If you are asking how to pack luggage for international flights for students, then I’d like to believe it is your first international flight. It also means that either you or your loved one just gained admission. Congratulations!
It may seem complex to pack luggage for international flights. that is because it’s not something you do every day. This article will help simplify the process.
You do not need to panic, because, like every other journey, you only need to pack what you need. However, what you need in the country you currently live in may vary from what you’ll need In the new destination.
How do you know what to pack?
Research
The first thing you need to find out as an international student is the documents that will be required of you, during your flight and in school. And ensure to get them ready. This includes your passport, Visa, Credentials, etc.
The next thing is the weather. Knowing the weather conditions in the destination you are moving to will help you know the type of clothing to pack. If it’s always cold, you know to pack warm clothing; jackets, hoodies, stockings and shoes. If the weather is warmer, then you need to pack more light clothes.
Another thing to find out is the airline’s regulations and baggage allowance. Simply put, the items the airline you will travel with allows, the number of bags you can check in and how heavy your bag should be.
Generally, things such as liquids, sharp objects, firearms, etc., are not allowed on a flight. You are allowed to have check-in luggage, (luggage that goes into the cargo hold area, away from where passengers sit).
You cannot have access to the checked baggage until you arrive at your destination. And carry-on luggage (you can take this with you on the flight. However, it must fit into the overhead compartment).
You’ll need to confirm with the airline to know how much weight you can bring in for free. If your luggage is heavier than what you are allowed, the airline may charge you for extra luggage.
Once all of this is determined, make a packing list, to ensure you don’t leave anything you intend to carry behind.
Also Read: Top 10 Immigration Rules for International Students in the United States
Extra tips for you:
Tips for buying a check-in bag
- Buy the lightest bag you can find. A heavy bag will take up the weight of other things you could carry.
- If you’re using a trolley bag, ensure the handle is not stiff or bad, so you can carry it with ease.
Tips for packing clothes
I believe you have determined the weather conditions. If it’s cold, pack heavy clothes, but not too much. If it’s warm, pack light clothes.
- Jackets and hoodies often take up so much space. Try to pack just one or two. If you’re packing 2, then wear one for your flight to help you conserve space. You should pack colors that can be matched easily with other colors. E.g: black.
- Three to four bottoms should be enough, and at least four or 5 tops.
- Carry at least 2 or 3 pairs of shoes, and again be mindful of the colors.
- You can also wear your biggest pair of shoes to save space.
- Pack your stockings, underwear, and head warmer (as many as you want since they’re often lightweight). Remember you’re going to school abroad, not on a 2 weeks vacation. You don’t want to start buying as soon as you get there.
Now you have selected clothing items to pack, how do you pack them in your bag?
Here is what I do with mine:
- Put the heaviest items at the bottom of the bag. It will give your luggage balance. Also, it’s easier to squeeze a lighter item into the bag if you run out of space.
- Don’t fold your clothes, roll them. Trust me, rolling saves you more space for more items than folding them flat. Especially your Jean pants.
- Pack your underwear and stockings in a compressor bag, to keep them organized and save space.
- Shoes come on top. You don’t want your shoes snapping out of shape from the weight of all the heavy items.
- Pack your toiletries and stationery
- Your makeup (for ladies).
- Pack small food items. Ensure you pack only items that are allowed to avoid getting in trouble. You may have a hard time getting used to the food of a new culture, so it is advisable to pack non-perishable food items.
Let’s pack your carry-on luggage
Your carry-on bag should contain the things you’ll need along the way or as soon as you arrive (i.e. essentials). You can consider it as a first aid bag.
- Your documents should always go in the carry-on bag. should your checked luggage go missing or delayed, you will not be stranded. So, pack your travel documents—visa, passport, flight ticket, boarding pass, etc. And academic credentials/documents, offer letter and every other document required.
- please pack your medication. If you have any prescribed medication or over-the-counter medicine for headaches or other aches, pack them in your carry-on bag.
- You need the local currency of the country you are traveling to. This should also go in the carry-on bag.
- A change of clothes. As mentioned earlier, you will not have access to your checked bag until you arrive at your destination. pack some clothes you can change into while in transit or as soon as you arrive until you get your bag.
Other essentials that can go in your carry-on bag are:
- Your charger and adapter
- Fragile gadgets like Laptop cameras, and headphones.
- Small-sized gels like toothpaste, creams, perfume, etc.
- A reusable water bottle.
- Your toothbrush
- Snacks—for when you don’t like the food on the flight, or it is too pricey for you.
Also Read: U.S. Student Visa Application Guidelines for Nigerians
Conclusion
No matter what you carry along, there’ll always be stuff you’ll regret not carrying along when you arrive at your study destination. However, following this list will reduce your regrets to a bare minimum.
The goal is to not start buying basic things as soon as you arrive. You’ll need all the money you can get to feed, pay bills, and transport yourself daily. so pack enough to last for at least the first month.
Remember, your clothes, shoes, toiletries, and foodstuff goes into your checked bag. while other essentials go into your carry-on bag. I wish you the best in your academic journey.
