When packing your bags for an overseas adventure, it's easy to get a little overwhelmed. If you find yourself trying to make room for the kitchen sink, it might be time to take a deep breath and use our ultimate luggage guide to make sure you haven't missed any travel essentials! From sentimental items to help you combat culture shock to packing practical shoes, we’ve got all bases covered! Once your luggage is expertly packed, don’t forget to prepare your tech devices for travel as well. Make sure your study abroad adventure runs smoothly with maps, translators and currency converters right at your fingertips. Check out this guide to your must-have study abroad apps!

1. The ultimate packing guide for your study abroad adventure!

2. Studying abroad will provide you with an incredible adventure and
amazing memories. You’ll have the chance to explore
a new country, make fabulous new friends and immerse
yourself in an entirely different culture.…

3. But with such a life-changing opportunity ahead of you, it’s easy to get
carried away when it comes to packing your luggage and before you
know it, you’re trying to find room for your doona and the kitchen sink!
To ease the packing panic, we’ve put together this handy list of our top
10 study abroad necessities to help you load your luggage like a pro.

4. Essential electronicsResearch your host country’s power-plug style before you leave and grab a
compatible power board so you can charge all your electronics at once. This
will also save you some $$$ because you’re not buying separate chargers for
all your devices. #winning
It’s also advisable to leave your hair dryer at home and buy one in your host
country. Take our word for it, hair dryers are notorious for blowing up when
connected to foreign power sources!

5. Functional footwearWhen travelling abroad you only need 3 (yes 3!) pairs of shoes.
One pair should be nice and dressy for special nights out. The second pair need
to be tried and tested, super-durable, super-comfy walking shoes. Last but not
least, you should never be caught without a pair of casual, wear-anywhere
shoes like thongs or sandals.
Remember: you’ll be wearing a pair of shoes on the flight so if you’re
desperate to sneak in a fourth pair, this is your chance!

6. Critical copiesIn order to be safe on your travels there are some documents you need to
have copies of. These include: passport, tickets, visa documents (if applicable),
itinerary, travel insurance policy, USQ contact details, contact details of
your host university, details of host country’s Australian Embassy and the
acceptance letter from your host university.
Pop a copy of these documents in each of your bags (in case some of your
luggage is lost or stolen) and also leave a set with your family at home. In case
of emergencies, it’s also advisable to have a digital copy stored online through
a secure document management system such as Dropbox or Google Drive.

7. Legitimate locksSave money and hassle by purchasing locks that are approved by the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Many airlines recommend that you use TSA approved locks so that airport
security can easily access your luggage for baggage checks and then seal them
again for you, instead of having to cut the locks off and leaving your luggage
unprotected for the rest of the journey.

8. Socks and jocksThe last thing you want to be worried about when you’re busy settling in is
getting the washing done! Squeeze in a few extra socks and undies so you can
enjoy your first week or two without needing to venture out to find a laundry.
Stuff your socks and jocks into your shoes to save space in your luggage and if
you’re really pushing the baggage limits on the way home, leave them behind.

9. Must-have medicationsDepending where you’re travelling to, you may need a letter from your doctor
to authorise the possession of some medications. If you are on prescription
medicine, be sure to book an appointment with your regular GP to discuss your
options before going overseas.
We also suggest researching what medications are available over the counter
in your host country as in some places, even everyday medications such as
antihistamines cannot be purchased without a prescription.

10. Tough-as-nails toiletry bagThere’s nothing worse than opening your perfectly packed suitcase to find your
entire wardrobe soaked in shampoo.
A waterproof toiletry case will contain any spills and keep all your bathroom
essentials in one place.

11. Ample samplesTo save space in your suitcase, stock up on sample size products and then buy
the full-size equivalent when you get to your host country.
Supermarkets now stock a huge range of mini toiletries such as deodorant,
shampoo, mouthwash, toothpaste, body wash and moisturiser. These mini-size
products will last you at least a week or two, just long enough to settle in and
find your local supermarket.

12. Aussie iconsBe sure to pack some home-grown comfort food and Aussie attire to help you
settle in. Why not pack yourself a culinary survival kit complete with all your
faves? Essentials include: Vegemite, Fantales, Tim Tams and Iced Vovos.
You’ll also need some Aussie attire so you can represent our great nation
abroad at cultural days and festivals!

13. Something sentimentalThere’s no need to build a memorial in your new bedroom, but a few
meaningful reminders of your friends and family will help ease the inevitable
pangs of homesickness.
Pack your favourite photo of each of the special people (and pets!) in your
life along with one or two other sentimental items. Don’t forget to share your
#usqpride with a hoodie or other USQ merchandise!

14. So there you have it, our 10 ultra-essential items for life abroad as
a USQ student. Don’t forget to share your experience with us on
social media. We love to see a phoenix abroad and it’s as easy as using
#usqinternational to show us what you’re getting up to!

15. Now that your bags are expertly packed, don’t forget to load up your
tech devices as well! Make sure your study abroad experience runs
smoothly with maps, translators, currency converters and safety
measures right at your fingertips.
Check out this guide to your must-have study abroad apps!
Bon Voyage!
CRICOS:QLD00244B,NSW02225M|TEQSA:PRV120816.2.C02.2017