Spending A Semester Abroad In America? Here’s What To Pack
As with any extended trip, it’s important to properly prepare yourself with enough luggage to last the duration of your time away from home. For university students, it can be tricky to know exactly what you will need for the entire time you will be studying abroad. To help you cut down on clutter and pack only the essential items, here are some helpful tips on how to pack for a semester abroad in the United States.
General packing tips
To begin planning for your trip, make a list of everything you think you will need during your time in the U.S. Next, remove the items from the list that you will be able to purchase once enter the United States. While it’s smart to be prepared for everything, you won’t want to lug around unnecessary items during your stay.
Clothing
Most university students dress in a casual manner when attending classes or walking around campus. With a majority of people donning jeans, t-shirts and hooded sweatshirts, don’t worry about dressing to impress on the first day of courses. Additionally, look into the weather habits of the region where you are studying to properly prepare for any excessive rain or snow while you are there.
Electronic devices
Since most electrical outlets differ from country to country, look into bringing both a power adapter and a converter with you on your travels to America. Converters will change the electrical voltage for safe use, while a power adapter will allow you to plug the devices from your country into American outlets. These helpful tools can prolong the life of your electronic devices and will prevent you from blowing a fuse in your room.
Medicine
To ensure your medications make it safely with you to your final destination, have a doctor sign off on a list of all the prescriptions you currently take. This will reduce the risk of having to explain why you have drugs in your bag to TSA officers. Additionally, make sure to bring extra medications and replacements for important items like eyeglasses and contact lenses. It also couldn’t hurt having a copy of your eyeglasses prescription in case of emergency.
By taking the time to detail exactly what you need when studying abroad in the United States, you will be properly prepared for just about anything during your time at university. For more information on travel medical insurance, contact Insurance Services of America today at (800) 647-4589.