Most programs will provide packing suggestions relevant to that particular program. Use the following lists as basic guidelines and pick and choose what is essential for you. The obvious things (e.g., underwear, shirts, toothbrush, etc.) are not listed. Be sure to consult the specific information provided for your program, as well as recommendations from former participants.

The best and most ignored advice is to TRAVEL LIGHT. You will hear this over and over again and for good reason. Do not bring more luggage than you can comfortably carry and/or roll by yourself. You may find yourself having to walk long distances with your bags or up multiple staircases with no elevators or escalators. Any items that could be considered a weapon (e.g., scissors, Swiss Army knives, etc.) should not be packed in your carry-on luggage but placed in your checked luggage. Be mindful of airline liquid restrictions for carry-on bags. You should bring important medications and documents in your carry-on luggage.

Baggage allowances may differ for international flights to and from the U.S. and flights between and within other countries. Rules also vary from airline to airline. Do not make assumptions based on previous travels or advice from friends and/or family. Always check with your airline for carry-on and checked baggage regulations and fees.

Lost Document Kit

Each semester we get reports of students abroad misplacing their important documents or having them stolen (through burglary, pickpocketing or mugging). Losing a passport and other documents can be a major headache; to reduce the hassle, we suggest that you take with you two U.S. – produced passport photos, a certified copy of the face page of your passport (which you can shrink to wallet size). Keep these items separate from your actual passport, and leave a copy with your parents or trusted friend at home. You should also have two sets of photocopies of other important documents such as your USC ID card, driver’s license, and your credit, ATM and insurance cards; leave one set with your parents or trusted friend, and keep one set in your homestay or dorm separate from the actual documents.

Sample Packing Lists

Important Documents (not a complete list)

  • Passport, visa and photocopies
  • Airline tickets (incl. e-ticket confirmations and receipts)
  • International SOS card
  • Emergency information card
  • International Student ID card (ISIC Card)
  • Driver’s license (with photocopy)
  • Credit cards, ATM cards (and copies of both sides)
  • Prescription for contact lenses/glasses
  • Prescriptions for medications (if any)
  • Overseas Studies Handbook

Medicine and Toiletries (not a complete list)

  • Prescription medicine (carry a copy of the prescription too); and keep medication in the           original bottle/container it came in. Don’t mix pills in one bottle.
  • Soap and shampoo (just enough to start with, then you can buy locally)
  • First aid kit (small)
  • Contraceptives/condoms
  • Tampons/pads, enough for the first month.  Tampons may be hard to find in some countries
  • Extra eyeglasses
  • Extra contact lenses and solution
  • Hand Sanitizer (small 1 oz. bottle)

Clothing (not a complete list)

  • Sturdy rainproof walking shoes
  • Flip-flops (good for showering in hostels)
  • Shorts (may not be appropriate in certain cultures)
  • Sweater/sweatshirt
  • Wind and rain gear
  • Swimwear
  • 1-2 nice outfits
  • Winter coat, gloves, scarf, hat (depending on location). You can always buy clothes there!

Gift Suggestions (for students staying in homestays)

  • Clothing and items with University logo
  • Cookbooks with American recipes
  • Coffee table photo books from your region of the U.S.
  • Baseball caps
  • Calendars with U.S. scenery
  • US-style paraphernalia (Disney, Warner Bros., NBA)
  • Handmade crafts or jewelry
  • Photos of friends and family to share (NOT a gift, but good conversation starter)

Miscellaneous (not a complete list)

  • Swiss Army knife (very useful when backpacking) [Pack in checked luggage]
  • Address book and journal
  • Books, guides, maps
  • Day backpack
  • Heavy duty Ziplock bags
  • Sewing kit
  • Luggage lock and tags
  • Battery powered alarm clock
  • Towel and Washcloth
  • Money belt/pouch
  • Chargers

Choose sturdy luggage that will stand up to rough treatment. A backpack is extremely handy if you plan to travel before or after your program. Make sure that your luggage is clearly labeled so you can recognize it easily and you have included your address on a luggage tag or inside. After you have packed everything, try carrying all of your luggage. Also be aware of airline fees for checked baggage.

For advice on packing light: https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/packing-light

Computers

Students staying in homestays are often not allowed to connect their laptops to the family’s home line for Internet/e-mail connection. Some homestays and dorms do not have internet connections. If you are considering taking a laptop/notebook computer with you, we strongly suggest you do the following:

  • Find out what kind of computer access is available at your study site overseas
  • Find out if what kind of plugs are used and get the right plug adapter. If your computer does not automatically convert voltage, you will need to purchase a voltage converter.
  • Remember to consider security and storage (especially if you will be traveling after the program ends)
  • Check to see if your computer is covered under insurance policies you or your parents may have, such as homeowner’s insurance.

You can access USC’s online resources (such as email, OASIS, and the library) through USC’s intranet by using VPN (Virtual Private Network) which allows you student access to all resources while you are off-site. Log-on using the instructions at vpn.usc.edu.  This is especially useful if you are going to a country where the government is known to block sites such as Facebook and Twitter.