Packing

Packing can be a challenge! You will want to have as many comforts as you have at home, yet you can't bring everything with you! Remember, part of the reason you are going on an exchange is to experience a different way of life; therefore, you might have to make do with fewer things. When it comes to packing, it pays to remember that less is always more. Do a little research into the types of weather you might encounter in your host country. Also, try not to be a packing procrastinator! Packing for an exchange only a couple of hours before your flight is not a smart idea! Packing takes planning, and you will most likely pack and re-pack a number of times before you're satisfied!

Hand Luggage

With the recent tightening of airline security you must be careful what you pack in your carry-on luggage. Sharp items like razors and nail files and liquids are banned in carry-on luggage on most flights.

Minimal hand luggage is always advisable; however, here are a few necessities that will help make your travel more enjoyable:

• Passport

• Airline ticket

• Enough foreign currency to last you a few days

• An inventory list of the items in your checked luggage just in case your luggage goes missing and you need to make an insurance claim

• Copies of your birth certificate, front page of passport, visa, traveller's cheques, credit cards, driver's licenses, ATM cards etc just in case your wallet is stolen. Remember to keep these copies in a safe place, separate from where you keep your original documents

• A tooth brush, toothpaste and spare change of clothing and underwear as accidents can happen, flights can get delayed or even cancelled , leaving you without your luggage for some time

• Your acceptance letter from your host university, in case the Immigration officer wishes to sight it

• A phone card

• Address and contact details for your accommodation and the international department of your host institution

• Enough medication to last you for the duration of your exchange and also for the period between the end of your studies and when you return to Australia . Australian prescriptions will not be accepted in other countries and it may be difficult for you to obtain a new prescription in another country. The cost of purchasing your medication in another country could be extremely high, and if it is a previously diagnosed illness your health/travel insurance will most likely not cover it.

Packing all of these items in your hand luggage will make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable!

In Your Suitcase

You should look into the baggage limit on the airline(s) with which you will be travelling. This is especially important if you are taking an international flight followed by a domestic flight, as the baggage allowances will be different.

Not only will your airline have a baggage limit, but you may also have a space limit at your host institution. If you plan to travel either before or after your exchange, you probably won't want to lug around, or pay to store, all the stuff you've brought with you. Also you are most likely going to acquire new things while travelling, including souvenirs, clothes, gifts, etc. You will need some extra packing space in order to fit in these newly acquired items.

Try to find out what the weather will be like where you will be studying. This will allow you to have a better idea of the type of clothing you should take. Layering your clothing will allow you to keep warm if the temperature drops and will also allow you to take more items.

If you are travelling to a country with a cold climate, you should consider waiting to purchase winter items overseas, as clothing purchased in Australia may not necessarily be warm enough for that climate. It may also be cheaper to purchase items overseas.

A comfortable pair of walking shoes is essential . More than likely you will be racking up many kilometers exploring your host institution and country. Indoor thongs or slippers are always a good addition and come in very handy for protecting your feet when showering in youth hostels and communal bathrooms.

In addition to the regular necessities like underwear, clothes and shoes, you may also like to take a few photos of loved ones and of Australia . People that you meet during your exchange will want to know more about your life in Australia . Photos will also come in handy if you feel a little homesick.

You should also take copies of your birth certificate, front page of passport, visa, traveller's cheques, credit cards, driver's licenses; ATM cards etc just in case your wallet is lost of stolen during your exchange. It will be a lot easier to replace these items if you can provide copies of them.

It is a good idea to consider purchasing inexpensive items such as shampoo, soap and camera film upon arriving in your host country, rather than trying to pack them. Not only can shampoo leak into your luggage during transit, but leaving these non-essential items behind can save you valuable packing room!

Another alternative is to ship items to your host institution prior to your arrival - or get your parents to ship them to you once you arrive. However, you should consider price and the length of time it will take to reach its destination before you go putting anything in the mail.

Locking your Luggage

It is advisable for you to keep your luggage padlocked at all times as a deterrent for thieves and also as a way to protect yourself from having drugs or other illegal items being placed inside your luggage.

If you are traveling to the US , there are certain locks recognized by the Transport Security Administration (TSA). These locks have a dual keying system. One 'key' (either a physical key or a combination lock) belongs to you and the second key is a 'master' key that only the TSA has. This master key can open all locks in that series. This means the TSA can now easily unlock and relock your suitcase if it needs to inspect it. If a TSA official looks inside your bag they are required to leave a note before re-locking it. You will also know that your bag has been opened as each recognised lock also has an indicator that changes if the bag has been opened.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/locks.shtm