Free Templates for Students
International Student Checklist (Before You Fly)
A quick list to make sure you’ve covered the essentials — documents, money, phone, and arrival plan—before you leave.
What’s inside? Exclusive insights into:
The importance of a “Before You Fly” checklist — and the exact tasks to finish before you leave home
How to set yourself up for a smooth landing using a printable or digital international student checklist (so you’re not scrambling in week 1)
Everything you need to prepare across documents, money, tech, health, and housing — from visa papers to SIM cards to arrival plans
Looking to make your first week less stressful? Here’s what you need to consider.
International Student Checklist (Before You Fly): Here’s What You Need to Know
Anyone who hasn’t moved countries for school might be surprised by how many tiny things can go wrong—and how fast they stack up. One missing document, one forgotten charger, one unclear check-in time… and suddenly your “exciting new chapter” starts with panic at the airport or stress in your first week.
That’s why international students learn quickly: preparation isn’t optional—it’s survival.
A simple Before You Fly checklist helps you streamline the chaos. It gives you a clear plan, removes last-minute guesswork, and makes sure you’re not relying on memory while packing at 2am.
It also helps you avoid the most common first-week problems:
forgetting key visa or enrollment documents
arriving with no internet and no idea how to reach your accommodation
missing orientation steps and scrambling to enroll
spending extra money because you didn’t plan essentials
This is why we’re cutting the noise and laying it out clearly. This International Student Checklist (Before You Fly) covers what you need to get done before departure—documents, money, tech, housing, health, and a calm arrival plan.
Set yourself up for a smoother first week (not just a successful flight)
A good flight is nice. But what you really want is a clean first 72 hours—where you can get from airport → accommodation → campus without feeling lost.
When you’re organized before you fly:
your arrival feels predictable
your first week feels lighter
you can focus on making friends, learning your city, and starting class strong
And even if you’re generally “good at figuring things out,” a checklist protects you from the most human thing ever: forgetting something important under pressure.
What your “Before You Fly” checklist should include
This checklist typically covers:
1) Must-have documents (carry-on only)
Passport, visa details, CoE/offer letter, insurance proof, accommodation confirmation, emergency contacts, academic records, medical letters.
2) Money and banking essentials
International card, local currency, budget for week 1, plan for opening a local bank account, rent/payment setup.
3) Phone + internet setup
Unlocked phone check, travel adapter, power bank, downloaded maps, SIM plan, key apps for transport and campus access.
4) Accommodation + arrival plan
Check-in instructions, key pickup, airport route plan, backup plan if you arrive late or your phone dies.
5) Packing essentials for the first 7–10 days
Weather-safe clothing, meds, toiletries, a “smart” outfit for orientation/events, and items you can’t easily replace quickly.
6) Uni and orientation setup
Orientation date saved, timetable/enrollment steps, student email access, required apps, 2FA ready.
After you download your checklist, explore these related resources
Your First 48 Hours as an International Student (arrival plan + what to do in order)
How to Find Affordable Accommodation Near Campus
What to Pack (Without Overpacking)
How to Open a Bank Account + Get a SIM Card Fast
How to Make Friends in Your First Month (Without Forcing It)
International Student Budget Plan (First 30 Days)
Common Mistakes International Students Make (and how to avoid them)
What should I do first before flying as an international student?
Start with the non-negotiables: passport validity, visa status/visa grant letter, your university documents (offer letter/CoE), and accommodation confirmation. Once those are locked in, move to money (cards + cash), phone/SIM plan, and your arrival route from the airport.
What documents should I keep in my carry-on?
Keep anything you’d panic about losing in checked luggage: passport, visa grant letter, CoE/offer letter, insurance proof, accommodation details, flight itinerary, emergency contacts, and any medical prescriptions/letters. Also keep digital backups on your phone and cloud storage.
Should I print my documents or keep them digital?
Do both. Digital is convenient, but printing key documents (especially visa, CoE/offer letter, accommodation address, and insurance) is a lifesaver if your phone dies, your internet isn’t working, or airport staff ask for a paper copy.
How much cash should I bring?
Enough to cover transport from the airport + food + small emergencies for at least the first day or two. You don’t need a huge amount, but you do want “no-stress money” in case your card doesn’t work instantly.
Do I need an international card before I arrive?
It’s strongly recommended. You’ll likely pay for things immediately (transport, groceries, SIM, deposits). Make sure your card is enabled for overseas transactions, and consider having a backup card just in case.
How do I make sure I have internet when I land?
Plan this before you fly: confirm your phone is unlocked, decide whether you’ll use an airport SIM, an eSIM, or roaming for the first day, and download offline maps. Internet is the difference between “smooth arrival” and “lost + stressed.”
What apps should I download before I leave?
At minimum: maps (offline), translation (offline pack), your airline app, your university portal app/LMS, rideshare or transport app, and email/2FA apps. If your city uses a transport card app, download that too.
What if my accommodation check-in is late, but my flight arrives early?
Have a backup plan: confirm if you can store luggage, use a nearby café/library, or book a short-term option for the first day. Also message your accommodation host/office ahead of time if you expect early arrival.
How early should I arrive before orientation starts?
If possible, give yourself at least 3–7 days before classes begin. That buffer helps you set up basics like SIM, bank account, transport card, student ID, and learning your route to campus—without rushing.
What should I pack for the first week?
Pack to survive the first 7–10 days comfortably: essentials clothes, one warm layer, comfortable shoes, toiletries, meds, chargers/adapters, and one “presentable” outfit for orientation or events. Don’t overpack—focus on what you’ll need immediately.
Can I bring my prescription medication overseas?
Usually yes, but rules vary. Bring meds in original packaging, carry a doctor’s letter/prescription, and keep it in your carry-on. If you’re unsure about local restrictions, check the official government or customs guidance for your destination.
How do I avoid overpacking?
Pack for the first 10 days, not for your entire degree. You can buy basics locally. Prioritize: documents, tech, health items, and a few reliable outfits. If it’s replaceable anywhere, don’t treat it like an emergency item.
What’s the most common mistake international students make before flying?
Underestimating how important arrival logistics are. People focus on packing clothes but forget: accommodation check-in details, airport route, internet plan, and document backups. Those things matter more in the first 24 hours than extra outfits.
What if I’m nervous about moving countries alone?
That’s normal. The goal of the checklist isn’t to make everything perfect—it’s to reduce avoidable stress. A simple plan for documents, arrival, and first-week setup gives you stability while you adjust.
Should I prepare anything academically before I go?
Yes: make sure you can access your student email, portal/LMS, and any required apps. Save orientation details, your timetable/enrollment steps, and any required course info so you’re not troubleshooting logins on day one.
Can I turn this checklist into something I can tick off easily?
Yes—copy it into Notes/Notion/Google Docs and add checkboxes, or print it and keep it with your travel documents. The best checklist is the one you actually use.
If you want, tell me your destination country + the month you’re flying, and I’ll tailor the FAQ to the most common arrival steps and documents for that location.
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