Study Abroad: How to Apply and What to Expect After Graduation
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Pack your suitcase based on the real scenarios of the first few weeks, rather than just in case. Think about the steps involved in the flight, check-in, settling in, starting your studies, visiting a doctor, and opening an account. Only bring what you need for these specific situations, as anything extra will only add to your luggage.
Check the regulations for baggage, carry-on luggage, liquids, medications, and batteries with your airline and the official sources in your destination country before your flight.
Airline regulations
Before starting fees, go to the airline’s website and check the weight and dimensions of checked baggage, hand luggage, the number of seats allowed, transfer rules, and possible overweight surcharges. Burrows may vary depending on the fare and destination.
Liquids in hand luggage
For flights through the United States, TSA rule 3-1-1 applies: liquids, gels and aerosols in hand luggage must be in containers up to 100 ml (3.4 oz) and fit in one transparent bag per passenger.
Restrictions on liquids, aerosols and gels remain in place for European flights. Procedures and exclusions may vary depending on the airport. Duty-free items in sealed security bags are usually subject to separate rules. They should be specified when purchasing.
Power banks, laptops and appliances with batteries
Devices with lithium batteries (laptops, power banks, headphones) are carried in hand luggage. Swollen, damaged or punctured batteries should not be taken on a trip. Check the exact restrictions with your airline before departure.
All documents that will be required at passport control, at check-in and at the university must be with you. Keep in your carry-on:
Before your flight, make paper copies of all key documents and keep them separate from the originals. Keep digital copies in a secure cloud storage with password access. You may need these copies at the bank, insurance company, migration office, or in case of any emergencies with the originals.
Passport, visa documents, money, bank cards, original admission documents, prescriptions for medicines, a laptop and valuables. All this goes only in hand luggage. A checked suitcase can be delayed or lost, and then the absence of documents or equipment will create serious problems in the first days.
Hand luggage is a survival kit in case the suitcase is delayed. It should include everything necessary for life within the first two days. Minimum set:
You should pack clothes for the climate of the country and the specific month of your arrival, rather than for the entire academic year. For cold countries, bring high-quality outerwear and winter shoes. For warm countries, choose lightweight clothing, but still pack items for studying, formal meetings, and cool rooms with air conditioning.
It is better to stick to a capsule approach — to take things that are combined with each other.
Categories:
It is more profitable to buy bulky items after settling in. Bed linen, towels, winter clothes, part of household trifles and kitchen items take up a lot of space and are often comparable to prices in the country of destination or cheaper. If the luggage is limited, first of all take what is difficult to find or expensive to buy abroad.
A laptop is the main tool for studying abroad. It requires a charger, a protective case or backpack, headphones, and a mouse. A flash drive or external hard drive is necessary for unstable internet connections or when working with large files that require local storage.
The type of sockets and voltage vary by region. In the United States, the standard is 110-120 V, while in most European countries, it is 220-230 V. Before purchasing appliances or adapters, check the standard of your destination country. Some devices support both voltages (100-240 V). Devices that do not support both standards require a transformer rather than a simple adapter.
You don’t need to bring a large number of notebooks, folders, and textbooks. Bring a minimum of several notebooks, pens, and markers for the first week. It’s better to purchase the rest on-site after familiarizing yourself with the study format at the specific university.
First weeks’ first aid kit
Take the medications you take or use regularly. A basic first aid kit includes fever and painkillers, antiseptic, bandages, an upset stomach remedy. No need to bring a large supply. Most basic drugs are available in pharmacies abroad.
Prescriptions and medical documents
For prescription drugs, you need a prescription or a certificate from a doctor in English or the language of the destination country. This will help you pass customs and, if necessary, continue treatment with a local doctor. It is better to translate medical documents in advance.
What to check before departure
Before departure, check the rules for importing medicines into the destination country, restrictions on specific substances or drugs, requirements for original packaging, and insurance conditions for medical care. Not all medications available without a prescription at home are allowed to be imported or sold freely abroad.
Cash and bank cards
For the first few days, you will need a small amount of cash in the destination country’s currency for taxi rides, groceries, and small expenses before activating your card. It is not recommended to carry large amounts of cash. Please check the customs regulations for declaring your belongings in advance. Inquire with your bank about the functionality of your card abroad to avoid any issues at the airport.
SIM card and internet access
You will need internet access at the airport to call a taxi or contact your university. Consider purchasing roaming plans or an eSIM to ensure seamless internet access upon arrival. It is easier to buy a local SIM card on the spot at the airport or a communications salon.
Accesses and security
Before leaving, set up two-factor authentication on all important accounts, check access to banking apps from abroad, save backup login codes and make sure that documents are stored in the cloud with a strong password.
For accommodation
The list of household items depends on the accommodation format. The university dormitory already has a bed with a mattress, a table, and basic furniture. Before packing, check with the university or accommodation provider to see what is provided: bed linen, pillow, blanket, towels, dishes, kettle, hair dryer, and iron.
Hygiene and cosmetics
Take a supply for the first 1-2 weeks, taking into account the restrictions on liquids in your carry-on luggage. It is more cost-effective to buy large packages of shampoo, conditioner, cream, and other products after your arrival. This will lighten the luggage, and save money.
Food and specific products
The import of food is regulated by the country of destination. Meat, dairy, fresh and plant products in many countries are not allowed to import or require special documentation. Large supplies of food are not worth it. If there are specific products that are difficult to find abroad – a small amount in factory packaging, will not create problems, but check the customs regulations in advance.
The purpose of packing is not to fill the suitcase, but to make the first weeks easier.
Do not take:
Divide things into categories
It’s most convenient to pack in blocks. Documents (only copies – originals in carry-on luggage), clothes, shoes in a separate bag, appliances and cables, hygiene products, medicines, and household items. Packing cubes or zip-bags help you find what you need without having to sort through the entire suitcase.
Heavy things go down, fragile things go in the middle
Put heavy things closer to the wheels: this makes the suitcase balance better. Wrap fragile items in clothes and place them in the middle. Put shoes at the ends and small items in the side pockets.
Sign your luggage and take a photo of your suitcase
Attach a tag with your name, phone number, and destination address, both on the outside and inside of your suitcase. Before checking your suitcase in, take a photo of the outside of your suitcase and its contents, which will speed up the process of filing a claim in case of loss.
Check list before departure
The first few days after moving are the busiest. To avoid getting lost in tasks, follow these steps:
At SelfStartGlobal, we accompany students from the admission strategy to the offer, help with documents, scholarship support, and partially with the visa process. If you have any questions about preparing for your move, please sign up for a free consultation using the link below.
In most cases, one well-thought-out main suitcase and carry-on luggage are sufficient. A second suitcase is necessary for long-distance travel or if the airline allows you to bring it without additional charges. Too many items can cause difficulties during check-in, domestic travel, and storage in small rooms.
Documents, money, cards, phone and charger, laptop, power bank, adapter, medicine, change of clothes, basic hygiene in an acceptable format and everything you need for the first 24-48 hours. Hand luggage is your insurance in case of a delay or loss of your suitcase.
It depends on the accommodation. If the university dormitory or apartment provides a bedding kit, there is no need to bring bulky items. If there is no information, take one set or purchase it on site.
Not always, and not all. You need to check the import rules for your destination country, bring the medicine in its original packaging, and have a prescription or doctor’s note for prescription medications.
Bed linen and towels, if not provided by the accommodation. Large packages of cosmetics and hygiene products. Stationery and study materials after familiarizing yourself with the study format. Kitchen utensils and room items. Local SIM card. Winter or seasonal clothing if you are moving during the warm season.
ChinaChinese universities are rapidly rising in world rankings, and the country has turned into one of the largest educational hubs on the planet. Diplomas from leading Chinese universities are recognized by employers around the world, the cost of education is lower than in Great Britain or the USA, and the government actively finances foreign students. On this page - everything you need for admission: universities, cost, scholarships, documents and student visa.
JapanJapan is one of the most unconventional destinations for studying abroad. Japanese diplomas are highly valued in the international job market, universities are ranked among the top in the world, and students work with technologies that have not yet been mass-produced in other countries. If you are ready to immerse yourself in a unique culture and a systematic approach to knowledge, this is the right choice for you.
USAA popular destination for studying abroad. Prestigious universities, a flexible education system, a wide selection of programs, and broad career prospects
PortugalOne of the most affordable countries in Europe for education. Comfortable adaptation, a growing number of English-taught programs, and good prospects for long-term residence
GermanyOne of the most popular study destinations in Europe. Free or low-cost education, strong technical and engineering fields, and high demand for graduates
FranceHigh-quality European education at an affordable cost. Attractive for strong programs in business, arts, and engineering, as well as the option to study in English or French
SpainEducation in a friendly European student environment. Promising English-taught programs and strong fields in business, tourism, and design
United KingdomClassical education with global recognition. Shorter study periods, strong humanities and business programs, and a highly valued diploma
UAEModern education in an international environment. Campuses of leading global universities, English-taught programs, and a strong focus on careers and business
South Korea
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