5 Things to bring from home if you are an international student

As an international student who did four years in the United States, moving abroad can be nerve-wracking and exciting. You have a lot to navigate on your own from a new academic system, new people, a new culture, and a whole new way of seeing life. While universities are amazing at providing academic support, and we are great at providing you with the essentials like bedding and linens, we advise you to bring some personal items from home to make a difference in helping you feel grounded and emotionally supported.

Whether you're flying to the U.S., Canada, Australia, or Europe, here are 5 essential things to bring from home to make your international student journey smoother and more meaningful from the start!

1. Your Favorite Clothes 👕👗

Make sure to add to your international student packing list your favorite clothes, because while you’ll have access to stores in your new city, there’s nothing like the comfort of your favorite clothes. It could be a great way to get comforted, especially in the early days when everything else feels unfamiliar. Pack a mix of casual, weather-appropriate, and special-occasion outfits.

Pro tip: Research the local climate and university dress code so you’re prepared year-round.

Another pro tip: leave some room in your suitcase to bring some of the clothes you will buy there, because you will probably get some of that amazing college merch (yes, even though you will say that no, you won’t buy any)

2. A Few Books That Matter to You 📚

Whether it’s a novel in your native language, a religious text, or even a motivational book you love rereading, having a piece of your literary home helps you unwind and stay grounded. Books can be a great mental escape and are great conversation starters with roommates or classmates who share your interests.

And who knows, it could help you start a student club on campus!

3. Favorite Snacks or Food from Home 🍜

Food is comfort, and nothing hits home like your favorite childhood snack, especially during that fruit month when finals season is here! Depending on your destination country’s customs and border protection rules, you can usually bring packaged or dry goods (e.g., spices, noodles, cookies). I loved having some familiar food in my dorm when I was missing home.

Just make sure to check the local regulations before packing food because some countries have strict rules about importing meat, dairy, or fresh produce.

4. Photos of Friends and Family 🎞️

Having some photos of your friends and family can really help you in the first few months. Print a few photos or bring a mini album of your favorite people and moments from back home. You can decorate your room with string lights and clothespins or keep them tucked inside a journal for comfort. That’s an affordable and cute way to make your bedroom feel more like you and like home from the start!

Bonus: They’re perfect for showing your new friends and roommates more about your life back home, because some will want to see what your life looks like back home.

5. Small Gifts or Cultural Goodies for Roommates 🎁

First impressions matter, and bringing a small gift from your home country can help you bond with new roommates or classmates. Remember doing that for my roommates, and they were so happy about it because they had never left the United States, so they were really intrigued. Think of something simple but meaningful, like a keychain, snack, tea, or a traditional trinket. If they help you settle down and bring you shopping, it could be a way to thank them.

Final Thoughts: Bring Home With You, And Let Us Help with the Rest

Studying abroad isn’t just about academics; it’s about building a new life while staying connected to your home. These 5 personal items don’t take up much space in your suitcase, but they carry a lot of emotional weight and can help you settle in faster.

While you pack the things you can only bring, let us take care of the rest.
At Your Experience Abroad, we provide international students with ready-to-go bedding and home essentials, so you can land feeling prepared, cozy, and confident, all with no heavy luggage required.

🎒 ✈️ Check out our student kits →

Start your new chapter with less stress — and a little more comfort from the moment you arrive.