The Ultimate Study Abroad Packing List

Packing - no longer the most daunting study abroad task

I know students (and the general traveling population) want a detailed packing list, and we all get annoyed when someone says “it’s common sense”. So I’ve put together everything I thought you could possibly want or need when you study/ travel abroad. (I’ve tried to adapt it for everyone, both guys and girls.) I wouldn’t expect you to pack everything below, so use your own discretion.  At least with this list in front of you,  you won’t forget something you really wanted to bring. If you’re wondering how you’re going to fit your life into two suitcases, check out my appropriately titled post, “How To Fit Your Life Into Two Suitcases“. Feel free to print out both posts and use them as your complete guide on how to pack when your studying abroad!

Study Abroad Packing List – Clothing

• Underwear (two week’s worth)
• Socks (two week’s worth plus a pair or two of wool socks)
• Undershirts
• Thermal underwear
• Long sleeve shirts
• Short sleeve shirts
• Sweatshirt/ hoodie (2-3)
• Sweaters
• Jeans/ Khakis (2-3 pair)
• Shorts
• A belt or two
• Skirts (for the girls)
• A set or two of workout clothes
• Pajamas
• Swimsuit (for those going to warmer climates)
• Coat/Jacket ( I recommend at least 2 – one for cold weather, and one that is water resistant)
• At least one nice outfit for formal occasions*
• Flip flops/ sandals of some sort (good if you’re going to a warm climate, but also good for hostel showers)
• Sneakers/ dress shoes/ boots/ rain boots*
• Cold weather gear (i.e. gloves/ mittens, hat, scarf)

Study Abroad Packing List – Toiletries*:

• TSA Compliant Toiletry Kit/ 1-quart zip-top Ziploc bags
• Shampoo/Conditioner
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Soap
• Deodorant
• Feminine Products (one month’s worth – should go without saying you don’t want to be stuck without those)
• Brush/Comb
• Razors/ other shaving supplies
• Contact lenses and solution
• Nail clippers
• Makeup
• Over-the-counter medicines
• Contraceptives
• Tissues/ toilet paper (you don’t want to be stuck in a bathroom when its run out)

Study Abroad Packing List – Extras

• $300 in local currency
• Purse/ wallet
• Important documents (passport, visa, itinerary, plane tickets, ISIC card, etc.) in passport/document holder
• Sunglasses/extra eye glasses/contacts
• Cell phone (you may not be able to use it in your host country, but it’s invaluable if you’re stuck in domestic airports and need to contact someone for delayed flights, etc.)
• Laptop and charger (don’t forget, you’ll need an outlet adapter for the plug on your charger to work)
• Camera w/cords and charger
• Sheets/ bed linens*
• Bath towels*
• Enough prescription drugs for the length of your stay (You need to make sure you are allowed to bring them into the country and that you have documentation, either the prescription or a doctor’s note)
• MP3 Player/ iPod (for long plane/train rides)
• Sleep sack/sleeping bag (most hostels have sheets, however, some do not, some will charge you for them, and for those people that don’t like sleeping in unfamiliar sheets, I recommend a Cocoon Travel Sheet.)
• Journal/ diary (you’ll be taking plenty of pictures on your travels, but it’s always nice to have something to write in. Of course I recommend writing a blog, but you may not always have your laptop with you.)
• Backpack (for daily use and as your carry while traveling)
• Plastic bottles for toiletries for use in your carry-on or while traveling (the maximum is usually 100ml)
• Travel water bottle
• A few hangers

*I have a theory about packing these items, which you should check out on that post, “How To Fit Your Life Into Two Suitcases“.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below and I’ll get back to you!

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