Packing List for International Students
IMPORTANT: Please check with your airlines about the checked baggage weight limit and carry on size allowed.
CHECKED BAGGAGE
Clothes (quantity depends on laundry habits)
- Short sleeves, long sleeves, T-Shirts
- Shorts, skirts Pants (slacks, khakis), Jeans
- Sweaters Light jackets, blazers, coats, down coats
- Suits, dress shirts/pants (1-2 sets)
- Cultural costumes (1-2 sets)
- Sportswear, swimsuit
- Pajamas Underwear
- Socks
- Warm hat, scarf, gloves
- Sneakers, casual shoes, sandals, flip flops
- Dress shoes
Bedding
- Comforter/blanket/throw
- Pillow (optional)
- Sheets & Pillowcases
Bathroom/Personal Care
- Bath towels, hand towels
- Comb, nail clippers, toothbrush, small toothpaste, dental floss
- Traveler-size shampoo, conditioner, shower soap
- Skincare products, cosmetics
Daily Necessities
- Eyeglasses/ contact lenses (with spare ones), sunglasses
- Contact lens solution
- Personal medicines
- A bowl & plate, one set of silverware, a cup/glass
- A few hangers
Food
- Snacks, cookies/crackers
- Dried condiments/spices, tea (meat products not allowed)
School Supplies
- Schoolbag/backpack or tote bag
- Pencil case
- Ball pen, mechanical pencils & lead refills, highlighters
Other
- Cultural products/ souvenirs
CARRY-ON
Important Documents
- Passport
- Itinerary
- Boarding pass
- I-20 and all admission documents
- High school transcripts, graduation certificate
- University transcripts, graduation certificate (transfer students or graduate students)
- Other academic credentials and application materials
Cash
- USD$1,000-1,500; keep $100-200 in wallet, have $10s & $20s; keep $50/$100 bills separately
Electronics
- Cell phone, charger and cable
- Laptop/tablet, charger and cable
- Converter/adapter
- Portable charger/power bank
- Headphone/earphone
- USB flash drive
Other
- Pens (1-2 for filling out forms)
- Small notepad (keeps school address, important contact information, etc.)
- Snacks/cookies (meat products not allowed)
- Chewing gum (bad breath after long flight; reduces earaches on airplane)
- Hand/body lotion (aircraft cabin is dry)
- Eye-drops (eyes dry after long flight)
- Slippers/flip flops (some people have swollen feet during a flight; convenient to take off at security checkpoints)
- A pair of socks (it may be cold on the plane)
- Light sweater/jacket (it may be cold on the plane or in transit airport)
- One set of underwear and changing clothes in case of flight delay or checked luggage delay/lost
- Personal medicines as needed
IMPORTANT: Please check with your airlines about the checked baggage weight limit and carry on size allowed.