Handbook – Personal Logistics

Electrical currents and outlets differ by country. Before you depart, research electrical outlet styles in your host country. Laptops, cell phones, chargers, and all other electrical devices may require use of a plug adapter, and some devices may need a voltage converter. You can purchase converters and adapters at electronics and travel stores in the U.S. REI offers a World Electricity Guide on their website.

Small electrical appliances, such as hairdryers, sometimes have different voltage requirements that are not compatible with electrical grids overseas. Consider purchasing such items in the local voltage after you arrive in your host country. Increasingly, personal items like laptops, cell phone chargers, and electric razors are usable worldwide. Be sure to check compatibility in advance.

In some countries, digital snooping is commonplace, leaving your sensitive information vulnerable to theft. Prepare your device for travel by backing up your sensitive data and removing all information not needed for the duration of your program, updating security protections, and familiarizing yourself with local laws and security.  Consider using WiscVPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your information.

You may wish to appoint a trusted person to take care of your personal and financial business while away. Assigning power of attorney is a legal process that involves the drafting of a document that assigns another person to act as your legal representative in specific situations. A Power of Attorney can be helpful in instances such as:

• Handling physical financial aid or scholarship checks
• Bank account transactions
• Insurance transactions

For more information about Power of Attorney in the state of Wisconsin, visit the website of the Department of Health Services. If your home state is not Wisconsin, search online for the necessary policies and forms.

We recommend that you have insurance to cover damage or theft to your personal property. Insurance company policies vary widely on the circumstances and amount of coverage.

In some instances, your parents’ homeowners’ policy or your own renter’s insurance policy will provide limited coverage. In other cases, a special policy must be purchased. Check with your insurance company or contact any insurance company that provides home or renter’s insurance to learn more about the extent of coverage possible for personal property that you take.

Income tax filers should either request an extension or make necessary arrangements to file on time.

You are still able to vote while on your program through an absentee ballot. UW’s Voter Information page will give information on absentee voting in Wisconsin, as well as get links to information for absentee voting in your home state. Note all deadlines to submit your absentee ballot in time.

Make arrangements for housing that matches your time in Madison as closely as possible in order to avoid paying for housing you won’t use while you are away,

To explore on-campus housing options, contact University Housing. University Housing gives priority to contract cancellation requests for students participating in off-campus research, internships, or study abroad.  For example, you will receive cancellation priority if you have a yearlong Housing contract, but plan to study abroad in the spring semester. More details here.

You can also search the Off-Campus Housing Services website for semester and/or other shorter-term lease options near campus. If you are unable to secure a shorter-term arrangement, subletting can be an alternative to consider. Off-Campus Housing Services has more information regarding subletting and housing considerations.

UW-Madison Wiscards have an expiration date of 5 years from the issue date. Check your card before you depart to make sure it is valid for the entire time you will be gone. If it will expire, get a new card before you go or replace it upon return to campus. A student ID card can often be used for discounted entry fees or student rates while traveling.

Distance Library Services are offered to members of the UW-Madison community living outside Dane County (including study abroad students).

UW Libraries provide internet access to library catalogs, journal databases, encyclopedias, e-books, e-journals, and subject guides. UW-Madison has subscriptions to many leading online journal databases, all of which are accessible while you are outside of Madison. The libraries will also deliver articles and book chapters electronically via Interlibrary Loan.

UW Libraries has also created a Research Guide for Study Abroad Students.

Pack sensibly and lightly! Refer to your program materials, reach out to returned students of the program, and do research on your host country to learn about clothing cultural norms. Take note of items previous students have noted they were glad they packed or left behind.

In addition to the essential items (clothing, toiletries, etc.), here are some general tips:

• Airlines restrict the amount and weight of luggage that passengers are allowed to bring with them. Check with your airline to determine what the limits are for your flights and what fees are charged for luggage.
• You will be able to do laundry abroad, so focus on packing enough for 7-10 days.
• Pack important documents and items (passport, emergency contact information, insurance card, housing information, program details, money, etc.) in your carry-on luggage.
• Past students have recommended packing a small, portable phone charger in their carry-on luggage and keeping it with them throughout the program.  This can be helpful for long travel days when you need to charge your phone on the go, especially if you plan to use your phone to access apps for travel guidance, tickets for public transportation, etc.
• Take enough prescription medication to last the duration of the program. Keep prescription medication in original packaging and carry a letter/prescription from your doctor explaining your condition and use of medication. Pack prescriptions in your carry-on luggage.
• Do not bring pepper spray or any similar self-defense tool with you when traveling abroad.  While pepper spray or similar self-defense items are legal in the United States, they are illegal to possess and carry in many other countries (e.g., Australia, Japan, United Kingdom).
• Bring an extra passport size photograph (or 2) with you that you keep separately from your passport.  You can get free passport photos taken at the Red Gym.
• Take an extra pair of glasses and/or contact lenses, along with a copy of your eye prescription.
• Leave valuable items, expensive jewelry, and items that cannot be replaced at home.
• Consider items that you can purchase on-site so you can save valuable suitcase space.
• Think about the type of luggage you plan to carry. Will you always travel with a suitcase, or would you like to travel with a small or large backpack?