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Packing List

What to Pack as an International Student

IMPORTANT: Please check with your airlines about the checked baggage weight limit and carry on size allowed. 

CHECKED BAGGAGE

Clothes (quantity depends on laundry habits)

  • Short sleeves, long sleeves, T-shirts
  • Shorts, skirts, pants (slacks, khakis), jeans
  • Sweaters, light jackets, blazers, coats, down coats
  • Suits, dress shirts/pants (1-2 sets)
  • Cultural costumes (1-2 sets)
  • Sportswear, swimsuit
  • Pajamas, underwear
  • Socks
  • Warm hat, scarf, gloves
  • Sneakers, casual shoes, sandals, flip flops
  • Dress shoes

Bedding

  • Comforter/blanket/throw
  • Pillow (optional)
  • Sheets, pillowcases

Bathroom/Personal Care

  • Bath towels, hand towels
  • Comb, nail clippers, toothbrush,  small toothpaste, dental floss
  • Traveler-size shampoo, conditioner, shower soap
  • Skincare products, cosmetics

Daily Necessities

  • Eyeglasses/contact lenses (with spare ones), sunglasses
  • Contact lens solution
  • Personal medicines
  • A bowl, plate, one set of silverware, a cup/glass
  • A few hangers

Food

  • Snacks, cookies/crackers
  • Dried condiments/spices, tea  (meat products not allowed)

School Supplies

  • Schoolbag/backpack or tote bag
  • Pencil case
  • Ball pen, mechanical pencils, lead refills, highlighters

Other

  • Cultural products, souvenirs

CARRY-ON

Important Documents

  • Passport
  • Itinerary
  • Boarding pass
  • I-20 and all admission documents
  • High school transcripts, graduation certificate
  • University transcripts, graduation certificate (transfer students or graduate students)
  • Other academic credentials and application materials

Cash

  • USD$1,000-1,500; keep $100-200 in wallet, have $10s & $20s; keep $50/$100 bills separately

Electronics

  • Cell phone, charger and cable
  • Laptop/tablet, charger and cable
  • Converter/adapter 
  • Portable charger/power bank
  • Headphone/earphone
  • USB flash drive

Other

  • Pens (1-2 for filling out forms)
  • Small notepad (keeps school address, important contact information, etc.)
  • Snacks/cookies (meat products not allowed) 
  • Chewing gum (bad breath after long flight; reduces earaches on airplane)
  • Hand/body lotion (aircraft cabin is dry) 
  • Eye-drops (eyes dry after long flight)
  • Slippers/flip flops (some people have swollen feet during a flight; convenient to take off at security checkpoints)
  • A pair of socks (it may be cold on the plane)
  • Light sweater/jacket (it may be cold on the plane or in transit airport)
  • One set of underwear and changing clothes in case of flight delay or checked luggage delay/lost
  • Personal medicines as needed  

 

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