When you’re going to med school, you want to make sure you’re well prepared. When you that med school is in the Caribbean, it’s even more important!  We tried to make ours as exhaustive, but realistic as possible. You may not need all of these things and there might be things you need that we don’t have. If so, let us know and we’ll update it!

School Supplies
Tuning Forks
Snellen Pocket Chart
Sphygmomanometer
Stethoscope
Percussion Hammer
Skin Calipers and Measuring Tape
Thermometers
Otoscope
Ophthalmoscope
Dissection Kit
Safety Glasses
Lab shoes or shoe covers
Latex gloves

Clothes
Lab Coat
Business Outfit
Scrubs
Sandals/flipflops
Sneakers
Raincoat/poncho
Sweater/sweatshirt for cold labs or lecture halls
Business casual for most events
Swimsuit
Sunglasses
Underwear
Gym clothes
Belts and accessories

Medications/Toiletries
Digestive Meds
Antiseptics
Sunscreen
Painkiller
Toothpaste
Insect repellant
Band Aids
Tampons/Pads
Razors and shaving cream
Shampoo and hair conditioner
Cold and sinus meds
Contacts lenses and supplies
Eyeglass cleaners/wipes
Beach towel AND a shower towel
Eye cover
Underarm deodorant

School Supplies
Sturdy backpack
Notebooks, pens, paper, etc
Binders
Tablet/Laptop
Calculator
Flash drive
Textbooks (Seriously consider digital!)
Power adapters (if needed)
Pocket size whiteboard

Misc
Laundry bag
Flashlight
Powerbank
Power strip/surge protector
Extra chargers
To go mug/cups
Camera (Waterproof?)
Headphones
Sports gear
Snorkel gear
Camping gear

Remember when you’re planning your move, don’t overdo it, either. You have to worry about not just space in your bags, but weight, too. Do your best to make everything count. We each took a 50 lb suitcase and then used our camping backpacks as our second bags. We knew that would be something we’d want along. We also carried on backpacks with all of our electronics and a travel version of our toiletries. Our second carry on bags were gym bags filled clothes. We wanted to be sure we were covered in case our checked baggage didn’t make it right away. Plus, we used vacuum bags to condense them as much as possible. After all, carry on is limited size as in volume, not by weight.

You can always pick things up on the island, just don’t forget – your options might be limited and the cost will be higher. We knew friends and family would be visiting us, so we also put in requests before they come!

Better to overplan your packing than to underplan. Pack your bags, checking things off your list and weight it ahead of time. Who wants surprises at the airport?  Good luck and have fun!