Studying abroad is often described as a life-changing experience — for most of us students, it’s our first taste of adult life; flying solo, living alone, and navigating a foreign environment.

However, my recent overseas exchange programme taught me that it’s not all smooth sailing. Between sorting out visa applications and securing my accommodation, there are countless ways things could go awry. If you’re preparing to relocate for your studies and are feeling overwhelmed, here’s my list of 10 essentials you shouldn’t forget before you embark on your study abroad adventure.

1. Important Documents

Let’s start with the basics—your visa and other essential paperwork. Depending on your destination and purpose (work, study, residency), you may need to secure different types of documentation.

Here’s a checklist of key documents to prepare:

• Passport (with at least one-year validity, so you don’t have to scramble to the nearest embassy while overseas!)
• Visa approval and any supporting documentation
• Copies of your personal IDs
• Medical records and vaccination certificates (especially if required by your destination)
• Proof of accommodation (lease agreement, hotel booking)
• Employment or school acceptance letters
• International driver’s license (if you plan to drive)

It’s wise to keep both physical copies and digital backups of these documents. Store scanned copies on a secure cloud service (like Google Drive) for easy access in case you lose the physical copies.

2. Local SIM Card or eSIM

One of the first things you’ll want to do when you land is set up your phone for local use. This is a must-have for student exchanges, especially since you’ll likely be staying for at least three months. Many international plans are expensive, so getting a local SIM card is usually a more affordable option. You could opt for an eSIM too, for quicker activation.

Before you move, research local carriers for prepaid plans and check if your exchange school has any recommended providers or offers discounted plans for international students — my school did, and it was a huge help.

Having a local phone number is also essential for accessing everyday services like food delivery, online shopping, and even certain local apps. Plus, if you plan to travel to nearby countries, check which regions your data works for—I found a plan that covered the entire European region, which made exploring different countries much more convenient.

3. Travel Insurance

No one likes to think about worst-case scenarios, but insurance is one of those things you don’t want to regret skipping. From lost belongings to medical emergencies, unexpected costs can add up fast when you’re in a foreign country.

Often times, the university has insurance arrangements for students on their exchange programme, but you’ll need to check what it covers. While it may seem to cover everything, it might not actually fit all your needs. For instance, if you plan to explore nearby countries before your exchange or stay on after the semester ends (which many students do to make the most of their time abroad) these extended periods may fall outside your university’s coverage. Similarly, if you and your parents are considering a pre-study abroad visit to check out the place before the big move, or if you plan to travel together afterward, you may need additional travel insurance coverage¹.

An issue I encountered while overseas was transit flight delays. In regions like Europe where connecting flights are common, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve missed a connecting flight due to flight delays. Thankfully, Singlife’s Travel Insurance covered for this.

Singlife’s Travel Insurance gives you coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, travel delays and more! So you can explore with peace of mind.  

4. First Aid Kit & Medications

Accessing familiar medication abroad isn’t always easy. Bringing a small first aid kit and essential medications ensures you’re prepared for common health issues, such as:

• Prescription medications (with a copy of the prescription)
• Pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, paracetamol)
• Allergy medicine
• Band-aids and antiseptic wipes
• Cold and flu medicine

If you take prescription medication, check local regulations to ensure your medicine is allowed in your destination country.

While I was fortunate that my university had a campus clinic, it often had long queues if you needed a same-day appointment, and it could be difficult to schedule one in advance. Plus, the medical bills could get unnecessarily expensive. When I felt too sick to even get out of bed, having my own medication on hand was a lifesaver.

Of course, if you experience unusual or severe symptoms, it’s always best to seek medical attention rather than self-medicate. I also kept a list of the nearest hospital/clinic on my fridge for emergencies—just in case.

5. Global Adaptor

I did my exchange semester in the UK, where I needed type G plugs (three-pin plugs, same as Singapore), but when I travelled around Europe, most power sockets required Type C plugs (the kind with two round prongs). To save yourself the hassle of keeping up with all these plug requirements, just bring a universal travel adaptor.

Make sure to get one with multiple USB and USB-C ports to charge several devices at once; this came in very handy when I stayed in hostels where there was often only one socket available.

6. Reusable Totes

During my first week abroad, I quickly found out that plastic bags weren’t available at my local supermarket – not even for purchase. It was a humbling experience for my friends and I as we made the ten-minute walk home balancing milk cartons and eggs in our arms.

This is a common practice across Europe, so reusable tote bags will quickly become your best friend for grocery runs and daily errands. Bring a mix of durable, foldable totes, and a waterproof one for rainy days!

7. Rice Cooker

I grew up in a household where rice was a staple for every meal, so a rice cooker was a non-negotiable for me. But even if you don’t eat rice often, it’s surprisingly versatile; you can use it to whip up some instant noodles, steam vegetables, or make porridge. It’s good for when you miss the comfort of home-cooked meals, and can save you money on takeout or eating out.

You can easily find a small, travel-friendly one for cheap online, and sell it off when the semester ends, instead of lugging it back (that’s what I did!).

8. Cabin-Sized Duffel Bag

You’re bound to take short trips during your time abroad, and budget airlines often have strict policies for carry-on bags. You don’t want to get caught at the boarding gate and have to pay for oversized baggage, so remember to check the dimension requirements!

Look for a bag that’s lightweight, durable, and folds up compactly when not in use. It’ll also come in handy for all your overflowing items when you’re travelling home, so if possible, choose a design with a trolley sleeve so it can attach easily to your rolling suitcase.

9. Hair Dryer

In the UK, the cold and damp climate meant air-drying my hair took forever, so I found having my hair dryer a lifesaver. My clothes would also take ages to dry, and having a hair dryer helped speed things up. I even used it to dry my sneakers after a rainy day!

Different countries operate on different electrical standards, meaning a regular hair dryer from home might not work, or worse, could blow a fuse. To avoid that hassle, invest in a dual-voltage, travel-friendly hair dryer that works in multiple regions.

10. Portable Power Bank

Navigating a new country often means pulling up Google Maps every few steps to find your way or using translation apps to decode restaurant menus. With all that screen time, your phone battery will drain fast, and the last thing you want is to be stranded with a dead battery in an unfamiliar city. And if you plan to travel frequently, you’ll probably find yourself doing schoolwork on the go — like I did on long train rides — so investing in a high-capacity power bank is a must-have. Choose one with at least 10,000mAh capacity, which is enough to charge your phone two or three times. Trust me, it’s a small gadget that’ll make a big difference.

Final Thoughts

Studying abroad is a thrilling adventure, but preparation is key to a smooth transition. Beyond the obvious essentials, these 10 practical items can make daily life easier, helping you feel at home in a foreign place. So, as you prepare for your next big move, don’t forget to double-check your packing list!

¹Coverage is limited to a round trip outside Singapore during the period of insurance between the date of departure from Singapore to the date of arrival in Singapore. Please note that the policy must be purchased before you leave Singapore on your trip.