All set to leave for studies abroad? This checklist will help you prepare well

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It has finally paid off. All those years of studying hard and acquiring good grades have accumulated to this very moment. After tons of research, you have narrowed down on universities abroad. You’ve given the tests and sailed through them, done every little bit of research on courses and universities, hit the target with a few of your choice, paid the fees and sealed the deal. Now, all that is left to do is pack your bags and board the flight. Right?

Applying to the right university is just one step to the entire process, a big one nonetheless. But studying abroad also means relocating to a completely new environment that is noticeably different from the one you’ve grown up and lived in. It’s best to prepare in advance when you have the time. So, here is a little checklist that you can abide by for a smooth transition into your new life abroad.

Bare necessities

They say man’s primary needs are food, clothing and shelter. So make sure you have these three essentials in place, first. Pack in a few ingredients and cook for yourself during your initials months there. This will give you time to get familiar with reasonably priced food options in your vicinity and will turn out to be a great way to save money. Also, get acquainted with the climatic conditions of your new city/town, so you can avoid packing in unnecessary items. Remember you are only carrying 2-3 suitcases with you. And most importantly, find the right housing that is affordable and conveniently located from the university.

Study hard, explore more

The last time you checked your course module might have been when you first applied to the university. It’s time to revisit it again, maybe more than once. Use your spare time back home to read up on the topics listed in your module and prepare well in advance. Also, this will give you a fair idea on how rigorous the course can get and how much time you can spare in a day or over the weekend to explore your new surroundings.

Documents, SIM cards and more

Let’s not wait till the very last minute to put all the right papers together. File together your identification copies, necessary admission receipts, medical test results (yes, you need to get that done too), rent agreements (if you aren’t living in the college dorm) and any other important paper that you have been asked to carry. Remember, this time your parents won’t be around to bring it to you at the very last minute in case you forget. Also, talk to your mobile service provider to figure if you can carry forward your current plan and SIM card. If not, then do a little bit of research online and you are sure to find a plan that fits your requirements, like reasonable outgoing call rates to India.

One-stop solution

Worried about carrying money around in a new and unfamiliar place? Want to avoid the hassle of en-cashing cheques? It’s natural to want to be extra cautious about your money in a foreign land, especially when your parents have been extra cautious about you carrying a lot of money. So, to make your life easier, you can get yourself a prepaid travel card like Kotak Multi Currency World Travel Card, which is accepted worldwide at all Visa accepting merchant outlets and ATMs. The card is valid for a period of 3 to 5 years, and is embedded with a chip that ensures high level of security. What's more, it covers loss of passport and travel documents.

Wishing you a successful academic year ahead!

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Disclaimer: This Article is for information purposes only. The views expressed in this Article do not necessarily constitute the views of Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. (“Bank”) or its employees. The Bank makes no warranty of any kind with respect to the completeness or accuracy of the material and articles contained in this Article. The information contained in this Article is sourced from empaneled external experts for the benefit of the customers and it does not constitute legal advice from the Bank. The Bank, its directors, employees and the contributors shall not be responsible or liable for any damage or loss resulting from or arising due to reliance on or use of any information contained herein. Tax laws are subject to amendment from time to time. The above information is for general understanding and reference. This is not legal advice or tax advice, and users are advised to consult their tax advisors before making any decision or taking any action.