The Ultimate Last-Minute Packing Checklist for International Students
So, your flight is booked, your visa is approved, and you’re just days away from studying abroad. You’ve probably got the basics packed (clothes, passport, laptop), but when you’re moving to a new country, the small things you forget can become the big headaches later.
This checklist is your last-minute, don’t forget guide based on what real international students bring to college abroad — plus a few unexpected items you’ll thank yourself for packing.
1. Travel & Document Essentials
Even the most organized travelers can forget these in the last rush:
Passport & visa (keep a digital and paper copy)
Acceptance letter & I-20 / CAS (for U.S. or UK students)
Proof of accommodation & local contact info (add a post-it in your passport with your new address and some phone numbers)
Flight tickets + boarding pass (digital and printed backup)
Travel insurance documents
Vaccination card and medical records (translated if needed)
Cash in local currency (at least enough for your first week)
Small document folder to keep everything organized
💡 Pro tip: Keep all these in your carry-on, not your checked bag. Losing luggage is bad. Losing your documents is worse.
2. Electronics & Adaptors
International students often realize after arrival that plugs and voltage aren’t the same everywhere.
Universal power adapter with USB-C and USB-A ports
Portable power bank (airline-approved)
Laptop + charger (check if you need a plug converter)
Your smartphone (so you can insert a local SIM)
Noise-canceling headphones (perfect for long flights and noisy dorms/libraries)
Extra charging cables — you’ll misplace at least one
External hard drive or cloud backup for important files
💡 Pro tip: Buy your universal adapter before you leave because these airport prices can be triple.
3. Clothing & Weather Gear
The key is packing for versatility, not just fashion.
Layering pieces (hoodies, cardigans, light jackets)
Formal outfit
Business clothes (for presentations, job fairs, or formal events)
Weather-appropriate outerwear (raincoat, winter coat)
Comfortable walking shoes
💡 Unexpected but useful: A compact foldable umbrella, it’s always the rainy season somewhere.
4. Toiletries & Personal Care Items
Many products you love at home may be expensive or hard to find abroad.
Toothbrush & toothpaste (start with enough for a month)
Shampoo & conditioner (travel-size to get you started, you can find some there)
Deodorant: formulas differ by country, so if you need a specific one, try to see if it is available where you’re moving to
Skincare products (especially if you have a specific routine)
Prescription medications (in original packaging with prescription note)
First-aid basics (band-aids, painkillers, cold medicine): sometimes you just want the medicine that you are used to because not all the molecules are the same.
Hair tools (check voltage compatibility because you could fry to tools!)
5. Kitchen & Food Comforts
Dorm kitchens are not five-star restaurants. A few small items can save you money (and homesickness).
Reusable water bottle (so you won’t have to pay for water bottles everywhere you go)
Snack stash from home (favorite candy, tea, instant noodles, spices)
💡 Unexpected but useful: Your favorite seasoning blend from home: food will taste more familiar, especially in your first weeks (Just check with TSA and Customs, and Borders if you can bring it).
Quick Recap: The “Don’t Leave Without” List
If you’re rushing and can only double-check 5 things before heading to the airport, make it these:
Passport + visa + copies
Universal power adapter
Prescription meds + basic first aid
Cash in local currency
One comfort item from home
Final Tips:
Before zipping your suitcase, take a photo of the contents. If your bag is lost, it makes insurance claims much easier, and you’ll remember exactly what you packed.
If you can or if you already have, put some AirTags in your suitcases. It will save you if your have a short connection or if you are scared that you will lose your bag.
