Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity for Indian students to pursue higher studies, experience a new culture and bring their careers to the right path. However, making a packing list before actually starting the packing for students going abroad is a daunting task, especially when the students are not sure what to carry with them. The annual cost of living for travel and stay in USA is up to USD 50,000 (INR 41,12,815) per year. Packing for students going abroad can be overwhelming, but with planning, students can make sure that they have everything they need. The lists given below will include all the items that are needed to carry while going abroad.

What to Pack for Canada for Indian Students

Here’s a list of essentials that Indian students should consider while packing to travel and study in Canada are as follows:

  1. Passport and visa documents: Carrying all the travel documents including passport, Canada student visa, pass immigration check-ins, post-departure formality documents, etc. Make sure that you don’t forget any documents while going to the airport. Keep all the documents on a sage place such as a money belt or a secure bag. Carry the photocopies of all the documents in case you forget to carry the original documents.
  2. Airline tickets and travel itinerary: Make sure to carry the airline tickets and travel itinerary printed out or saved in your mobile phones, so you can access them easily during your trip.
  3. Cash, credit cards and travel money cards: It is a better option to carry a mix of cash, and cards when you’re traveling abroad. Ensure that you have enough money to cover your expenses and keep your cash and cards in a safe place. As Visa and MasterCard are acceptable everywhere but it would be better if you carry cash along with you for emergency purposes. It is important to carry the currency of the country where you are traveling.
  4. Prescription Medications: If you take prescription medications, ensure that you carry enough to last your entire trip. Carry the copies of the prescription slip along with you in case you lost any original slip. Also, carry some general medicines that include medicines for cough, fever, cold, allergy, etc.
  • Antiseptic
  • Dettol
  • Paracetamol
  • Anti-allergies
  • Antacids
  • Bandages
  1. Basic toiletries: Bring travel size toiletries that include toothpaste, brush, pocket cream, soap, papersoap, etc. Don't forget to pack a towel or any other personal hygiene items that you might need. Try to avoid hair styling electronic devices as it can charge you more on electricity bills abroad. The basic toiletries includes makeup, contact lenses, creams, masks, tissues, sanitizers, masks, soap, deodorant, paste, brush, facewash, etc.
  2. Clothes: It is important to carry warm clothes and jackets while traveling abroad, depending upon the climatic conditions of that particular area. Even if you are traveling to a warmer country, carry warm clothes because the temperature can drop during night time. So, the basic clothes includes:
  • Activewear
  • Casual wears
  • Exercise clothes
  • Jackets
  • Belts
  • Undergarments
  • Warm clothes
  • Jeans
  • Pajamas
  • Hoodies
  • Shoes
  • Socks
  • Mufflers
  • Accessories
  • Heels
  • Formal dresses
  1. Electronic devices: It is important to carry the electronic devices along with you as it is one of the important parts of the student's life. Keep your electronic devices in a safe place so that they don’t break or don’t get lost anytime from anywhere. The electronic gadgets include:
  • Mobiles phones
  • Chargers
  • Laptop
  • Tablets
  • Smartwatches
  • Earphones/ AirPods
  • USB cable
  • Tablet
  • Other items that you use on a daily basis

Steps to Remember while Preparing the Packing List for Students Going Abroad

Candidates can check the perks to study in Canada vs India before enrolling. The important steps are given below that need to be followed while preparing the packing list:

  • Try to pack your luggage within the given weight limit. Buy a spacious bag that can accommodate all your belongings and items. Try to purchase a wheel bag that is easy to carry with one hand.
  • Keep all your important documents in a file so that no original document can be misplaced anywhere, and keep the photocopies of all documents in another file.
  • Upload the PDF of all the important documents in a pen drive or make it as a Google document as universities in Canada accepting 3-years Bachelors would require it.
  • Use the luggage tags to identify the items easily while unpacking your bags when you reach your destination.
  • Make a list of all the items and mark a tick mark before it when you place them in the luggage.
  • Book a taxi in advance so that you can reach the airport on time without facing any risk on the spot.
  • PGWP Canada is required for applicants to work in Canada.
  • Keep your cash money and credit cards in a safe place, and keep some cash in your purse so that you can use it immediately whenever required or in an emergency.

Packing is much more than shoving your entire life into a suitcase. Even though packing looks easy, for international travel with the purpose of staying for years, it is not that easy.

FAQs

Ques: What are the checked-in essentials while traveling abroad?

Ans: The checked-in essentials while traveling abroad are important documents, toiletries, medications, clothes, electronic items, and everything else you need or that you use in your day-to-day routine.

Ques: What are the things that you should not carry while traveling abroad?

Ans: The important things that you should not carry while traveling abroad are books, snacks, eating items, extra clothes, expensive jewelry, and heavy liquid bottles.

Ques: What are the important travel documents?

Ans: the important travel documents include Passport, Credit cards, Student visa, College admission proof, Flight ticket, Boarding pass, Accommodation proof and Enrollment confirmation.

Ques: What to pack while moving abroad?

Ans: the important packing items that are required while moving abroad are Airline tickets and travel itinerary, International student ID card, Basic toiletries that include paste, brush, soap, papersoap, sanitary pads, Comfortable shoes and clothes while traveling, Prescription medications and its copies, Chargers, adapters, and other electronic devices, and Cash, credit cards, and currency of other country

Ques: Is 23 kg bag enough for the Indian students moving abroad?

Ans: Usually, the average weight allowed for a student is around 40-46 kg which should be divided into two bags of 23 kg each.

Ques: Which luggage bag is best for traveling abroad?

Ans: Try to pack your luggage within the given weight limit. Buy a spacious bag that can accommodate all your belongings and items. Try to purchase a wheel bag that is easy to carry with one hand.

Ques: Can we carry 2 bags on International flights?

Ans: You can carry a maximum of 2 pieces of luggage with you. To the rest of the world, you can carry 20-30 kgs per person with most of the airlines.

Ques: Is home food allowed on international flights?

Ans: Any solid foods like fruits, dry fruits, salads can be carried easily but food with a high liquid content (for instance, food with curries or sauces) is only allowed in containers of 100 ml regardless of the quantity inside.