Essentials for International Students While Studying Abroad: When you’re studying abroad, having the right setup in your room is key to staying comfortable, organized, and focused. Every student needs some basic items like cozy bedding, essential study supplies, personal care products, and kitchen basics to create a home-like environment in a new country. A well-prepared room not only supports your academic goals but also helps you adjust to life abroad with ease.
In this blog, you will explore the top Essentials for International Students While Studying Abroad—covering everything from smart storage solutions and daily-use items to small touches that add comfort and personality to your space. Whether you’re staying in a dorm, a shared apartment, or private housing, this guide will help you create a functional and welcoming room abroad.
Table of contents
List of 5 Essentials for International Students Abroad
When studying abroad, having the right essentials can make all the difference in adjusting to a new environment. Here’s a list of 5 must-have items every international student should bring to ensure a smooth and comfortable stay.
1. Luggage Locks
Luggage locks seem to be a very basic item, yet they are essential while you go travelling or stay away from your home. If you are studying abroad, this is the first thing that we would suggest you keep as part of your dorm room essentials. You can keep at least 2-3 spare luggage locks as you might need them when you plan a weekend getaway or go out for a long period. Using luggage locks will help you keep your belongings safely without having to worry about them when you are out.
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2. Light Rain Gear
This basic essential becomes important especially when you are living in a country that has rainy weather or that might see a change in weather quickly like Ireland, Norway, Scotland, etc.
You must have a raincoat, waterproof shoes, and an umbrella in your room. Even if you are going to stay in a warm country, we suggest that you keep an umbrella in your room to protect yourself from the heat when you go out.
3. Basic First Aid Kit
A basic first aid kit is something that we all keep in our homes and offices. While we hope that your study abroad experience goes smoothly and safely, it is always a good idea to be prepared for unforeseen incidents, right? To help you prepare your first aid kit, we have mentioned a list of items below that should be there in your first aid kit:
- Wound dressings
- Over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, antibiotics, antihistamines, and anti-diarrheal tablets.
- Bandages of various sizes
- Antiseptic wipes
- A thermometer
- Antibiotic ointment
- Cotton swabs and cotton wool
- Medical tape
4. Essential Toiletries
It may happen that when you move to a new country, you might not easily find your go-to toiletries in nearby shops. Hence, you must keep in reserve some of the things that you use regularly. Below is the list of essential toiletries that you may need:
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body wash/soap
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Hairbrush/comb
- Sanitary items (for women)
- Deodorant
5. Power Adapters & Converters
We all use a lot of gadgets in our daily lives such as cell phones, laptops, e-reading devices, etc. While we are settling into a new country, we should make sure that we have power adapters and converters that will help us in charging our devices. Also, different countries have different shapes of plugs and slightly different voltage supplies. Be sure to confirm what kind of plugs and electricity voltage is used in the country you’re travelling to. It is also a good idea to keep a power bank with you at all times, especially at the beginning of your stay.
Also Read: Are you searching for accommodations abroad? If yes, then our blog will help you greatly – Things to keep in mind while booking accommodation!
How to Stay Organized While Studying Abroad?
Staying organized while studying abroad helps you manage your studies and enjoy your experience. Here are some simple tips to stay on track:
1. Make a Study Schedule: Set specific times for studying, attending classes, and doing assignments. This will help you stay on top of your work and make time for fun activities.
2. Use Digital Tools: Apps like Google Calendar or Trello can help you keep track of deadlines and tasks. Set reminders so you don’t forget important things.
3. Keep Your Study Area Tidy: A clean and organized study space helps you focus better. Keep your books, notes, and study materials in order.
4. Manage Your Finances: Track your spending and set a budget. Use apps like Mint to make sure you stay within your limits and avoid running out of money.
5. Plan Trips and Activities: Make a list of places you want to visit and plan trips in advance. This way, you can enjoy your time without worrying about last-minute plans.
6. Organize Important Documents: Keep your passport, visa, and other important documents in one place. It’s easier to find them when needed.
Tips for Adjusting to Life as an International Student
Adjusting to life as an international student can be exciting but also challenging. Here are 10 simple tips to help you settle in and make the most of your experience:
- Learn About the Culture: Get to know your host country’s customs and traditions to feel more at home.
- Stay Connected with Family: Talk to your family and friends often to feel supported.
- Create a Daily Routine: Set up a schedule for studying, resting, and socializing to stay balanced.
- Be Open to New Experiences: Try new things and meet people from different backgrounds.
- Keep Track of Your Spending: Budget your money and look for ways to save.
- Learn the Local Language: Knowing basic words will help you communicate and feel more confident.
- Join Campus Activities: Get involved in clubs or events to make friends and feel part of the community.
- Take Care of Yourself: Eat healthy, exercise, and get enough sleep to stay healthy and happy.
- Understand Your Studies: Learn about your course schedule and grading to avoid surprises.
- Explore Your New City: Visit local spots to discover new places and feel more connected.
FAQs
As an international student, the essential documents you’ll need include your passport, student visa, acceptance letter from the university, proof of financial support, health insurance, and accommodation details. Make sure to carry both physical copies and digital copies of these documents to avoid any issues during travel or upon arrival.
It is very important to have a first aid kit in your room with some of the things mentioned below:
– Wound dressings
– Bandages of various sizes
– Antiseptic wipes
– A thermometer
– Antibiotic ointment
– Cotton swabs and cotton wool
– Medical tape
The things that should be there in your room depend a lot on your personal needs and requirements. However, we all should have certain things in our rooms like luggage locks, first aid kits, travel adapters, suitable rain gear, etc.
Below are some of the things that come under essential toiletries-
– Sunscreen
– Toothpaste
– Shampoo
– Cleanser
– Moisturiser
– Shower gel
– Deodorant
– Cotton swabs
Join clubs, societies, or campus events to meet people with similar interests. Being open and approachable helps too!
You can carry up to 23 kgs in Economy and 32 kgs in Business Class for students travelling from India.
Stay connected with family and friends through calls or messages, and try to keep busy with activities or exploring your new environment.
Managing finances is crucial. Start by creating a budget that includes rent, food, travel, and other expenses. Keep track of your spending using apps or spreadsheets. Look for student discounts, affordable meal options, and low-cost entertainment to save money. Be mindful of currency exchange rates, and avoid impulse spending.
Every country has its own education system, so it’s important to understand the differences early on. Research the grading system, class structures, and expectations for assignments. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your professors or academic advisors if you need clarification. Additionally, attending orientation sessions can help you get familiar with your academic responsibilities.
Always have your health insurance information with you. Find out where the nearest health center or hospital is, and know how to contact emergency services. Many universities offer on-campus health services where you can get medical help. If you’re feeling unwell or need advice, don’t hesitate to seek help. It’s always better to ask than to ignore a health issue.
Staying safe requires being aware of your surroundings. Follow local safety tips, avoid walking alone at night, and always keep your personal belongings secure. Familiarize yourself with emergency contacts and know where the nearest embassy or consulate is. It’s also a good idea to share your schedule or location with a friend or family member, especially when traveling.
Now, you are all set for your studying abroad experience! We hope this blog helped you in planning your ‘essentials list’. There are several other things that you may need while studying abroad and they may vary from person to person. Make sure you do thorough research about the weather and lifestyle of the country that you are going to stay in. This will help you a lot in understanding what are some of the other things that you may need.
Thank you for reading our blog. I hope you like it. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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