What to Bring Abroad

So the time has come! You're packing up to move away from home and start your journey as a student living abroad. Where to begin? The process can feel overwhelming, but don't worry, I'm here to help.

It's important to start early and not leave everything to the last minute. This especially applies to important documentation and forms you may need to get into the UK, such as renewing your passport, applying for a student visa and any banking that needs to be done before you leave.

To start, I made a packing list and categorized it to be sure I had everything I needed. It's also important to decide how many suitcases you'll be taking with you to help determine how much you can bring. Below is a generalized example of what your packing list can look like. Obviously this may be different depending on your tastes and preferences, but I found that these items worked best for travelling and the overall Cardiff student lifestyle.

Don't be fooled! The suitcases were behind the camera!

Packing List:

Technology:

• laptop + charger

• phone + charger

• portable phone charger

• speaker + charger

• GoPro + charger

• headphones

Clothing:

• socks/underwear

• bras/bralettes/sports bra

• pyjamas

• t-shirts

• tank tops

• long sleeves

• sweaters

• flannel

• jeans

• trousers

• sweat pants

• leggings

• dress

• belts

• warm coat (my advice is a puffer jacket)

• leather jacket

• jean jacket

• raincoat (!)

• mittens

• hat (toque)

• backpack

• purse to take on a night out

A raincoat should be #1 on your list!

Shoes:

• black booties

• running shoes

• trainers/converse

• rain boots (Blundstones worked perfectly for me!)

• a pair of heels to wear on a nice night out

Cosmetics:

• makeup/makeup remover

• toothbrush/toothpaste

• hair brush/elastics

• shampoo/conditioner

• soap

• ibuprofen

• bandaids

• nail kit/polish

Other:

• sunglasses

• water bottle

• room decor (photos, lights etc)

• camera

• books

• jewellery/watch

• travel journal

• pens/pencils

• cards/games

Documents:

• visa documents printed out and in a folder (easily accessible for border security)

• passport

• CAS statement printed out

• banking information

• identification (driver's licence, health card etc)

• wallet/cards/cash

Good luck fitting everything into your suitcase! Also remember that if you forget something, chances are you can find it in Cardiff. Shops are close by and easy to walk to.

Happy packing!

-Laura