This is a list of things I think are either necessary or very helpful to bring with you if you study abroad in China. I've learned to always pack light for a trip, so I've tried to stick to more of the essentials in this list. If you're only going for a short time then you might not want to take everything on this list, but that depends. If you stay for a long time then you can just buy a lot of the things in China and you don't have to bring it.

1. Books (Bring books in your native language that you'd like to read.)

2. Laptop computer

3. Power converters (The voltage in China is 220V. Converters and power strips may be purchased locally for cheap, but I'd recommend bringing one with you too.)

4. English/Chinese, Chinese/English dictionary

5. Debit cards/Credit cards (There are tons of ATM machines in China.)

6. Razors/shaving cream (Buy an electric razor when you get there.)

7. Sunscreen with high SPF (Higher SPF sunscreen is hard to find.)

8. Cash (You can exchange currency at the airport, banks, and hotels.)

9. Camera and/or Video Camera

10. Medicine/Medications (Unless you can read the Chinese medicine boxes, it can be hard to find Western medicine.)

11. MP3 player (to keep listening to your lessons and podcasts, music, etc...)

12. Alarm clock (bring a portable one/or buy one there)

13. List of contacts (your embassy, friends, and family along with the extensions)

14. Deodorant (this is very hard to find in China still, so bring enough)

15. Shoes (if you have large feet, like size 10+, you will have a hard time finding shoes)

16. Calculator

17. Glasses/Contact lenses (bring backups)

18. Your favorite branded items, whatever they may be (probably hard to find in China)

19. Tissues/Toilet paper (This is more for when you first arrive, and depends where you go. Most public toilets don't have free toilet paper, so be warned.)

20. Musical instrument/ tools for any talents you have (Trust me. Somebody is probably going to ask you to perform a talent at some point. So be prepared.)

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