Study Abroad Essentials for the U.S.: Complete Packing List Revealed | UP-STUDY Educational Center

For those thinking about studying and working in the UK, this is a must-read! Since the UK left the EU in 2019, many regulations regarding international students have been adjusted in recent years. Now, the UK has introduced a new type of visa that allows international graduates to stay for two years to find a job, greatly increasing the benefits of studying in the UK! This crucial visa for international students is known as the PSW, or Post Study Work Visa.

UK Post-Graduation Work Visa: PSW

This is not the first time the UK has offered two years for graduates to look for work, but the PSW visa was suspended in April 2012 and was reopened in 2021 under the name Graduate Route. If you're looking for information on the UK government’s official website, search for Graduate Route. However, for convenience, we will refer to it as PSW 2.0 to differentiate it from the previous policy before 2012.

PSW Visa: Applicable for Undergraduates and Postgraduates

PSW 2.0 has been in effect since July 1, 2021, and applies to undergraduates, master's students, and PhD students. Graduates will be able to stay and work in the UK for up to two years, or three years for PhD graduates. With a PSW 2.0 visa, graduates can continue to do the following in the UK:

1. Job hunting

2. Full-time work

3. Self-employment

4. Living with legally residing family members in the UK

5. Volunteering

6. Re-entering the UK after traveling abroad

With PSW 2.0, the main type of work that cannot be done is professional sports. Additionally, PSW 2.0 cannot be used to apply for non-work-related benefits or pensions.

PSW Visa Application Requirements

The scope of work available under PSW 2.0 is wide, and the application requirements are not stringent. Most students who enrolled after autumn 2020 will be able to use PSW 2.0 to stay in the UK after graduation. According to UK government information, the following qualifications are required to apply:

50. 1. The applicant holds a valid student visa (or Tier 4)
50. 2. The applicant will complete their studies after July 1, 2021
50. 3. The applicant enrolled in a UK university after September 2020, and if remote teaching was used due to Covid-19, they must return to the UK by June 21, 2021 to apply
50. 4. The applicant enrolled in a UK university after January 2021, and if remote teaching was used due to Covid-19, they must return to the UK by September 27, 2021 to apply

PSW 2.0 applications are made online. The applicant needs to pay a visa fee of £700 and an annual health insurance fee of £624, which is approximately NT$26,703 and NT$23,804, respectively.

Finding a Job After Graduation in the UK

After sorting out the visa issue, the next question is where to find a job. But first, international students should prepare themselves mentally. Due to the impact of Covid-19 in 2021, many companies reduced their workforce, and it was already hard for locals to find jobs, let alone foreign nationals who need extra steps in the hiring process. Anyone planning to find a job in the UK in recent years should be mentally prepared for a long battle.

However, with the vaccines now available, the UK is making efforts to return to normal, and the job market after 2022 remains promising. Below, we introduce several common channels for job hunting in the UK. We wish you success in finding your dream job!

Job Search Websites

In countries where the internet is widespread, job search websites are the first choice for finding a job. The most famous job websites in the UK are:

• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Glassdoor
• Totaljobs
• Reed

They have the most comprehensive listings in the UK, and some even have specific channels for job hunting by international students.

• Apply for F-1 Student Visa

After obtaining the I-20 number, you can start the process to apply for the F-1 student visa, pay fees, schedule interviews, and follow other related procedures.

※ Reminder: According to the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), student visas can only be issued within 120 days (4 months) prior to the start of the course.

• Required Vaccination

The required vaccinations for each state in the U.S. vary by region. Students are required to follow local regulations and receive the necessary vaccinations in Taiwan, and this document will be provided during the enrollment process.

• PRC PCR Test Report

During the COVID-19 pandemic, starting from January 26, 2021, travelers entering the U.S. must provide a negative PRC PCR test result within 3 days (72 hours) before departure. Students are advised to pay close attention to the testing timing before departure. For more details, please refer to this link for more information.

∣Luggage Checklist

Below is a packing checklist. It is recommended to prepare important documents first, while other personal items such as clothes and medicine can be packed according to personal preference.

• Important Documents
  • Valid Passport (recommended to ensure it is valid during your study period)
  • I-20 Admission Document
  • Flight Ticket
  • Vaccination Proof, PRC PCR Test Report
  • International Driver’s License
  • Financial Proof
  • Academic Certificates and Transcripts
  • Language Proficiency Certificates (TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, etc.)
  • 2-inch Photos (suggested to prepare 3 or more)
  • US Dollar Cash (up to $10,000; if exceeding, declaration required upon entry), Traveler’s Checks
  • 1-2 Credit Cards (confirm if credit limit needs adjustment)
  • National ID Card
  • New Taiwan Dollars (for use upon return to Taiwan)

• Clothing and Shoes
  • One Set of Formal Clothing
  • Change of Clothes (about one week’s worth)
  • Coat, Trench Coat (weather varies by location, a versatile jacket is recommended)

• • Pajamas, Sleepwear

• • Leather Shoes or Heels, Casual Shoes, Slippers

• Daily Essentials
  • Towels, bath towels
  • Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, facial cleanser, etc.)
  • Razor
  • Rain gear
  • Sewing kit
  • Nail clipper
  • Thermal water bottle
  • International phone card (can also be purchased locally)

• First Aid & Medication
  • Cold medicine, stomach medicine, painkillers, eye drops, band-aids, ointments, etc.
  • If you have a medical history, consider bringing translated documents or a doctor's prescription
  • Glasses, contact lenses, and solution—consider bringing extra pairs

• Electronics
  • Laptop
  • Charger
  • Extension cord

• Food

It is not recommended to bring food from Taiwan as local Asian or Korean supermarkets in the U.S. sell a variety of Asian foods.

If you're interested in exploring U.S. supermarkets, you can check out the U.S. Supermarket Guide article.

∣Post-Arrival Preparations

• Opening a Bank Account (JPMorgan Chase Bank, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, etc.)

Most U.S. universities recommend nearby banks for students to open accounts. You can schedule an appointment and visit the bank.

Required documents for account opening:

• • International Passport

• • I-20 Entry Permit

※Reminder: You can ask the bank for "international wire transfer account details, SWIFT Code, and bank address" for your family to send money from Taiwan to your U.S. account.

• Mobile Phone Number Setup
  • U.S. Telecom Providers

Famous telecom providers like AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, etc. offer various plans. Choose one based on your usage preferences.

• • Taiwan Mobile SIM Card (for international roaming, as a backup)

Some students prefer keeping a Taiwan SIM card as a backup for international calls. Please check with your mobile service provider for international roaming options and rates.

• Credit Card (Optional)

After opening a bank account, you can apply for a local credit card. Since the U.S. places great importance on credit scores, it is worth considering getting one if you plan to stay long-term (e.g., buying a car, house, etc.).

∣Seniors' Experience Sharing

Once you immerse yourself in the new environment, you may face culture shock, whether it's in terms of climate, school life, daily living, or interpersonal relationships. According to the experiences of senior students, this study abroad journey is the first step toward broadening your global perspective. Keep an open mind, observe, learn, and understand cultural differences while respecting others. In the end, you will surely have unforgettable memories!