Study Abroad Series: Dear Japa-ite, here's what you need to pack

Hey, fam. Welcome back.

It's that time of year again. When another batch of us are relocating to study abroad. After a long period of writing essays, opening admission letters, and attending visa interviews, you can reelaax. But as you get your ticket, you realize, "I have no idea what I’m going to pack!” Asking a person to pack their entire life into two suitcases is hard enough talk less a Nigerian! Today I’ll share my top tips on what should be in those suitcases, starting with important factors to consider. Let’s begin.

📷: Pinterest

Firstly, the weather. If you’re headed to a temperate region like the US or UK, you’ll need a winter jacket and some warmers. This should be on your priority list, especially if you’re resuming in the fall(August to September)

Second, money. Though you may be tempted to buy everything in Nigeria or at your destination, some items are more expensive depending on the location. Clothing like winter jackets which cost around 12k ($20) at Yaba, costs between $30 to $200 on Amazon. Don’t even get me started on jeans. The average one in Lagos may cost 5k ($9.50), but good jeans from Amazon or Levi start from $50. You get the gist.

Next, food. In the excitement of travel, it’s easy to forget about food. And food in America is expensive. If you don’t want to donate about $300 to restaurants, you can pack some dried foods like Indomie to live on for the first few days until you can cook or find cheaper alternatives. Also, you may want to take spices like Maggi, Crayfish, dried pepper, and suya spice. Every student eventually misses home food, which may be unavailable or expensive in your area.

Protip: If you’re traveling to the US, don’t pack meat or anything flavored with meat, chicken, etc. These are usually confiscated. So no Maggi Chicken, Chicken Indomie. Even Onion and Chicken Indomie won’t pass. Just take the onion flavour and add whatever you want when cooking it.

These main factors will influence your suitcase the most. However, here are some other things to take note of.

One, tech. Nigerian chargers will need an adapter if you’re traveling to countries like Australia or the US. If possible, you can get them in Nigeria cause of money.

Two, immunization. This usually isn’t a big deal however, while some immunizations can wait till you reach your destination, others must be received before leaving Nigeria. If you’re leaving for school, your school’s checklist will probably list which ones you must take, if any, before coming. Make sure to start about 2 to 3 months before travel as some vaccinations have one or two monthly boosters.

Three, liquids, aerosols, and prohibited items. One thing you want to avoid is the unnecessary opening of your suitcase because you’re carrying prohibited items, so know what they are and make sure they are not with you. Both border security and airlines have separate lists so go through them. e.g., those meats I mentioned will be confiscated by border security in Atlanta or New York, but Delta Airlines won’t stop you from carrying them on the plane. Also, note distinctions for airlines. For example, batteries and laptops are only allowed in your hand luggage, and liquids are only allowed in your checked-in baggage.

Four, room decor. Most room decor and stationery are quite affordable however it’s always advisable to bring a bedsheet or two if you have space.

Five, budget and keep track of your money.

When you reach your destination, you may be tempted to splurge on your immediate needs; however, try to set some money aside for unexpected emergencies like health insurance, small medications, etc.

As you can tell, this post is a little different from the others in this series because it has less structure; however, they are things I wish I knew. This isn’t all, though. When I have more, I’ll release another post.

Till then,

Love and Peace

Kami.

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