“Did I forget something?” says almost every international student who leaves their home for the airport. It is a question tinged with apprehension. Packing for college is a balancing act; you need to bring enough, but you also know you probably will live in a small room with roommates. Space matters—a lot.
As a recent “dorm-dweller” myself, I can honestly say you don’t want to overpack. While this list is generic, all colleges are different and provide specific amenities for dorm residents. So, before you get on the airplane, be sure to find out what your college provides and doesn’t provide you.
Things You (Probably) Won’t Need to Bring to College
Desk, Dresser, Desk Chair and Bed: Since these furniture pieces are very large, you wouldn’t be able to pack them in your suitcase anyway. Furniture items will likely be provided by student housing.
Garbage Can: While it’s a valid point that you will need a place to throw your garbage away, skip the trash can. Most dorms supply garbage cans. If not, it can be purchased inexpensively at a local store.
Dishes: Even I fell into the trap of thinking a few plates and bowls would be helpful, but these items went untouched all year. You will find plates and bowls at your dining hall…where they should remain.
Kitchen Gadgets: Most dorms have strict fire prevention guidelines that do not allow students to use hotplates, toasters, waffle makers, etc. Your dorm also may have a common kitchen area or microwave, so leave the kitchen gadgets at home.
Printer: Printers will be available all over campus, and especially at the library, where you’ll likely be able to print a certain amount each semester for free. Keep it at home.
Iron: Irons requires a bulky ironing board. That’s a waste of space! Bring a compact steamer to keep your clothing fresh and wrinkle-free.
Luggage (that doesn’t bend or fold): As an international student, you will be bringing luggage. Luggage that has a hard shell is a hard pass when you can substitute it for foldable canvases.
Duplicate Items: Coordinate with your roommate to see what they are bringing. If they are already bringing a coffee pot, you don’t need two. Send them a WhatsApp and start a conversation while you are at it.
Decoration: Self-expression is important but avoid bringing too much. Bring minimal decorations to avoid clutter. Pictures from back home are always a great choice and take up minimal packing space!
Books: Books are probably an important part of your bedroom at home, but they are a huge weight to your suitcase… In school, you’ll have plenty of assigned reading and you can always use the campus or public library for free!
Things You (Probably) Will Need
Fan: Dorms can get warm. One of the best ways to beat the heat—really the only way—is to turn on a fan. They are usually an inexpensive purchase at a local store.
Twin Bed Sheets and Bedding: Most dorm beds will supply a “Twin XL” mattress (a longer version of the traditional XL mattress.) You can pack sheets in your bag, but they are bulky. Go to a store to purchase new sheets when you arrive. Some universities supply students with these items, so double-check with your university before you purchase. If you have to purchase these yourself, your school might provide you with transportation to and from a local store!
Surge Protector: If you are a techie and will be plugging in a lot of different electronics, traditional extension cords won’t cut it. Most dorms require students to have surge protector extension cords because it abides by fire safety requirements. This is another item you can pick up at your local store!
Shower Shoes: Often in a dorm, everyone uses a communal shower. Protect your feet from fungus-like athletes’ foot and other ailments by purchasing a pair of shower shoes (also known as flip flops)—but still, remember to wash your feet! Shower shoes may be something you want to pack.
Shower Caddy and Toiletries: Some dorms have private bathrooms (if you are one of those individuals, we envy you). But if you are part of the majority who have communal bathrooms, be sure to purchase a shower caddy when you arrive, so you can easily carry your toiletries to the bathroom. While you are at it, purchase a towel and robe to dry off and wear to walk back to your room.
Laundry Bag: It may seem doable to carry your dirty laundry to the laundry room, but purchasing a bag or a basket will make your life much easier. Buy a laundry bag at the local store when you arrive.
Desk Lamp: Some dorm rooms have desks with built-in lamps. Find out if your school offers this. If not, buy an inexpensive one when you get here. Having a small lamp is great for late-night studying while your roommate is asleep.
Clothing: This may be self-explanatory, but it must be addressed, bring the right clothes! What you may not know is don’t bring them all. Make sure to plan for the different seasons and weather at your new school.
Clothes Hangers: Most dorm rooms have a closet. They probably do not have clothes hangers, however. Make sure you pick some up at the local store.
Water Bottle: Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!!! Drinking the recommended amount of water each day will help keep the doctor away; that means you should try to drink between an ounce to two ounces of water for each kilogram you weigh.
Medications: It is very important to bring all prescribed medications with you when you pack for college. While you will likely be able to obtain similar medication once you arrive, it could be more expensive or not available here.
Laptop and Other School Supplies: A laptop may not be required but is highly suggested. You can make it through college without a laptop, but it will make your life (and studying) substantially easier. Some schools will even have a brand-new laptop waiting for you!
Conclusion
Packing for college is stressful so don’t wait until the last minute! While the do’s and don’ts above are a helpful start, you are the only one who truly knows what you can and cannot live without. Here’s one final tip: If you are not sure what to bring, contact your school’s international office and ask them for recommendations!
Lounging on the couch to watch television is a dull way to spend the summer months. If you are an international student studying in the U.S. for the summer, there are countless opportunities for some fun in the sun. So, put down that TV remote, get off the couch, and learn how to avoid the summer bummers.
Baseball: The American Pastime
The sport of baseball is considered “America’s pastime” for good reason. Watching this sport is a summer passion for families across the nation. The crack of the bat, the cheering crowds, the sizzling hotdogs, and the ice-cold drinks make baseball a great way to spend a summer day or evening.
Baseball is America’s oldest game, starting in 1839. Today, two divisions of baseball exist: Major League Baseball (MLB) and Minor League Baseball (MILB). MLB is the top professional level, while MILB (and its various classifications) is the level below. Both leagues have teams in numerous cities across the country all with a full schedule of summer games. To attend and become a baseball fan yourself follow this link for MLB or this link for MILB. My tip for the best game day experience—wear a team jersey to the game, try a hotdog with everything on it, and enjoy the sights and sounds. “PLAY BALL!”
Attend A Local Fair
State and county fairs often occur in the summer and are one of the best ways to explore American culture as an international student.
What is a fair? In the 19th century, U.S. fairs were an event to share agricultural techniques and aid in spreading education. (Check out this interesting history of fairs link). While fairs today retain some educational value of the past, they mainly attract people with entertaining attractions including amusement rides, exhibits, car shows, etc.
Attractions at a fair often include:
- Fair food—Rarely seen other times of the year, these foods are uniquely American. Traditional fair foods include hot dogs, turkey legs, funnel cakes, cotton candy, and any food you can think of in a fried form. I recommend fried Oreos.
- Carnival games—Try your hand at various carnival games to win prizes such as stuffed animal toys. Time-honored game options include balloon darts, water shooting, milk bottle toss, and more.
- Amusement park rides—Thrill seekers can find a different assortment of rides at each fair, but a Ferris wheel is a classic option.
- 4-H Competition—Most fairs will feature young farmers and ranchers showcasing the livestock they have raised to earn competitive show titles for their animals. Each fair has specific events for different animal species; some even have pig races!
Follow this link to see fairs and festivals near you.
Visit A National Park
Why did you decide to study abroad? Was it to become more culturally aware? Travel? Learn? Visiting America’s National Parks can fulfill those goals and more. The National Parks are what many consider to be “America’s Best Idea.” Every year, these natural cathedrals attract millions of tourists to their breathtaking landscapes and awe-inspiring beauty.
The most popular parks include:
- Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona receives global recognition for its unique landscape and offers visitors a wide variety of sites. The park separates into three sections: The South Rim, North Rim, and Skywalk. Each area offers distinct attractions for park visitors.
- Yosemite National Park in California features a glacial valley framed by 4,000-foot granite mountains that include Half Dome and El Capitan. The views from Glacier Point are unforgettable. Other popular spots include Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite Falls, Wawona Tunnel View, and many others.
- Sequoia National Park in California is home to the largest trees on the planet. Due to preservation efforts, horseback or hiking is the best way to experience the majestic landscape this park has to offer. Visit this park to see the Giant Forest Museum, Crystal Cave, and Mineral King.
- Yellowstone National Park is located mainly in the northwest corner of Wyoming and is American’s first National Park. Geographic positioning above a supervolcano allows for hundreds of geysers and other natural phenomena to occur. Yellowstone is a hotspot (pun intended) for many activities from hiking, horseback riding, to watching bison and grizzly bears. Among the hundreds of attractions include Yellowstone Lake, Old Faithful geyser, and Grand Prismatic Spring.
Visit the National Park Service or the National Park Foundation website to see what parks are near you!
Experience Independence Day
July 4 is Independence Day, the biggest holiday of the summer. This patriotic day honors the 1776 Declaration of Independence of the American colonies from England and is considered the birthday of the nation. This holiday is a time Americans gather with friends and family to celebrate freedom. While this may not be a celebration of freedom for your home, don’t worry, you are encouraged to get involved with the celebration!
Check out these common ways to celebrate Independence Day:
- Fireworks—Independence Day is not a “quietly observed” national holiday. It’s explosive, literally, with fireworks! Beautiful displays light up the sky the preceding week of the holiday. Go with college friends and watch a local firework display. If you want to shoot fireworks yourself, be sure to check your local firework laws and review firework safety guidelines first.
- Barbecue—Many Americans host a barbecue cookout for friends and family to enjoy on Independence Day. A typical July Fourth barbecue offers hamburgers or hotdogs with various sides including fruit, chips, and many desserts. As a guest at a barbecue, be sure to prepare an appetizer to share at the party. These foods are a great option, click the link here for fun patriotic recipes.
Get Up and Go!
Instead of camping on the couch, optimize the time you have left as an international student. Ten years from now, you probably will not recall a movie you watched, but you will remember an action-packed getaway during the summer you learned about American culture and history. Get up and take advantage of the opportunity for adventure in this expansive country. As you walk across the fairgrounds with a funnel cake in one hand and carnival game prize in the other, you’ll be glad you read this blog.
Taking the first steps to study abroad in another country is understandably both exciting and a little bit scary. But studying in another country will not only help you exceed academically, it will also open new perspectives that you would have never known about.
5 Important Things to Remember if You are Planning to Study Abroad this Summer
If you are considering studying abroad this summer, there are some important things to keep in mind—outside of how many pairs of shorts to bring.
1. The Expense of Study Abroad
We are going to get right to it; you are probably stressing about how much money to take this summer. The expenses you can expect can be affected by a variety of factors, some of which are:
- The school you choose to go to
- Which program you select at that school
- How much additional support is offered at your chosen school
- Exchange rates
- Travel costs
- Cost of living in the area you are considering
In many cases, it can be quite affordable to study outside of the country with the possibility of financial support being available to you. This varies from school to school, but many institutions offer special rates for students applying through joint programs with schools in other countries.
Knowing your options and creating a plan that will best suit your needs will prepare you for how expensive it will be while you are studying abroad this summer. Remember, you can always contact your student advisor to receive more information about the financial programs available to you.
2. Do I Need a Student Visa?
Having a student visa depends on the country you’ll be studying in and how long you will be studying there. Some countries have agreements with the United States to allow you study without a visa if your stay is under the stated amount of time. Other countries will require you to apply for a student visa, while others need proof of adequate health and travel insurance. For more information about the student visa process, click here.
3. You Should Have the Right Health Insurance
Having medical insurance is likely not something you are thinking about when traveling to another country this summer, but it is imperative to have while you are away. Here is why:
An Unexpected Accident or Sickness Could Occur
If you are studying abroad for an extended amount of time, there is a chance that you could get sick with the flu or experience an unexpected injury. Life is unpredictable, and accidents happen. You could injure yourself while you are away or get sick from food. If this happens, you want to make sure that you will get the treatment you need so that you can continue your education in full health.
You Might Have to Pay Expensive Medical Bills Out of Pocket
If something unfortunate does happen to you while you are away and you are uninsured, you could be left with an expensive medical bill. Contrary to popular belief, healthcare in other countries is not always 100 percent free. You can’t just walk into any healthcare facility with zero worries about how much treatment will cost. Having the right insurance can ensure that you won’t end up with a large medical bill.
Study Abroad Health Insurance is Easy to Obtain
Getting health insurance might seem like a burden, but applying for study abroad health insurance is quick and easy. Doing that paperwork now will save you a lot of headaches in the long run if an emergency does happen.
4. Know the Cultural Intricacies of Where You Will Be Studying
It is essential to familiarize yourself on the cultural differences of the country you will be studying in. For example, in a lot of other countries, the practice of tipping your servers or bartenders is considered rude.
If you don’t understand these differences, you may find yourself feeling embarrassed or worse. Some things that are not considered a big deal in the U.S. could be illegal in other countries and result in fines or imprisonment. A little research goes a long way when it comes to knowing the ins and outs of the culture you will be traveling to.
5. Safety (Finding Embassies and Knowing Places to Avoid)
You should always be aware of your surroundings and do your research, so you know what areas are unsafe in the country you will be staying in. Your health and safety are the two most important things to prioritize while you are studying abroad.
If you do find yourself in trouble, your first point of contact will likely be your home school’s study abroad coordinator or international student advisor. However, if a serious emergency occurs, you should go straight to your country’s embassy. Make sure you know the number and address of your embassy’s location before you leave your home country.
At LewerMark, we understand your unique needs as a student studying abroad. That’s why we’ve designed every LewerMark Study Abroad Plan you in mind. We partner with trained multilingual and medical personnel available to advise and assist, quickly and professionally if you are experiencing a medical emergency or need medical treatment.
If your school does not provide study abroad health insurance plans to you before you go to study abroad, click here to learn more about LewerMark’s study abroad health insurance plans.