So you have completed all the paperwork, bought your flight ticket, assigned your roommates, and registered for the classes of your dreams. But now comes the real question... What to pack for study abroad? You know that you can only bring one checked suitcase and two carry-ons. How are you supposed to pack for such a life-altering and important trip? You need much less than you think. Here is the ultimate packing list for a study abroad semester (four months) in Europe.
- Outerwear. Figure out what outerwear you are going to bring. This includes a rain jacket, possibly a winter jacket, and a milder weather jacket. Anything more might be too much.
- Footwear. Choose which shoes you are going to bring- it may seem difficult, but you only need five or six different pairs of shoes, including at least one pair of sneakers, one pair of boots, one pair of nice shoes, and a pair of shower shoes.
- Bottoms. Bring about five pairs of jeans and pants, one or two pairs of leggings and/or workout pants, and two pairs of shorts. For skirts, you need no more than three or four, and mix up the styles.
- Dresses. You need one nicer dress, at least one sundress, and one casual dress.
- Tops. Make sure to only bring a couple of each of these wardrobe essentials: a camisole, a sleep-shirt, a workout shirt, a cardigan, a sweater, a sweatshirt (these are bulky so limit to one or two), a fleece or small jacket, a couple of plain t-shirts, a long-sleeve shirt and a nicer shirt. Count out exactly how many tops you are bringing to make sure that you aren’t loading up your suitcase.
- Undergarments/socks. Bring about two weeks worth of socks and underwear, in case you skip out on laundry days while you are exploring your new city. Remember at least one sports bra, one strapless bra, and a couple of regular bras.
- Toiletries. Please, please do not bring all of the makeup in your collection. Bring just the essentials, or just things that you wear daily. A good idea is to bring an extra of your favorite items that you can't live without in case you run out or lose it. You can bring some basics, such as toothbrush/toothpaste, floss, and face wash, but remember that you can buy all of these things abroad when you get there if you forget anything or want to leave more room in your suitcase.
- Snacks. Pack your favorite snack in your checked luggage. In Europe, you might want a jar of peanut butter that you can't find in any of the markets!
- Basics. Remember basics such as sunglasses, electronics, chargers, and adapters that you might need in your host country. Research this beforehand. Also, do not bring all of your jewelry. Pick out some items that are not too valuable that you might not be too upset about if they are lost or stolen. Pick out about five pairs of earrings, and one or two statement necklaces. Anything else you will just worry about losing.
Extra tips:
Leave some room in your suitcase to bring back souvenirs!
Pack about two of your favorite outfits in your carry-on, along with some underwear in case your luggage gets lost initially.
Completely lost? Check out Pinterest capsule wardrobes!
Pack using space bags! I cannot stress this enough.
You can always buy things such as towels, or bedding at your destination. Sometimes, your host school might even provide some of these basics!
Finally, invest in a good luggage lock and/or luggage tag.
Last but not least, something that is always on my list is good reading material!
Bon voyage, colleagues!
