Pre-Departure Guide for Nepali Students Going Abroad (2026)
You have your visa, your admission is confirmed, and your flight is booked. The weeks between receiving your visa and boarding the plane are filled with practical tasks that, if missed, can make your first days abroad unnecessarily difficult. This guide covers everything from packing to your first week abroad.
Your Documents Folder (Carry-On Only)
Nepali students must carry 12 essential documents in a waterproof carry-on folder, including passport with visa, admission letter, financial documents, and health insurance proof.
Never check these in your luggage. Keep them in a secure, waterproof folder in your carry-on bag.
Passport with visa (triple-check)
Admission letter / I-20 (USA) / CoE (Australia) / CAS (UK)
Visa approval documents
University enrollment and orientation details
Financial documents (bank statements, GIC receipt, scholarship letter)
Health insurance documents (OSHC, IHS, university insurance)
Flight itinerary (printed)
Accommodation confirmation
Emergency contacts list (printed)
10-15 extra passport-size photographs
Photocopies of all documents (separate set from originals)
Digital backup on cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox)
What to Pack
Nepali students should pack for 2 weeks and buy the rest locally, staying within the 23 kg per checked bag airline limit to avoid expensive excess baggage fees.
Cold-Climate Destinations (USA, Canada, UK in winter)
- Thermal inner layers
- Good-quality winter jacket (consider buying a heavier one after arrival)
- Sweaters, warm socks, gloves, beanie
- Comfortable walking shoes + waterproof boots
- Formal outfit for presentations or interviews
Australia (Warmer Climate)
- Light clothing for warm weather
- Light jacket for cooler evenings (especially Melbourne)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (Australian sun is intense)
- Comfortable walking shoes
General Packing Essentials
Power adaptor
Nepal uses Type C/D/M. USA/Canada: Type A/B. Australia: Type I. UK: Type G. Buy a universal adaptor.
Basic medicines
Paracetamol, cold/flu tablets, prescriptions with doctor's note, stomach medicine, band-aids.
Nepali food items (optional)
Small spice packets, pickles, dry snacks. Australia is extremely strict about food imports -- declare everything.
Laptop and charger
Essential for studies. Student deals may be available after arriving.
Do not overpack. Airline limits are typically 23 kg per checked bag. Excess baggage fees are expensive. Pack for the first two weeks and buy the rest locally.
Airport Process: Departing from Kathmandu (TIA)
Arrive at the airport 3-4 hours before your international flight departure.
Check-in counter
Present passport and booking. Receive boarding pass and check luggage.
Immigration counter
Present passport with visa, flight ticket, and NOC. Have admission letter ready if asked.
Security check
Standard screening of carry-on and person.
Departure lounge
Wait for boarding call. Double-check your documents folder.
If you purchased forex, carry the foreign exchange receipt as proof of legal currency conversion.
Arriving at Your Destination
Each country has different immigration procedures at arrival; Nepali students must have their visa documents, admission letters, and financial proof ready for inspection at the port of entry.
USA
U.S. Customs and Border Protection: passport, I-20, SEVIS fee receipt ready. Fingerprints and photo taken.
Australia
Passport and visa grant notice. Extremely strict about food -- declare everything. Complete incoming passenger card.
Canada
Passport, acceptance letter, GIC receipt. The officer issues your study permit at the port of entry -- keep it safe.
UK
Passport and CAS. Collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from a designated post office within 10 days of arrival.
Your First Week: Critical Steps
Day 1-2: Settle In
- Check into accommodation (university housing, homestay, or temporary stay)
- Get a local SIM card (bring passport for ID)
- Locate nearest grocery store, pharmacy, public transport, and campus
Day 3-5: Official Registrations
- Attend university orientation (mandatory at most institutions)
- Activate student ID, library card, university email, course registration
- Open a bank account (bring passport, student ID, admission letter, proof of address)
- Collect BRP (UK only) -- within 10 days of arrival
Day 5-7: Get Oriented
- Explore campus: classrooms, library, student union, health center
- Set up transportation (Oyster card, Opal card, Presto card, or learn the bus/metro)
- Connect with Nepali student community or South Asian student group
Cultural Adjustment: What to Expect
Homesickness is normal
Peaks in the first 2-4 weeks. Stay connected with family but also build new connections.
Academic culture may be different
Class participation is expected and sometimes graded. Professors prefer you to challenge ideas. Plagiarism policies are strict.
Food will be different
You will miss dal bhat. Learn to cook a few basic meals before leaving. Most cities have South Asian grocery stores.
Weather may be a shock
Canada, northern USA, and Scotland can drop to -20C or lower. Layer clothing and invest in proper winter gear.
Tips for smooth adjustment:
- Say yes to social invitations in the first few weeks
- Join at least one student club -- the fastest way to make friends
- Explore your city gradually; do not spend weekends in your room
- Use your university's counseling services -- free, confidential
- Connect with Nepali community but also build friendships with students from other countries
Emergency Contacts and Resources
Save these contacts in your phone before you leave Nepal.
| Country | Nepal Embassy | Phone | Emergency |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Embassy of Nepal, Washington D.C. | +1-202-667-4550 | 911 |
| Australia | Embassy of Nepal, Canberra | +61-2-6162-1554 | 000 |
| Canada | Embassy of Nepal, Ottawa | +1-613-680-5513 | 911 |
| UK | Embassy of Nepal, London | +44-20-7229-1594 | 999 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
You Have Done the Hard Work -- Now Prepare for the Journey
Visit Study Abroad from Nepal for a pre-departure orientation before you leave. We cover everything from packing to airport procedures to your first-week checklist.
Book Pre-Departure Session