The most common packing mistake: over-packing
UK interns routinely show up with 30kg of luggage and spend their first week wondering how to manage it. You'll buy things abroad, you'll want space for gifts and things you discover. Aim for one medium suitcase (23kg checked) + hand luggage. If you're going for 6+ months, a medium sized suitcase is enough — do laundry.
📋 Documents (carry-on only)
- ☐Passport — original + scan stored in email/cloud
- ☐Visa / work authorisation — if applicable to your destination
- ☐Internship confirmation letter — some immigration officers ask to see it
- ☐Insurance policy document — with the emergency number clearly visible
- ☐GHIC card (if interning in EU)
- ☐Flight and accommodation confirmation
- ☐Bank cards — Wise / Revolut + backup UK card, in separate bags
💻 Tech
- ☐Laptop + charger
- ☐Universal travel adaptor — one good multi-country one beats buying local adaptors
- ☐Power bank — useful for long days out and travel
- ☐Noise-cancelling headphones — for the commute and shared accommodation
- ☐Phone + charger cable
Note: Specify laptop value on your insurance. Standard baggage cover is often capped at £500 — insufficient for a £1,000+ MacBook.
👔 Professional Wardrobe
Office dress codes vary hugely by sector and city. Barcelona tech startups are casual. Paris finance is smart. Ask your host company before you go.
- ☐3–4 smart/casual shirts or blouses (professional but not formal)
- ☐2 pairs of smart trousers or a skirt
- ☐One smart outfit for important meetings (interview, client presentations)
- ☐Comfortable office shoes (you'll walk more than in the UK)
- ☐4–5 casual outfits for evenings/weekends
- ☐Lightweight jacket (Bali doesn't need one; Paris in spring does)
💊 Health & Toiletries
- ☐Prescribed medication (bring enough + a prescription in case you need more)
- ☐Basic first aid kit (plasters, ibuprofen, antihistamines, rehydration sachets)
- ☐Sun cream (buy the rest locally — much cheaper in Spain, Bali, etc.)
- ☐Mosquito repellent if going to tropical destinations
- ☐Travel-sized toiletries for first few days (buy full-size when you arrive)
❌ What Not to Pack
- ✖Heavy textbooks or course materials — digital versions only
- ✖Excessive quantities of shampoo, shower gel, etc. — they sell this everywhere
- ✖Too many pairs of shoes — two or three is plenty
- ✖Expensive jewellery or watches — leave them at home
- ✖A suitcase you can barely lift — you'll be moving it through airports alone