Packing
| Students in Germany |
Aim to travel light and pack sensibly. Take clothes that have multi purpose in order to minimize the amount you pack. Weather can be changeable so it is a good idea to pack clothes that can be layered.
Remember that most airlines allow 1 free checked bag and any additional will be
at a charge. Airlines will also have restrictions on the weight of each piece of luggage; remember to check with the airline before you pack. Your carry-on bag should hold all essentials that you would need for one or two days should anything happen to your checked luggage.
Here are some helpful packing guidelines:
- Check airline regulations and up to date information from the Department of State regarding prohibited items and restrictions.
- Put your name, address and telephone numbers inside and outside of each piece of luggage.
- Pack a good pair of walking shoes.
- Try to avoid taking items of value, both personal and monetary.
- If you wear eye glasses or contacts, make sure to take a spare pair and enough lenses to last the duration of your stay.
- Take enough prescription medication to cover the extent of your stay and remember to keep prescriptions in their original packaging. Put them in your carry-on luggage!
- Travel adapter plugs and converter; remember if you are taking electrical appliances that most other countries use a different voltage system.
- Do not bring Social Security card, library card, and similar item.
- Don't forget to print copies of all important documents; passport, itinerary, important phone numbers, addresses, etc.
Most students will bring their laptops, if so remember the following:
- Your laptop should have its own multi-voltage transformer/converter.
- Laptops are considered high-risk for theft, so make sure your computer is insured.
- Carry your computer with you on the plane as a carry-on. Make sure your battery is charged, Customs and Border Patrol officials have the right to ask you to turn it on. If your computer battery is flat, they can have it confiscated as laptops are now considered a tool of terrorism.
- Make sure that if you are using unsecured wireless networks that you do not enter sensitive data.