Studying abroad is an exciting and life-changing experience, but it can also be overwhelming. With many things to consider, it can be challenging to know what you need to buy before you go.
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10 must-haves to study abroad
Studying abroad is an exciting and life-changing experience, but it can also be overwhelming. With many things to consider, it can be challenging to know what you need to buy before you go.
This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive list of items to help you prepare for your study abroad experience. Whether you have planned to study for a semester or a year, this guide will ensure that you have everything you need to make the most of your time abroad.
N01 – Luggage
Your luggage will be your best friend during your study abroad experience. You want to invest in high-quality luggage that is both durable and functional.
You need to make sure to choose a luggage set that is easy to maneuver and has multiple compartments for organization.
You’ll need a second bag which is a carry-on size bag. This bag will be essential for short trips and flights when checked baggage is not included.
Below, you’ll find check-in luggage that is of high-quality and durable :
As for the carry-on size bag, I find that weekend bags work best! There flexible meaning you can squish them in the metal racks that measure your luggage at the airport and there is often a separate compartment for shoes! Which is great if you plan on taking a second pair on a short trip.
Here is a weekender bag that I enjoy :
N02 – Sturdy Backpack
Your backpack will most likely follow you everywhere. You wan’t to make sure it’s durable and sturdy.
Personnaly, I own a Rains backpack. I’ve had a few Rains backpacks and they’ve always lasted me a long time and had tones of space.
N03 – Adaptor Plug
This one is a must-have! Make sure to buy an adaptor plug that is compatible with the country you will be studying in. This will allow you to charge your electronics and use your appliances without any issues.
To be hassle free, I recommend an international adaptor plus with multiple USB outlets as well :
N04 – Portable Power Bank
A portable power bank is a must-have item when studying abroad. It will be especially useful if you have a long day of travel ahead or if you’re doing a day trip to a city or a town.
You can use it to charge your phone, tablet, or any other device that requires a USB port. Look for a portable power bank with a high capacity and multiple charging ports.
This power bank is a great option in my opinion and should have you covered in most situations :
N05 – Headphones
A good pair of headphones will be your best friend during your study abroad experience (and daily life in general).
They will allow you to block out noise and focus on your studies, or just enjoy your music and podcasts.
When it comes to headphones you can’t compromise on quality, investing a little more in the beggining will make it well worthwhile in the end.
Headphones must be comfortable, lightweight, have a noise cancelling feature and have good sound quality.
N06 – Camera
A camera is a must-have item when studying abroad. You will want to capture all of the amazing experiences and memories you will make while abroad. Consider investing in a high-quality camera that is both compact and lightweight, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
N07 – Laptop
I’m not sure you can study nowadays without a laptop. It’s kind of a must have, and a pen and paper aren’t enough anymore. Most Universities will have online plateforme where you need to login in order to access class materials and documentation.
When it comes to laptops there are so many choices, it’s sometimes easy to get lost. I’d recommend to assess your needs by asking yourself a few questions in order to narrow down your options :
- Will I be transporting my laptop a lot ? Weight will matter.
- Do I wan’t to use it to watch movies ? Screen size will matter.
- Will I use it a primary computer to backup and store data (photos, videos, …) ? Memory capacity.
- Do I just wan’t to use it to take notes and access the internet ? You might not need a fancy computer.
- …
I personnally own a Surface Pro 6 and I’m very happy with my laptop, I take it almost everywhere daily and it does the job for me.
N08 – External Hard Drive
An external hard drive is a must-have item for students studying abroad, especially if you plan on storing a large amount of data. It will allow you to back up your data, protect it against loss, and keep it secure. Look for an external hard drive that is affordable, durable, and has a large capacity.
N09 – Walking shoes
One thing is for sure if you’re studying abroad you will be walking a lot! Chances are you’ll wander quite a bit to discover your souroundings and a good pair of shoes is essencial.
N10 – Journal / Memory keepsake
Studying abroad is all about making memories! At the end of all this you will remember this experience for years and years to come. Having a journal or a memory keepsake to come back to from time to time is so precious and I really recommend you do one for yourself!
In conclusion, studying abroad can be an expensive experience. However by choosing affordable and high-quality products, you can make the most of your time abroad and achieve your academic goals while having a great time!
