Checklist for Indian Students Going Abroad

Shifting to a new country to study for some years is a difficult task, and it no doubt requires extra planning. Many Indian students who go to study abroad may be travelling out of India for the first time. Even those who have travelled abroad before may find the task of preparing to live abroad for two to four years very difficult. There are a couple of things to take care of like a list of essential things to carry to USA, Canada, Australia, UK or any other country for international students. Then the student visa requirements, plus what all arrangements need to be made before flying to the foreign country and lastly how to manage expenses.

To make things easier for everyone we at Shiksha.com have compiled a detailed pre-departure checklist for international students flying out of their home country for the very first time. This international student checklist aims to make students understand the basics of what and how of studying abroad as an international student flawlessly. Read on for an answer to all your queries. 

Checklist for International Students

We have divided the international student checklist into three headers, namely, Preparing to come to University, Before you leave and When you arrive at University for the ease of understanding. Read on for more details:

Preparing to come to University

• Make sure you have a valid passport – It should be valid for an additional six months after your course finishes.
• Satisfy conditions of the offer (if applicable) – Your college might ask you to provide official transcripts, language exam scores etc.
• Obtain a student visa – You should apply for a visa at least two months before the day you are supposed to fly out.
• Finalize and book a type of accommodation – Choose from living on-campus, rented apartment or room, or family-stay.
• Book place on Airport Collection service – You can arrange for the University to pick you up from the airport if you have chosen to live on campus.
• Have medical examination and vaccinations (if applicable) – Some countries require all long-term visitors to get certain vaccinations or a medical examination before entering the country. Check the entry requirements page of the country’s immigration website if it is required in your case or not.
• Arrange travel insurance (optional)
• Book a student mentor program – If you feel you’ll need a mentor to help you adjust to the new life, you can enrol for various student-mentor programs by the student council.
• Read the preparation emails sent by the university – They will include guides and checklists to help you prepare for the journey.
• Plan your budget
• Activate student account on the university website
• Apply for an ID card – You may have to email the admission department with your Name, Student number, and Photo to get an ID card made.
• Research your Fresher’s Week or Orientation program of events and sessions

Before you leave

• Buy currency
• Pay the tuition fee deposit
• Pay accommodation deposit
• Shop for appropriate clothes, utensils etc. which may not be easily available abroad
• Pack your luggage appropriately
• Prepare the documents needed for international student clearance at the university

When you arrive at University

• Call your family to confirm that you have arrived
• Get international student clearance from the university
• Register with the local police (if required)
• Collect your ID card
• Complete online registration on the student portal website
• Open a bank account with a local bank which has a branch on-campus
• Register with a doctor/health centre
• Attend academic induction session at your college
• Attend international sessions during the orientation week

More related articles about Study Abroad Checklists

Pre-departure checklist for students going to the US

Checklist before going to study in Europe