• Checked baggage requirements for your airline carefully. If you exceed the size, quantity, or weight limits for bags, the airline will charge you for the extra bag ($100 or more per piece EACH WAY).

• Do not have items shipped to you abroad. They will get stopped at customs and you will need to pay taxes and fees on the items. It's always better to have more luggage than ship items.

• Hang on to your baggage claim tickets in case your bags are lost.

• Typically, students bring 2 large suitcases and a carry on. But keep in mind, you should be able to carry all your luggage on your own. There may not be people to help you along the way.

• Bring a good quality backpack for weekend trips. This way, you won't have to take your large luggage with you on every trip.

Research the country and climate you're going to be living in to help narrow down the clothing you’ll need to bring.

Will it be the middle of summer? 

Or maybe the dead of winter?

What are the cultural norms? 

What about shoes? Will you be walking a lot? 

The good thing is that if you forget something you most likely can buy it when you arrive. 

A few tips from the OSA:

• Look at what the locals are wearing and try to blend in. 

• Be practical. You don't need to bring your entire wardrobe with you.

• Layers are your best friend!

• Bring a versatile coat that you can use in multiple weather situations. 

• Bring 1 or 2 "nice" outfits. You never know when you may need it.

• Never underestimate a good pair of shoes.

• Don't bring anything you would be devastated to lose.

We all love our electronics, so make sure you bring the correct converters and adaptors. Otherwise, you won't be able to charge them or they may burn out if you try plugging them in. 

• All valuables (jewelry, electronics, money, etc)

• Program’s contact info and address. *

• Photocopy of your passport and visa. *

• Contact info for your international medical insurance. *

• Medications with prescription and doctors note (see the health section for more info)

  • If you take any medication (including vitamins or herbal supplements), make sure you take enough for the entire semester. Pharmaceutical products will get stopped at customs. 

• A change of clothes.

*Give your parents a copy also

Toiletries: Most students will be studying in modern metropolitan areas where they can easily access a store with toiletries. Unless you are very specific about the beauty products and toiletries you use, you may want to consider purchasing them upon arrival.

Sheets and Towels: Most programs will have these included. If they don't you can most likely purchase them when you arrive. 

Hair dryer, straightener, electric razors or clippers: Ones from the U.S. are likely to burn out in different countries. We recommend purchasing them in-country.

Laundry detergent: You can easily purchase this when you arrive.

Expensive or irreplaceable items: Do not bring anything with you that you would be devastate to have lost or stolen. Leave them at home.

Athletic equipment: Depending on the sport, this can be expensive equipment to travel with. It most likely will be cheaper and easier to purchase or rent when you arrive.