Study abroad: checklist!

Do you want to study abroad? Whether you are just starting to plan or you are about to leave, this handy checklist will help to make sure you don’t forget anything important.

Application form

• Choose and rank universities in your order of preference
• University course description
• Write a CV and covering letter in English or the language of your host country
• A language test is also often required (TOEIC, TOEFL, widaf, etc.)

Requests and application

• Passport application (if outside the Schengen area)
• Visa application (if outside the EU)
• European insurance (find out about the European Health Insurance Card)
• International insurance (various bodies offer this type of cover)
• Telephone contract (to stay in touch with your family and friends)
• International Student Identity Card application (also known as ISIC, which entitles you to student discounts worldwide. It’s great!)

Draw up a budget

• Return travel
• Visa cost (if outside the EU)
• Books and supplies
• European/international insurance
• Accommodation
• Local transport
• Meals and outings
• Communications

Health check-up

• Doctor
• Dentist
• Booster shots
• Additional vaccinations (depending on the country)

Find a place to live

• Apartment
• Host family
• On campus
• Youth hostel
• Flat-share

Bank account

• Contact your bank to find out whether it has partnerships with other foreign banks
• Information on local bank charges
• Open an account with a local bank (if necessary)

To pack

• Adaptor for electric sockets
• Local currency
• A first-aid kit

One last piece of advice: don’t overpack as you will doubtless want to buy things when you arrive.