Dubai is a City and Emirate in the United Arab Emirates known for its Luxurious Lifestyle, Ultramodern Architecture, and a nightlife like no other. With its numerous architectural landmarks, such as the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Frame, the Dubai Fountain, etc. In recent years, the city has transformed from a Tourist Destination to a popular city for Overseas Education. Getting admission into one of the city’s universities is a dream for many.
Since you are reading this article, we can assume that you have been enrolled in one of these universities and will embark on your dream journey to study in Dubai. Now onto the next task: Packing your luggage. It is the most important part of your journey, as efficiently packing your luggage ensures a smooth transition into a new country. If you followed a timeline, you have about 2 months to pack, and there is a lot to go over.
A better way to start packing would be to make a packing checklist. Through this article, we have explained how to bifurcate your stuff into categories for your understanding.
Essential Documents to Carry When You Study in Dubai
Let’s start with the most important thing you need to pack: your documents. These ensure your entry into the new country and your university. Keep these in your carry-on bag for easy access. These include:
- Travel Documents: Air Ticket, Passport, Student Visa, Medical Prescription.
- University-specific Documents: Letter of Acceptance, Previous Academic Transcripts, etc.
- Financial Proofs: Tuition Fee Receipt, Loan Documents.
- Standardized or Language Proficiency Test Scores: GMAT/GRE, or IELTS/ TOEFL scorecards.
- Health Insurance Cover: Student Health Insurance, Medical Test Reports, etc.
The list of documents mentioned above may vary from situation to situation, and person to person, and according to the university requirements. Plus, carry soft copies of all the essentials just in case. Let us understand what else you will pack in your carry-on.
Money Financial Essentials You Should Prepare to Study in Dubai
Pack your money and financial essentials with your documents in your carry-on bag for easy access. As you will require it immediately after landing in Dubai. These include:
- Cash
- Forex Card
- Mobile-based Applications
As an international student in Dubai, you can carry any amount of cash, but it is advised to declare cash above AED 60,000 to customs. However, you need to carry small amounts of cash and limit your payments to minimize your miscellaneous expenses and offset your overall cost of education in Dubai. Now that your carry-on bag is packed, let’s discuss what to keep in your regular luggage.
Personal Daily Essentials to Pack to Study in Dubai
While packing, a dilemma you may face is how to pack 2-3 years’ worth of stuff inside 2 bags? Your personal and daily essentials take up most of your luggage. These are your clothes and daily use items. Let us understand what they are below.
- Clothes: Dubai witnesses extreme Summers and mild Winters, with very little rainfall year-round. Hence, carry clothing favoring light and breathable fabrics. Carry:
- Casuals: 7-8 Pairs of T-shirts/ Jerseys 4-5 Pairs of Trousers/Jeans.
- Formals: 3-4 pairs of Formal Shirts and Pants.
- Footwear: 4 Pairs of All-season Footwear.
- Accessories: Caps, Hats, Sunglasses, Scarves, Shawls, etc. - Electronics: Mobile Phone, Laptop, Chargers, a Hard Disk, a Universal Power Adapter, a Power Bank, etc.
- Toiletries: Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Shaving Kit, Comb, Cosmetics, Sunscreen, Shampoo, etc.
- Kitchen Essentials: Plates, Spoons, etc.
- Medical Essentials: Basic and Health-related Medicines, Thermometer, First-aid Kits, Sanitary Pads, etc.
Carry clothes for only a few weeks and in a similar colour tone, to get many combinations. Additionally, instead of folding your clothes, roll them to get extra space. It is noteworthy that while packing to study in Dubai, you may need to skip a few of your favorites to make space for something more important. To understand what to avoid, read below.
Items to Avoid Packing When You Study in Dubai
The Dubai Airport is among the strictest in the world, especially when it comes to customs checks. So, strictly ensure to follow their guidelines and avoid carrying:
- Cooked food
- Raw food
- Heavy Utensils
Thoroughly research the guidelines and strictly adhere to them for an easy customs check. Additionally, carry only limited clothing and stuff, as you can buy them in Dubai at affordable prices.
In conclusion, packing for Dubai does not have to be an overwhelming task. If you start by making a list first, you’ll be done in no time. Remember that this is a generalized list and may vary based on your university. So, to get a specific checklist, consult a study abroad consultant. They can make your journey seamless and hassle-free. Pack Smart and get ready to make the most of your time in Dubai.
