PACKING. You know you’re about to go on a great adventure…but ugh, packing for it. What do you need? What should you buy there? How much will it all cost?

These are all concerns that you should keep in mind, but with the right resources and knowing what works for you, packing can be (almost) stress-free. I began my packing process by reading a ton of blog posts and watching YouTube videos of people who had been to a London Study Abroad program. This list is not too specific but contains my essentials and may give you ideas on what to pack. The knowledge and wisdom I have gained from these writers and YouTubers helped me create this list. Enjoy! (Note: I’ve labeled extremely important items as EXTREMELY IMPORTANT). Looking back after my experience, my biggest tip is to PACK LIGHT. The minute we arrived in London I almost died trying to drag my luggage around.

Other helpful tips:

1. Never forget money, passport, phone, and charger
2. On weekend trips, pack as light as possible so you can explore freely.

1. Documents
   1. Passport, visa, cards/cash, documents, flight itinerary (all EXTREMELY IMPORTANT)
2. Medications
   1. Prescriptions and signatures (EXTREMELY IMPORTANT)
   2. Medications I use (am used to), vitamins
3. Toiletries
   1. Mini toiletry kit (deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, lotion) – additionally: tweezers, razors, pads, scissors, little hairbrush, floss, face wash, hand soap, chapstick, hair elastics, bobby pins, headbands, tissues, lavender/tea tree oil
4. Electronics
   1. Laptop/charger – EXTREMELY IMPORTANT
   2. Phone/charger
   3. Camera/charger
   4. Portable charger
   5. Converter – EXTREMELY IMPORTANT
   6. Headphones
   7. Flashdrives
   8. ADDED – Power strip
5. Other
   1. Glasses/case – EXTREMELY IMPORTANT SO I AM NOT BLIND
   2. Neck pillow/earplugs
   3. Planner
   4. Sunglasses
   5. Spare outfit
   6. Book, pens, travel journal
   7. Water and snacks (after security)
   8. ADDED – bandana, multiple uses

Wearing: heavy clothes/jacket, heavy boots, jewelry, scarf, gloves in pockets

6. Clothes: Tops, camis, socks, underwear, bras, jeans, skirts, dresses, tights, jackets/sweatshirts, hat/gloves/scarves, weather coat, bathing suit, pajamas

7. Shoes (with waterproof spray)
-Sneakers
-Flats
-Boots
-Shower flip flops
-Slippers

8. In large suitcase

1. Small umbrella
2. Towel
3. Laptop lock, padlock
4. Hanging shower organizer
5. Empty backpack
6. Empty purses and large tote
7. Stuffed animal, 2 pillowcases
8. Ziplocs (with clothes in them, cheap space bags)
9. Garbage bags
10. Shower caps, nailbrush, hair drying brush, extra pads, extra tissues, extra hand soaps, hair supplies and products (all in small bottles: GO TOOBS are great!), essential oils, toner, skincare, new/large deodorant
11. Make up
12. Disinfectant wipes

Again, only bring what will make you comfortable and feel confident in traveling. I now feel so skilled in packing, and packing quickly, that I know exactly what I do and don't need. If you're questioning it, you probably don't need it. And don't worry because you can always find what you need if you lose or forget something! It's extremely freeing to travel around with only what you need and it makes the trip much more fun, so get out there and go!