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List of Useful Things for Studying Abroad
(Long-term studies, short-term studies, things useful for the year)

  1. Ear cleaners/nail clippers
  2. Laundry bag and detergent
  3. Toothbrush
  4. Disposable slippers or indoor flip flops
  5. Paper toilet seat sheets
  6. Travel-sized umbrella
  7. Overseas power conversion plug adapter
  8. Watch/alarm clock
  9. Electronic dictionary
  10. Medicine (your own)
  11. Electronics (PC, laptop, tablet)
  12. Cell phone
  13. Sanitary products, cosmetics, sunscreen, hand mirror, shaver
  14. Pocket tissues/wet wipes
  15. Disposable masks
  16. Powders such as Pocari Sweat (dissolvable)
  17. Canned and sealed foods
  18. Bath towel and face towel
  19. Backpack
  20. Photos of your family, of Japan etc: useful for introducing yourself and Japan
  21. Hats/sunglasses
  22. Chopsticks
  23. Travel guidebook
  24. Writing utensils and stationary (3-color pens etc)
  25. Athletic shoes and clothing
  26. Clothes for formal situations (e.g. suits) (especially for long-term studies)
  27. Easily worn clothing (e.g. cardigans and parkers)
  28. Portable sewing supplies
  29. Rubber bands (New York rubber bands are poor quality and will break easily)
  30. Glasses/contact lenses and cleaners

Things you can purchase while studying abroad (or you can bring with you)

  1. Hair dryer
  2. Shoes
  3. Shampoo/conditioner etc

Things to bring depending on the season (can be purchased in New York)

Winter (October to April)

  1. Pocket warmers
  2. Hats
  3. Gloves
  4. Scarves
  5. Heat-tech clothing
  6. Coat
  7. Blankets
  8. Thick socks
  9. Lip balm
  10. Windbreaker

Spring (May to June) and Autumn (September to October)

  1. Hayfever medication
  2. Clothing that can be easily layered

Summer (June to September)

  1. Swimwear
  2. Beach sandals
  3. Sunscreen
  4. Folded fan

List of Carry-On Baggage on the Plane

  1. Passport
  2. I-20 form (for students traveling on a student visa)
  3. Cash (both Japanese yen and local money): It may be convenient to put these in separate wallets
  4. Credit card: VISA or Mastercard are recommended. JCB, American Express and Diner’s Club Cards are not always accepted
  5. Study abroad insurance: for more details, click here
  6. Bank cards that allow overseas withdrawals: your own cash can be withdrawn from a Japanese bank account. The exchange rate will be applied at the time of withdrawal. For more details, click here
  7. Ballpoint pen and small notebook
  8. Plane ticket
  9. Cell phone: for more details, click here
  10. Computers and tablets: it is recommended that these are not placed in checked-in baggage
  11. Tissues, handkerchief
  12. A copy of your address details

Other things to note:

  1. On long flights, the cabin is very dry. It might be good to bring some lotion or moisturizer.
  2. Depending on the airline, plane cabins can get very chilly. It might be good to bring some light outerwear, like a cardigan.
  3. Make a note of your passport number in a notebook or on your cell phone. This number is required when filling out entry forms like the customs declaration form. Losing your passport causes a lot of issues, so it’s a good idea to just take it out at Immigration.
  4. Make copies of all important documents and credit card information. If these are lost, you will be able to sort everything out without panicking.
  5. Please ensure you check baggage restrictions with your airline. Usually, one bag is around 23kg. Liquids need to be 100ml or less and kept in a transparent sealed bag.
  6. Check the local weather before your arrival. If the weather is going to be bad, it may be useful to put a portable umbrella in your carry-on luggage.
  7. If you have arranged for transport, keep a note of the contact details. If you have any issues or cannot contact the driver, you can contact us without any problems.
  8. Don’t carry too much cash on you. Credit cards are widely used for local purchases. (Preparation of money while studying abroad)