leaving in 24h: how to pack like an international student
I'm an international student ever since summer 2023. after nearly 2 years of doing a ton of international travelling and having survived this hell hole called the airport, I've evolved to be this breed of a smart packer. whether you're an overpacker or an coming-of-age/rising international student yourself, this post may offer some realistic packing tips to help you to cope with. let's dive right into it.
what you bring with you during travelling depends largely on your personality and the purpose of your trip. I like reading, writing, and taking photos, so my camera, notebook, and books will be important to me. however, sometimes I travel without my camera or any kind of books at all to get a creative rest, and just to experience things first-hand with my senses and without the pressure to create anything, really.
the sections below are divided into travelling and moving.
24 things to bring when you're leaving in 24 hours
* = emergency/just in case items (I don't really use them)
survival (5)
- wallet (money + ID)
- passport + I-20
- pocket book
- journal + pen
- emergency contacts
- airpods
- phone + charger (+USB)
- camera + charger (+adaptor)
- eye mask + eye drops
- toothbrush + case + toothpaste
- skincare
- paracetamol*
- melatonin*
- face masks*
- wet wipes*
- menstrual pads*
- shirts
- pants
- pyjamas
- coats
- bras
- underwears
- socks / flip flops
- plastic bag
throughout the years, my agenda has changed from trying to be productive to maximizing your comfort. this comes down to (1) being able to sleep and (2) feeling clean and alive. airpods and stuff in the comfort section helps me achieve these goals.
you can turn a recreational trip into a work trip by simply adding a laptop. cancún trip was the first time I travel without my laptop, and it was very freeing. you don't have to worry about pulling that out of your bag during security, and you'll also be more detached from work on the trip.
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| I don't bring tarot with me on trips, but in case you're meeting new people, bringing cards like tarots or flags of different countries could help a lot with icebreaking. pins and yellow star balm were for decorating, I didn't bring them lol |
101 things to bring/buy when you're moving (everything in backpack travelling and 77 things more)
BACKPACK / SUITCASE
tech (2)
- laptop + charger
- power strip
- shower gel
- shampoo gel
- face wash
- anti acne gel
- serum
- lip mosturizer
- 100ml bottles
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| throw back to this one time when I had to stay in korea overnight as I missed the last flight due to emergency landing on the previous flight. bringging skincare shit really helps you feel much alive no matter what happens. not every delay is as nice as this, though, getting stranded in texas airports is not this. |
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| I think it was that moment in that hotel room when it really hit me that solo travelling can be so freeing and awesome. I enjoy my company, and I've learned so much about myself during that trip. |
CHECKED BAG
* = emergency/just in case items (I don't really use them)
† = put in checked bag / just have it at both locations so you won't have to travel with it
medicines (15)*
- pill pouches
- tylenol / ibuprofen (stomache, headache, temperature)
- cold
- cough
- diarrhea
- worm
- antibiotics
- condoms
- contraceptives (daily + emergency)
- salonpas
- urgo
- povidone iodine
- balm
- vitamin c
- vitamin e
- black liquid click pens (I like sharpies and pilot)
- eraser
- pencil
- pencil sharpener
- pencil case
- ruler
- highlighter
- glue
- scissors†
- casio calculator
- graphic calculator + charger
- folers
- envelope
- swimsuit + goggles
- towels
- sunglasses
- sneakers
- deptoongmaucam
- winter boots
LIVING ESSENTIALS
laundry (9)
- hulken bag
- laundry detergent
- laundry nets
- hangers
- sheets
- blanket
- bolster
- pillow
- pillowcases
- plates
- bowls
- silverware
- ricecooker
- mini fridge
- hot water boiler
- raw food container
- cooked food container
- lunch box
- dish detergent
hygiene + decor (12)
- trash can
- shower caddy
- clorox wipes
- umbrella
- picnic mat
- thumbtacks
- fairy lights
- sunset lamp
- lava lamp
- peppermint oil
- door stopper
- space heater
organizers (3)
- medicine containers
- quart bags
- moving bags/carton boxes
other tips
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| I usually have a little green bag, where all of my wallet, passport, book, journal, camera, airpods and phone goes into. it's super helpful for clearing security and taking photos. this contains my most important things, although I like keeping the passport elsewhere once I'm outside of the airport. |
- if you really really want to bring water through tsa, freeze it, it'll pass through security as it's a solid
- for things like scissors, just have it at both home and destination so you won't have to bring it with (or just buy it then)
- do not pack what you wouldn't do on a daily basis. if you don't compose poems or embroider or crochet normally, chances are you wouldn't do it on a 12-hour long flight either. I spent my freshman year shipping my art and embroidery supplies back and forth as I never really used it in the academic year or over break. figure out the kind of art you do often and stick to it.
- choose hotels with laundry service so you don't have to pack a ton of clothes (or having to do laundry when you get back)
- or just go to a nearby laundromat to do it if it's cheaper
- if packing clothes gives you a lot of brainfuck, maybe it's time to simplify your wardrobe. I mostly wear black on a daily basis, and the only non-black clothes that I keep are those that I really like, so I'd always wear them given a chance
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