Semester Abroad Checklist

You need to think about many different things when studying abroad and, above all, you need to start planning early enough. This is especially true if you live and study outside the EU. Some tasks need to be taken care of a year before you leave, such as meeting the deadlines set by the foreign university or making financial arrangements. Waiting for important documents just before departure is not only a big stress factor, but also jeopardises your semester abroad. Many things require some lead time, especially if you have to deal with the authorities.

Our tip beforehand: Put together all the items that are important to you and that you need to think about now and shortly before your trip. With our checklist, you’ll get off to the perfect start for your semester abroad. This will help you keep track of everything and prevent your studies abroad from turning into chaos in the first place. This is guaranteed to make you look forward to your semester abroad adventure.

Before your trip begins, you need to make some preparations and organise important documents. Some of the following points should be addressed early on, because you have to take into account cancellation deadlines or waiting periods. You should also not neglect the documents for the foreign university. This includes the Learning Agreement for your Erasmus stay and perhaps language skills that you need to polish as an admission requirement. Universities also have an international office that helps students with their semester abroad. You can find a checklist for the time before your stay here:

– Organise a learning agreement with your host university

– Apply for funding opportunities such as scholarships or grants

– Check entry requirements

– Apply for a visa

– Check your passport and renew it if necessary

– Check your driving licence and driving permit on site

– Check and update vaccinations

– Make doctor’s appointments and stock up on important medicines

– Copy important documents or save them on a USB stick

– Take out or interrupt insurance for your studies abroad

– Rent out a flat or room

– Organise a house sitter if necessary

– Book local accommodation (e.g. in a MILESTONE student hall of residence)

– Book flight or train tickets for your journey to your host country

– Change money

– Read travel guides

– Make first contacts in forums and social networks

– Learn a language or attend a language course

– Check your mobile phone contract and book the necessary packages

– Cancel subscriptions and contracts (e.g. magazines or fitness studio)

– Keep your pets in a safe place

– Forwarding order: forwarding mail

– Throw a farewell party

The following travel documents are essential to have in your backpack before you leave. To be on the safe side, make a copy of important documents such as your passport and keep them in a separate place. These documents are the most important for your trip:

– Passport and identity card

– Visa

– Student ID (international, if applicable)

– Train or flight tickets

– Documents for your accommodation on site

– Proof of valid international health insurance

– Health insurance card

– Vaccination certificate

– Wallet

– Means of payment

– Driving licence

– Note with your most important mobile phone numbers and addresses

– Documents and books for your study abroad

– Travel guide

How do you pack a suitcase if you’re not just going away for a fortnight, but need to take along belongings for an entire semester? Our tip: Prioritise and write down the most important things. A list will help you decide what you absolutely need in your suitcase and what you can safely leave at home. Because space is very limited during a stay of several months. By making a list, you reduce the risk of forgetting something important at home. It also makes it easier for you to decide whether you really need a large suitcase or whether you should go for a trekking backpack.

When flying, you also have to consider the luggage limits and book additional luggage in advance if necessary. If you need to take a lot of material with you to the university abroad, for example books, you can send them in advance by post. If you are flying, stow important documents, underwear, a change of clothes, medication and a toothbrush in your hand luggage. That way, you’ll be prepared in case your suitcase gets lost.

Here is our list of luggage and suitcases:

– Hand luggage

– Suitcase or backpack as checked baggage

– Luggage tag

– Security lock for checked baggage

– Daypack or leisure bag for teaching events and local excursions

– Shoulder bag or fanny pack for important documents and cash

– Zip bag for liquids in hand luggage when travelling by air

– Laptop bag or protective sleeve

– Dry bag if necessary

You will be able to buy most personal hygiene products in your host country. However, this is not always the case and depends on the conditions in your host country. There are differences, for example, in the area of feminine hygiene. If you want to be on the safe side and don’t want to do without your favourite items, these should be added to your list right away. These include:

– Toothbrush and toothpaste

– Dental floss and mouthwash

– Contact lenses and accessories

– Earplugs

– Ear sticks

– Deodorant

– Brush and comb

– Hair ties and barrettes

– Soap, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner

– Hair gel or hair spray

– Perfumes

– Small amount of washing powder or curd soap

– Shaver and shaving foam or soap

– Cream and body lotion

– Toiletry bag

– Make-up, make-up remover and utensils for removing make-up

– Nail care set, nail varnish and remover

– Tweezers

– Tick tweezers

– Sun cream and after-sun lotion

– Feminine hygiene (tampons, pads, cup, …)

– Condoms or other contraceptives

Familiarise yourself with the climate and cultural conditions before you leave. If you are studying outside the EU, there will quickly be cultural differences in terms of clothing style. Freedom of movement is not welcome everywhere and you should stick to this.

Also, familiarise yourself with the leisure activities available in your host country. Even if you are visiting Portugal in winter and can look forward to many hours of sunshine, you must remember to bring a thick jacket. Otherwise, the following items should be on your list depending on the season and climate:

– Underwear and socks

– Everyday clothing such as tops, trousers and dresses

– Sleeping clothes

– Slippers and cosy clothes for home

– Outfits for going out and special occasions

– Belts and hats

– Shoes for everyday wear and hobbies

– Sportswear

Bikini or swimming costume or trunks

– Flip-flops

– Winter clothing such as a warm jacket, scarf, hat and gloves

– Rain jacket and functional underwear

Studying abroad is not a problem despite Corona, even if the pandemic does thwart some plans. But don’t get discouraged and stay optimistic. Find out about local policies and regulations regarding vaccination status and restrictions. You should also have the following items handy for your trip:

– Local valid vaccination certificate or proof of recovery.

– Local valid face mask

– Disinfectant

The items you actually need depend on your host country and your preferences. Still haven’t decided where to go? Then read our article on the best cities to study in. Get inspired and go on an adventure.