When I moved abroad for my Master’s, I made the rookie mistake of packing 4 bottles of shampoo. My bag was overweight, and I had to pay $100 at the check-in counter. I could have bought that shampoo for $5 upon arrival. Don’t make my $100 mistake.
The visa is approved. The flight is booked. The tuition deposit is paid.
Now comes the hardest part: Fitting your entire life into two suitcases.
As an international student, the urge to pack everything is overwhelming. You want to bring your favorite snacks, your winter coat, your entire library of books, and your rice cooker.
But airline baggage fees are expensive, and dorm rooms are tiny.
I have seen students arrive at the airport with 5 giant bags, paying $400 in fees, only to realize they brought things they could have bought at Walmart for $10.
Here is the definitive, brutally honest packing list for international students coming to the US, UK, or Canada in 2025.
1. The “Hand Luggage” Essentials (Do Not Check These!)
If your checked bags get lost (which happens often), you need to survive for 24 hours with just your backpack.
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The “Golden Folder”: A plastic folder containing:
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Passport & Visa (Originals).
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I-20 Form (for US) or CAS Statement (for UK).
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Offer Letter from the University.
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Proof of Finances (Bank Statements).
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Address of your dorm/apartment (written down, in case your phone dies).
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Tech: Laptop, Charger, Universal Power Adapter (Crucial!), and a Power Bank.
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Cash: About $200-$300 in local currency (small bills) for taxis or food.
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Comfort: One change of clothes (underwear/socks), toothbrush, and a hoodie (planes are cold).
2. What to Pack in Your Suitcase (The “Bring” List)
Clothing: The “Layering” Strategy
Don’t pack for all 4 seasons. Pack for the first 2 months.
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7 Days of Basics: T-shirts, underwear, socks.
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1 Formal Outfit: A suit or blazer. You will need this for Internship Interviews and presentations.
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Shoes: One pair of sneakers (walking), one pair of formal shoes, and flip-flops (for nasty dorm showers).
Medications (Very Important)
Healthcare in the US is expensive and confusing.
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Bring a 3-month supply of any prescription meds.
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Bring “Comfort Meds” from home (your favorite cold flu medicine or painkillers). Sometimes local brands don’t work the same for you.
Sentimental Items
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Photos of family/friends (printed, not digital).
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One small item from your culture (a flag, a small figurine, or a specific spice mix). This helps when you feel homesick.
3. The “Do Not Bring” List (Buy These There!)
This is where students waste money on baggage fees. Do NOT pack these:
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❌ Rice Cooker / Kettle / Hair Dryer: The voltage is different! If you plug your 220V hair dryer into a 110V US outlet, it won’t work (or it might explode). Buy these for $20 when you arrive.
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❌ Textbooks: They are heavy. Use the library or buy digital versions (see our Student Budget Guide).
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❌ Stationery: You don’t need 10 notebooks. Buy them at the campus store.
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❌ Toiletries: Shampoo and soap are heavy and might explode in your bag. Just bring travel sizes for the first 2 days.
4. The “Culture Shock” Survival Kit
Living in a new country is amazing, but it can be lonely at first. Pack these “social tools”:
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Small Souvenirs: Pack 5-10 small, cheap items from your home country (keychains, postcards). Give these to your new roommates or professors. It is a great icebreaker.
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Traditional Outfit: Many universities have an “International Day” or “Culture Night.” You will regret it if you don’t have your traditional clothes to wear.
5. Digital Preparation (Do This Before You Fly)
Your phone is your lifeline.
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Unlock Your Phone: Call your carrier and make sure your phone is “Unlocked” so you can put a US/UK SIM card in it immediately.
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Download Maps: Download “Offline Maps” for your university city on Google Maps. You might not have data when you land.
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Scan Documents: Upload PDFs of your Passport and Visa to Google Drive or Dropbox. If you lose your bag, you can still access your ID.
Conclusion: You Can Buy Almost Everything
Remember: You are moving to a country with shops. You are not going to Mars.
If you forget a towel, you can buy a towel. But you cannot buy your Passport or your medication.
Pack light. Save your baggage allowance for the things that really matter—like the snacks you can’t find anywhere else.
Safe travels! Your adventure is just beginning.