The worst thing that could happen to you abroad is to get into a strange, gigantic train terminal with both your hands holding two heavy suitcases and a messenger bag across your shoulder. This could prove to be a terrific punishment when you’re running up and down elevators trying to catch your train, unsure on which platform it runs.

To avoid such a situation, here are some smart tips for packing a day or two before you hop on to a plane for that college degree in a Beijing university in the heart of China:

1) Don’t over-pack: forget the shampoos, aftershaves, toothpaste and deodorants, etc. and just buy those items when you get to your host city. That’s not to say, do without them till you make it to the nearest local supermarket. Just be smart about travel sizes of personal items in your suit case. In fact, it’s a good idea to have some of these things, especially toothpaste in your carry-on, so you can easily get to it.

2) Pack a pair of comfortable shoes: If you’ve got space only for a pair, make sure it’s the one that provides the most comfort for your feet. You never can tell, but it’s good to know that should there be any need for long-walking you’ll be doing it in a pair of soft, comfortable shoes.

3) Don’t pack many season-specific clothes: Stick to traditional casual clothing that is good for layering. It’s possible that where you’re going could have a completely different climate than what you’ve been used to. Some parts of China for instance, could be extremely cold. Some, at a particular season can be fiercely hot.

4) Pack a change of clothes and the essentials in your carry-on bag. They’ll come in handy in case your luggage doesn’t come in at the same time you land at the airport.

5) Make sure your passport, tickets, credit/debit cards and some cash and your new address in China are on your person at all times. You’d be in a bind if you arrive and find out your bags didn’t make it. There’s just no way of getting to your new place. let alone know where it is, if these were packed with your checked-in luggage.

6) Don’t just throw your clothes into your suit cases. Pack like a ninja, smooth and with almost every item flattened, or pack like smart executives do – everything in their carry-on bag. And they do this on a 3-4 day business trip.

7) Bring a few gifts or tokens from home. If you’re staying with a host family, they’d be delighted to receive something from your home country. Usually, they’d return the favor when you’re ready to say your good-byes.

8) Pack only a few favorite personal items : Put in your favorite CD’s and DVD’s (no racks or CD boxes please) family and friends’ pictures. But don’t go nuts filling your bags with reminders from home. This not only takes up physical space. It also takes up emotional space. Save some room to step out of your comfort zone and make new memories while in China.

9) On coming back make room for souvenirs and gifts. When you’re done with your college stint, you’ll want to bring home some sentimental, memorable items to remind you of the great times you’ve had at the university and in your Chinese home.

The rest of those days that brought you much pleasure and fun, meeting new people, immersing into a fascinating culture and experiencing a rush, seeing all the gorgeous sights are things you can save in your heart.