About 6.8 million students are studying abroad today. That number has tripled since 2000. For many students, moving logistics can turn a memorable experience into a nightmare.
While you probably don’t own as many belongings compared to a whole family, moving is universally acknowledged to be a significant point of stress. With the right plan and support however, your move can be hassle free. For over 60 years, we’ve assisted thousands of students with their relocation needs. This guide is designed to help you on your moving journey.
1: Plan early
Start planning as early as you can and don’t wait until the last minute to get organized! As soon as you confirm your study plans, make a timeline of key tasks and be sure to book your flights in advance. This might all seem basic, but you’ll likely have so many tasks to manage that the basics can be forgotten.
Check your airline’s baggage allowance so you know how much you can bring. Knowing what you can fit into that “23kg allowance” ensures you don’t get caught out with pricey baggage charges, this might be mi a recurring topic when moving, but an expensive one to get wrong.
Secure your accommodation early and double-check what’s included in your room or, if you’re living off campus, your home, so you’ll know what items to prioritize.
The next step is critical: your finances. Make sure your student loan or funding is in place and whatever funding you have is aware you’re going to be overseas.
Banks like HSBC offer easy ways of extending support to overseas students with an existing current account. Carry some local currency for your first few days to cover immediate expenses. Accustom yourself in advance to any differences in how payments are made, for example, are cards or online payments widely accepted or not as commonly used?).
And remember, some university moving checklists provide helpful guidance for this even if they aren’t geared towards international movers. There’s no better help than from those who have done this before!
2: Get documents and visas in order
Tackle paperwork early. Check that your passport will be valid for your entire stay and apply for your student visa as soon as possible and don’t forget, some visas can take weeks or even months to process. Keep all important documents together and make backup copies of each. For example, save copies of your passport, visa, and acceptance letter digitally and on paper. Carry the originals in your hand luggage for easy access during travel.
Also, handle any remaining finance or health tasks before you leave. If you need a local bank account, set it up ahead of time, HSBC, for example has partnered directly with us for this purpose. Ensure you have any required medical documents and insurance information. Pack any prescription medications you need and keep them along with a copy of the prescription in your carry-on bag. Taking care of these details before you leave will save you headaches later.
3: Travel light
If you’re going to take anything from this guide, take this: focus on the essentials. As we’ve discussed, airlines limit baggage (often to one or two suitcases), so pack light and resist the urge to take your whole wardrobe. You can buy most items when you arrive, especially bulky things like bedding or kitchenware. It’s always wise to bring a few personal comforts from home. though (think snacks you might not be able to get in your new home, or anything else).
For everything you leave behind, decide whether to store, sell, or donate it. If you still have more items than fit in your luggage, consider shipping. Our student relocation service offers cost-effective shipping options for extra belongings. By traveling with just the basics, you’ll make your move easier, and you’ll have less to worry about during the journey.
4: Professional packing
Give yourself plenty of time to pack and not just the night before. Use packing cubes and vacuum bags, if you’re not already familiar with them, they’ll help you for future trips overseas too! They’ll help organize your items and squeeze down bulky clothes.
Always put your most important items in your carry-on bag. These include your passport and documents, electronics, medications, and any valuables. Never pack anything in checked luggage that you can’t afford to lose.
It’s entirely likely that you might have more than a single suitcase can provide. That’s why you can move more with our groupage service, a way of shipping belongings that is simple and cost effective. Groupage means you can have someone to handle any other important belongings you want to bring, and your luggage and carry on can just be for the settling-in essentials.
5: The “settling-in process”
For those of us who work in international moving, we’re acutely aware that the settling in process is what can make or break an overseas move. So, what’s our guidance for the first week?
Tackle the important tasks: Get a local SIM card or phone plan, make a few transactions with your bank card to ensure it’s working and register with a local doctor.
Don’t be harsh on yourself: Give yourself time to adjust, a bit of culture shock is normal. About two-thirds of people who move abroad say adapting to a new culture is very challenging according to our Expat Survey. So, if you feel overwhelmed or homesick at first, remember you’re not alone. Attend orientation and join student clubs/societies to meet people and learn your way around. And if you need help, just ask.
Get in touch
Crown Relocations has 60 years of experience ready to assist students. We coordinate international moves from start to finish. Our team can arrange everything from packing and shipping, student visas and even secure storage during school breaks.
If you’d like extra help with your student journey, get in touch with a Crown Relocations Move Manager. They’ll answer your questions, help plan your move, and make sure nothing is overlooked. With us handling the logistics, you can focus on your studies.
