Packing List for Students Moving to Bulgaria
Moving to Bulgaria for your studies is an exciting adventure, but packing for a long-term stay in a new country can feel overwhelming. To help you prepare, we’ve put together a comprehensive packing list tailored specifically for international students heading to Bulgaria.
From essential documents to clothing, electronics, and comfort items, this guide ensures you won’t miss anything important while keeping your luggage manageable.
1. Essential Documents
Your documents are the most important items—keep them safe and accessible during your journey.
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Valid passport (with student visa, if applicable)
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University acceptance letter or admission documents
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Health insurance certificate
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Vaccination records (if required)
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Student ID (if issued before arrival)
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Financial documents (proof of funds, bank statements, scholarship letters)
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Passport-sized photographs
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Copies (and digital backups) of all important documents
Tip: Carry originals in your hand luggage and keep scanned copies in cloud storage for emergencies.
2. Clothing and Footwear
Bulgaria has four distinct seasons, so you’ll need clothing for both warm and cold weather.
For Autumn/Winter (October–March):
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Warm jackets/coats
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Thermal innerwear
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Sweaters and hoodies
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Gloves, scarves, and woolen hats
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Waterproof boots or shoes
For Spring/Summer (April–September):
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Light t-shirts, shirts, and jeans
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Comfortable walking shoes/sneakers
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Raincoat or small umbrella
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Sunglasses and sunhat
General clothing:
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Underwear and socks
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Sleepwear
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Formal wear (for presentations or events)
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Workout clothes
3. Electronics and Devices
Make sure you pack your essential electronics and adapters.
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Laptop and charger
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Mobile phone and charger
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Universal power adapter (Bulgaria uses Type F plugs, 230V)
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Headphones or earphones
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USB drives or external hard disk
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Power bank
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Extension cord (with multiple plug points, if needed)
4. Toiletries and Personal Care
Most toiletries are easily available in Bulgaria, but it’s helpful to bring a starter kit for the first few days.
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Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
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Shampoo and conditioner (travel size)
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Soap or body wash
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Hairbrush or comb
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Skincare products
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Nail cutter, tweezers
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Towel and face cloth
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Razor or grooming kit
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Feminine hygiene products (for initial days)
5. Academic Supplies
You can purchase most supplies after arrival, but carrying a few basics can be convenient.
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Notebooks and pens
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Backpack or laptop bag
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Stationery (highlighters, pencils, sticky notes)
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Language dictionary or phrasebook (optional)
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Calculator (if required for your course)
6. Medicines and Health Items
Bring a small personal first-aid kit and any prescribed medications with their prescriptions.
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Basic medicines (for cold, fever, headache, allergies)
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Prescribed medications with doctor's note
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Thermometer
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Band-aids and antiseptic cream
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Multivitamins (if needed)
7. Kitchen Essentials (Optional)
If you plan to cook, you may want to carry some basic items—especially spices that may be harder to find locally.
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A few favorite cooking spices or ready-to-eat snacks
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Reusable water bottle or thermos
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Travel utensils or a foldable lunchbox
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Electric kettle (check voltage compatibility)
Note: Avoid carrying heavy kitchen appliances—you can buy or share them after arrival.
8. Personal Comfort and Miscellaneous
Bringing a few personal items can help ease the transition and make your new space feel like home.
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Small photo frames or personal keepsakes
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Favorite books or journals
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Bedsheets, pillowcases, and a light blanket (optional but helpful)
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Small backpack for daily use
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Local currency (Bulgarian Lev - BGN) and international debit/credit card
- Pack light but smart – focus on essentials first; you can always buy more in Bulgaria.
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Label your luggage clearly with your name and contact information.
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Check airline baggage limits to avoid extra charges.
Moving to a new country is a big step, but with the right preparation, it becomes much smoother. With this packing list in hand, you’ll be well-equipped to start your academic journey in Bulgaria with confidence and ease.
