Heading Abroad to Study? Here’s a Calm, Clear Checklist That Covers It All
From passports to packing and emotional prep—what every Indian student should know before flying out

Every summer, there’s this familiar buzz—students in every corner of India hunching over checklists, hoarding travel-sized shampoo bottles, staring at visa trackers like their lives depend on it. For thousands heading abroad this fall, the packing is just one piece of the puzzle. The bigger picture? Way more complicated.
Studying overseas sounds like a dream. It is. But it’s also a logistical marathon that starts months before you even step on a plane.
Your Documents Are Everything. Seriously.
Ask anyone who’s done this before: your passport is your most sacred object. It has to be valid for at least six more months. No, not five and a half—six. One student headed to Toronto earlier this year had to rebook his flight after an immigration officer flagged a nearly-expired passport. Don’t be that guy.
And don’t just carry one copy. Do what NDTV and pretty much every seasoned traveler says—keep scanned versions in your email, stash printed copies in separate bags, and maybe even share a digital folder with someone back home.
That’s just the beginning. You’ll also need your student visa, admission letter, and a stack of academic records. If you think it’s overkill to pack your birth certificate or vaccination record, think again. Some universities won’t let you register without them.
Oh, and proof of accommodation—even if it’s just a temporary Airbnb—and health insurance paperwork. Border agents love asking for these at random. Fun!
Your Budget Is a Living, Breathing Thing
No matter how good you are with Excel, your budget abroad will never go exactly as planned. That’s just the truth. Food will be more expensive than you thought. Your bank might charge absurd foreign transaction fees. And if you’re in a city like London or Sydney, that “cheap” metro ride starts adding up real quick.
The folks at ISEP Study Abroad recommend mapping out not just big expenses like tuition or rent, but also the smaller stuff—snacks, laundry, emergency cab rides. Trust us, those eat into your monthly allowance fast.
Also, tell your bank you’re leaving. Some Indian cards get flagged overseas, and that’s a headache you don’t want when you’re trying to buy groceries at 10 PM in a new country.
And don’t forget: for your visa interview, you might need bank statements or proof of financial support. That part isn’t optional.
Accommodation Isn’t Just About the Rent
Let’s be honest, half the stress of studying abroad is figuring out where the hell you’re going to live. Dorms? Too expensive. Shared flats? Great—if you don’t mind the occasional mysterious fridge smell.
But here’s the deal: book something before you fly. Even if it’s temporary. NDTV’s guide on this is clear—walking off a long-haul flight into a city you’ve never been to, with no place to stay, is a recipe for panic.
Also: read your lease agreement. Are utilities included? What’s the security deposit? Is there a creepy clause that says you can’t have guests over? You don’t want surprises later.
One former student in Melbourne learned the hard way when his landlord locked him out over a rent dispute that came down to who pays for the Wi-Fi. No joke.
Don’t Pack Like You’re Moving Forever
There’s a weird urge to bring your whole life with you. Don’t. Your future self will hate dragging 40 kilos of luggage up unfamiliar stairs.
IES Abroad lays it out nicely—bring the essentials: meds, travel adapters, a couple of versatile outfits, a sturdy pair of shoes, and yes, a first-aid kit. Everything else? You can find there.
That includes things like toothpaste, shampoo, even bedsheets. Unless you’re very particular (which, fair), just buy them locally.
And here’s a pro tip: throw in a few small gifts from home. Nothing fancy. Just a little something in case you’re staying with a host family or want to thank someone who helps you out early on. Cultural goodwill goes a long way.
The Final Week Is Pure Chaos—Plan for It
If your suitcase is packed and you think you’re done, you’re not. The last seven days before departure are when most people remember they haven’t booked a dental check-up or realized they’re missing a vaccine their host country requires.
Medical clearances, standardized test scores, emergency contacts—get all of it sorted before that week hits. And please, tell your family your full itinerary. Someone should know where you’re landing and when.
Registering with the local Indian embassy in your destination country is smart too. Worst case scenario, they can help. Best case, they’ll just ignore you until Diwali invites go out.
Also, do some digging on how your new city works. Alyssa Owens’ travel blog points out that knowing the basics—public transport, banking hours, what stores are open on Sundays—can make your first month feel a lot less like a slow-motion panic attack.
This Isn’t Just a Checklist. It’s Your Launchpad.
Here’s the thing: yes, all of this sounds overwhelming. Because it kind of is. But every task you tick off now gives you that much more room to breathe when you finally land.
You won’t regret planning too much. You’ll only regret scrambling when it’s too late.
So grab that folder, double-check your passport, and take a deep breath. You’ve got a life-changing chapter ahead—and this checklist? It’s your first big win.
Stay informed with Hindustan Herald—your go-to source for Politics, Business, Sports, Entertainment, Lifestyle & more.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and join our Telegram channel @hindustanherald
Vivek Kushwaha is a Civil Engineering graduate and seasoned content creator with expertise in education, SEO, and digital media. With a proven track record in cracking government exams and producing 600+ educational videos, he empowers students and professionals with practical insights, career guidance, and exam-ready strategies.