got range — so should your suitcase:

Underwear & socks (2 weeks’ worth is safe)
T-shirts & tops (mix short and long sleeves)
Casual outfits (jeans, trousers, skirts)
Comfy loungewear / pyjamas Activewear (for the gym… or just comfy days)
Weather-proof gear (light jacket, raincoat, winter coat if needed)
Formal outfit (something you’d wear to a nice dinner or event)
Swimwear Footwear variety: sneakers, slides/flip flops, boots
Accessories: hat, scarf, gloves, belts, sunnies
Optional but luxurious: a bathrobe (if you’re feeling a little extra ✨)
Hot tip: Layers are your best friend—especially if your new city has surprise seasons.

Toiletries

Just bring enough for the first few days – you can always stock up after you arrive.

Toothbrush & toothpaste
Deodorant
Shower gel & shampoo
Hairbrush & hair products
Razor & shaving gear
Medication (plus any prescriptions)
Feminine hygiene products
Makeup & makeup remover
Sunscreen
Nail clippers/scissors
Contact lenses & solution (if needed)

Pro tip: Pack your essentials in a small toiletry bag – just like you would for a short vacation. It’ll save you from rummaging through your luggage those first few nights when everything’s still in chaos mode.
P.S. If you’re wearing contacts on the day you travel, don’t forget to pack your glasses too – your tired future self will thank you.

Tech Essentials

Pack the stuff you’d cry over if you left it behind.

Laptop & charger
Smartphone & charger
Plug adaptors (double-check the socket type!)
USB cable or power bank
Headphones
Camera (if “phone pics” don’t cut it for you)
Hair dryer or straightener (check voltage compatibility!)

Home Comforts

If your luggage has a little wiggle room, these extras can make all the difference:

A couple of towels (trust us, they always come in handy)
Bed linen (or check if it’s provided by your accommodation)
Reusable water bottle or coffee cup
Umbrella (because yes, it will rain eventually)
Stationery & notebooks
A small photo frame or prints from home
Your favourite snacks (check customs rules before packing!)
One or two good books (you can always get more there)

More Bonus Tips ✨

✔ Don’t pack your entire life – most things can be bought locally
✔ Prioritise things that make you feel comfortable, confident, and at home
✔ Leave space for souvenirs, impulse buys, and future shopping sprees

Still Nervous?

Totally normal. But we promise – you’ll be unpacking in your new room and feeling at home before you know it.

➡️ Next step: Hear what it’s really like from students who’ve been there. Their stories, tips, and honest advice are waiting for you on the NCUK Study Abroad Hub.