Packing List for MBBS Students Going Abroad (Cold and Warm Countries)

Most students pack too much of what they can buy abroad and too little of what they cannot. This list is built from what students actually use in the first year. Check your airline’s baggage allowance first, then pack by priority.

Hand luggage essentials

• Passport with visa, admission letter, fee receipts, original certificates and their legalised copies (see documents checklist)
• Printed and digital copies of all documents
• Prescription medicines for at least three months, with the prescription
• Phone, charger, power bank, adapter
• Some foreign currency in cash and a forex card
• One change of clothes and a warm layer

Before you fly, set up an Airalo eSIM (if your phone supports eSIM) so you have data the moment you land, to call the university pickup and your family.

Clothes

For cold countries (Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Uzbekistan in winter)

• 2-3 sets of thermal inner wear
• One good heavy winter jacket (you can add a second locally)
• Woollen socks, gloves, cap and scarf or neck warmer
• Sweaters and fleece layers
• Comfortable indoor clothes and slippers
• Snow boots are usually better and cheaper bought locally

For warm countries (Philippines, Bangladesh, Nepal in summer)

• Light cotton clothes, a light rain jacket and an umbrella
• A light sweater for air-conditioned classrooms

For everyone

• Two or three formal outfits for presentations and events
• Two white lab coats (or buy locally if the university specifies a design)
• Comfortable shoes for long hospital days

Study and medical items

• A good stethoscope. Many students buy one before leaving; compare models like Littmann Classic III.
• A few core reference books you prefer to read in print. Most textbooks are available digitally, and your university library will have local ones.
• A laptop with a good battery
• Stationery basics for the first weeks

Anatomy is the first big hurdle for most students. Downloading a visual anatomy resource such as Kenhub before you leave makes the first semester smoother.

Kitchen and food

• A small pressure cooker or rice cooker (check hostel rules and voltage first)
• A steel plate, bowl, glass, spoon set and a sharp knife (knives go in checked luggage)
• Spices and masalas for the first few weeks, sealed and labelled
• Some ready-to-eat meals for the first days

Check the destination country’s customs rules on food items before packing.

Electronics and money

• Universal travel adapters (check the plug type of your country)
• A small extension board
• Power bank (hand luggage only)
• A forex card for the first weeks; compare student forex cards such as those from BookMyForex with your bank’s card, and confirm the card works in your destination country.

Buy after arrival

• Bedding, pillows and blankets (heavy and easy to buy)
• Snow boots and a second winter jacket, if needed
• Most toiletries and household items
• A local SIM card

Luggage tips

• Use two medium hard-shell trolley bags rather than one huge one: easier to lift, and within weight limits.
• Weigh bags at home and leave 1-2 kg spare.
• Put your name, university address and phone number inside and outside each bag.
• Compare flight prices including baggage allowance; a cheaper ticket with less baggage can cost more overall.