6 Tips Every Study Abroad Student Must Know Before International Flight Departure
Going on exchange or solo-traveling?
Embarking on your first international flight can be overwhelming, especially when you’re heading off for an exchange or solo adventure.
During my recent solo long-haul journey from Sydney to Manchester, I learned a ton of valuable lessons.
I’m sharing these essential tips that I wish someone had told me before I left Australia to help you travel smarter, stress-free and fully prepared for your study abroad experience.
Flight Route
I flew with Etihad Airways
Sydney → Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi → Manchester
All round good service and customer experience.
But below are the tips that really mattered…
1. Pack a Small Essentials Bag for the Flight
Once you’re in your seat, you won’t want to keep jumping up (especially with a middle seat). Pack a small tote or even Uniqlo sling bag to put under your seat with everything you’ll want in one place. Here’s the essential items:
Phone + charger (with flight-compatible adapter!).
Refresh kit — makeup wipes, lip balm, deodorant, moisturiser!! (in-flight air conditioning is brutal for drying out your skin).
Headphones / AirPods (+ don’t forget to download movies and playlists before boarding!).
Kindle or iPad.
Neckpillow
2. Choose the Right Carry-on Bag
I panicked at the airport because my Amazon backpack arrived and was way too small. I had to buy another one last-minute. Don’t be like me.
💡Tip: If you’re planing to do weekend trips while abroad, get a backpack that meets budget airline size limits (think Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air). You can find the sizing requirements listed on their websites.
3. Pack a Spare Change of Clothes
Always keep 1 outfit and spare undies in your carry-on. If your checked luggage disappears, at least you won’t be stuck in airplane clothes for 48 hours.
If you’re changing hemispheres, pack suitable clothes in your carry on for the seasonal change when you land.
4. Flight Food: What to Expect on Etihad
Etihad had pretty good food. If you’re interested this is vaguely what I got:
First Flight (13 hrs)
First meal — Option: Chicken and rice or a Beef option (can’t fully remember the details). Came with other sides as well.
Snack — light sandwich and something sweet.
Second meal- Chicken Noodle dish or another hot option.
Second Flight (7.5hrs)
Snack- pizza pocket bread thing.
Meal (breakfast) choice of scrambled eggs or omelette with sausage also comes with croissant, fruit salad and yoghurt.
Important Note!
When crossing time zones, meal timings get out of whack. For example, my second meal was another dinner when it was supposed to be breakfast time in Australia. So if you’re unsure if you will like the food, grab snacks in your layover to ensure you’re not starving on flight. Also any packaged items (croissants, sandwiches) you don’t eat from main meals — keep for later!
Also I’ve been told you are allowed to ask in-flight for more snacks or drinks in between meal times.
5. Print Your Travel Documents
Even with everything online. Physical copies are a good option incase you need to show proof of why you’re coming into the country. This way everything is in one place making it handy especially if you’re crossing borders at midnight after a 13 hr flight.
6. Know Your Arrival Plan
Know where you’re going and who’s meant to meet you. My taxi driver was over an hour late, and I was too nervous to ask for help. I later found out other students were waiting too. We could’ve waited together if I’d just asked sooner. Don’t be shy. Ask for Wi-Fi, directions, or student support when you land.
Final Thoughts
Travelling solo can be overwhelming, but preparation helps a lot. From carry-on tips to food expectations and backpack regrets, I hope this guide makes your first flight a little smoother.
✈️ Have a safe trip and don’t forget snacks!