Packing for My Move
Packing is a hassle in most cases but is particularly frustrating if you’re moving for an extended period of time. In the majority of cases, students either pack too much, which they end up returning in batches during their trips home, or too little, and then purchase their missing items and spend unnecessary money on duplicates they have at home. Many student accommodations also have limited closet and/or storage space. To help ease your move, below is a general guideline on what you need to pack:
- Tops: pack a few t-shirts and light hoodies for university and daily wear. Also pack 1-2 blouses/dress shirts for formal events and/or potential interviews. If you’re moving to a colder country, also pack a few sweaters.
- Outerwear: if you’re moving to a colder country, or during the fall/winter seasons, pack 1-2 coats and/or a puffer jacket. Depending on how low the temperature gets, you may also need heavier outerwear. If you’re moving to a warm country, or during the spring/summer seasons, pack 1 or 2 light cardigans and/or hoodie jackets for when the temperature drops at night.
- Bottoms: pack a few pairs of jeans/other preferred bottoms, and 1 pair of formal pants/skirt for formal events and/or potential interviews.
- Headwear: for colder weather, you may want to pack a few beanies or similar headwear to keep your head warm. If you’re moving to a country in which the weather goes below 0oC, you may want to also pack earmuffs. For hotter weather, it is advised that you pack a few hats/caps/snapbacks to protect yourself from the negative effects of heat.
- Hijab: if you wear hijab, pack a few scarves that generally match the majority of your outfits. If you’re moving to a colder country, or during the fall/winter seasons, make sure to pack heavier scarves as well.
- Shoes: 1-2 sneakers (for gym and walking purposes), 1-2 pairs of comfortable shoes and 1 pair of formal shoes. If you’re moving to a country where it rains or snows frequently, also pack a pair of rain boots.
- Gym clothes: depending on how often you plan on doing your laundry, as well as the type of exercise you will be doing, you may want to pack 2-4 gym tops and bottoms, as well as 3-4 sports bras (if applicable).
- Pajamas: 2-3 cozy pajamas for the fall/winter seasons, 2-3 pajamas for the warmer spring/summer seasons
- Socks: pack a few daily socks, that can also double as workout/gym socks. If you’re moving to a colder country, or during the fall/winter seasons, you may also need heavier socks to keep your feet warm.
- Underwear: if you’re moving to a colder country, or during the fall/winter seasons, invest in a few pairs of thermal underwear to keep you warm.
- Bags: pack a backpack or large rucksack for university. Make sure it’s comfortable and is large enough to carry your laptop and books. Also pack a few large eco-bags, as most countries around the world now charge for plastic bags.
- Medicine: if you regularly take any form of medication, make sure you pack your required supply, assuming that you are permitted to travel with it/bring it into your country of arrival. Alternatively, you can check with local pharmacies prior to your arrival in your city of study if they carry your required medication, as well as whether a doctor’s note is necessary.
Mahi is always happy to help you. Don’t hesitate to contact us on our hotline for more details!