
Have you had the opportunity to study abroad in your dream country? But you don’t have any clue what you should do first? Don’t strain your brain. Studying abroad is not just about getting a foreign certificate. Rather, you can learn about a new culture and connect with new people. Also, you will get to meet people from different parts of the world and learn from a new perspective.
However, you must follow the appropriate guidance to make your study journey successful. The guide below is a comprehensive checklist for studying abroad including pre-departure, checklist abroad, all the previous aspects of studying like study prep, packing essentials, tips to pack abroad, and other essential tips.
Get your passport, visa, and other required documents ready
When you are sure about going abroad, you have to keep your passport, visa, and other documents ready before pre-departure. It is the most important study prep to study abroad. Your passport should be valid for at least six months pre-departure beyond your planned stay. If you are going to study abroad, you have to apply for a student visa early. It takes time for the visa procedure to get done, so you need to apply on time. Additionally, you have to prepare some other required documents. Required documents such as academic papers or documents, your acceptance letter from your university, proof of your financial stability, travel insurance, and health insurance. To avoid issues that may arise in the future, keep both soft copies and hard copies of these documents. Moreover, collect other important papers, including the travel itinerary, accommodation details, and emergency contact list.
Tips
- Make several copies of the passport of the validation page and papers of the approved visa before pre-departure for safekeeping.
- Keep copies of your birth certificate and NID card.
- Know the visa processing time and apply for the visa in time.
- If you are having trouble with preparing documents, you can consult with consultancy services such as AiMSEN Business Consultancy Services.
- Double-check the documents, forms, and papers carefully, including the passport, visa application, financial proof, acceptance letters, travel, and health insurance for accuracy.
Arrange your accommodation
You need to think carefully about certain aspects before booking accommodation. You have to take into account some aspects such as rent, how far away it is from the university, utilities, facilities, security deposit, etc. Rent a home that is budget-friendly and close to your university. If necessary, compare the homes to the surrounding area to choose the right house. You can also take the help of agents if you want.
Furthermore, you can see many home options on various local websites. On those local websites, decide whether it is within your budget, whether it provides good facilities, cleanliness, and safety, and whether necessary facilities are available.
And most importantly, the home should have decent rent, good amenities, and a low amount of security deposit. Moreover, read the lease agreement carefully before renting the home. Give a double check if needed so that you understand what commitments you have to make on other matters, including maintenance responsibilities and notice periods. Finally, document the status of the property before moving in to prevent disputes later. Take a receipt at the time of rental every month to keep the rental process smooth and easy.
Tips
- Don’t hesitate to talk to the landlord about the rental price or the terms of the lease. By negotiating, you can get additional benefits such as a better deal, a lower deposit, or maintenance assistance.
- Find out in advance if there are other fees, such as HOA fees and parking or maintenance costs.
Important Essentials
To prepare for studying abroad, you have to take care of some essentials so that there is no problem later. Below is a simple pack abroad checklist.
Financial essentials
You have to apply for an internationally usable credit or debit card. After confirmation, collect the credit or debit card. Then, exchange your local currency with the currency of the country you are traveling to. Keeping cash is very important abroad.
Health essentials
For your health protection, you need to apply for and confirm international health insurance. Furthermore, you can carry a small kit for first aid and a prescription for the medicines you need during traveling. Also, you have to bring your health insurance and medical records with you. For emergencies, you can keep a note of the number of your loved ones for emergency contact.
Academic Documents
You have to collect all important academic documents and study permission. Also, collect admission letters, confirmation of registration, academic transcripts, and contact information of your academic advisors.
Security essentials
You need to use a safe bag or RFID-protected bag. Although the destination can now be reached through the app, you can still take your destination map and travel guide with you. Don’t forget to save the local emergency number of the new country.
Travel essentials
Book your flight in advance to the airport. Listen carefully to the pre-departure briefing. Before you move to another country, you need to make arrangements for your accommodation. Furthermore, use an international SIM or roaming on your phone. Also, share all the travel updates with your family.
Tips
- Adapt to your new environment as soon as you can.
- Be patient with yourself as you get used to a new culture and way of life.
- Go outside and get to know your neighborhood and campus.
- Check all the essentials to ensure the right pack abroad.
Pack Your Bag
Pack your bag with all the important things. At the same time, try to avoid excess packing. You do the packing without going against the airline’s policy on weight allowance. You can take a look at the packaging checklist abroad below to make sure the right pack abroad
Clothes
Pack clothes that are suited to the climate and culture of the country you are going to. So, you can pack comfortable shoes for regular walks, some T-shirts, and formal clothes for special occasions. If the weather is unpredictable, don’t forget to pack certain items such as umbrellas, waterproof jackets, and winter clothes.
Electronics
Keep a universal adapter and a voltage converter. You can pack a lightweight laptop, smartphone, and a power bank in your handbag. Furthermore, keep helpful apps on your phone, such as navigation apps, language translation, and communication apps.
Study Tools
You can take some essential books, notebooks, and stationery with you. If possible, you can get your books to PDF on the phone to save space and study prep early. Additionally, you can take a USB drive or external hard drive for backup.
Personal items
You may need medication at any time. So, pack the necessary medicines along with the prescription with a first aid kit. Also, take a refillable water bottle. You can take emotional items, such as pictures or small souvenirs, to make your new place feel like home.
Documents
Make multiple copies of all important documents, including your passport, visa, and travel insurance. Keep them in a waterproof folder for protection. You can save them as digital copies to the online drive.
Additional Tips
- Keep a record of the time and dates of the journey in various planner apps.
- Note the packing items with the heading checklist abroad. And double check the checklist abroad note.
- Learn about and follow all the rules of traveling abroad.
- Always respect the laws of other countries.
- Create a support network to start your study prep.
- Try to meet new people and participate in social events.
- Find your university’s international student support services.
- Get in touch with your professor and senior.
Conclusion
Preparing for studies abroad might seem like a big, daunting task. However, you can ease all the tasks with the right guidelines. From packing essentials to the collection of necessary items and tips to pack abroad to study prep, everything is discussed to make your travel smooth. If all goes well, do something that will bring you success in both your academic and personal life. These memories will last forever.