2 Suitcases + 1 Year = Study Abroad Packing List

This list is also included in my new book The Ultimate Study Abroad Guide!

Whether you’re two weeks or two days away, if you’re like me, you’ve got your plane ticket in one hand, your passport in the other, and two empty suitcases in front of you with no idea what to pack.  Or maybe you’re actually good at packing for a semester/ year in another country and just need a few pointers.  Either way, I’ve put together a basic list of necessary things to pack, along with a few extras just in case you have extra room in those front pouches to squeeze a little more in. (I’ve tried to adapt it for both guys and girls)

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)

Toiletries*:

• 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)

Extras

• $300 in local currency
• Purse/ wallet
• Important documents (passport, visa, itinerary, plane tickets, ISIC card, etc.)
• Sunglasses/ extra eye glasses/contacts
• Cell phone (you probably won’t 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 this)
• 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)
• Water bottle/ Nalgene bottle (since the Nalgene bottle is plastic, it’s a lot easier to get through airport security)
• A few hangers

99% of the people who are looking at this are competent enough to make their own packing list. The list you just read probably doesn’t even have everything you’re going to need, but if you do pack using this list as a guideline, you’re guaranteed to at least have all of the essentials.  More important than the list above are the notes below.

*NOTES:

1. Check the local weather in the country of your host institution. It sounds pretty common sense, but it’s the most important thing you can do.  I’ve been in Scotland since September, and it hasn’t been above 55̊ F. It would have been pointless for me to fill half of my suitcase with shorts, but I wouldn’t have known it never gets warm if I hadn’t checked the weather.
2. At least one nice outfit for formal occasions: Some countries, especially in Europe, dress much more formally for important social events.  I’m not talking shirt and tie for guys and cocktail dresses for girls, I’m talking black-tie/ tuxedos and ball gowns. Now I’m not saying you need to go out and buy a tuxedo or ball gown – I’ve made it through most formal events with just a black suit and bow tie; however, it’s something to keep in mind.
3. Sneakers/ dress shoes/ boots/ rain boots: I’m sure you won’t have a problem figuring out which shoes to pack, but just remember a pair or good walking shoes. A lot of the streets in Europe are cobblestone, and whether while at school or while traveling abroad, your feet will get extremely sore after only a few hours if you don’t have a good pair of shoes/ sneakers – sorry girls, those flats probably won’t cut it.
4. Toiletries: The only reason I would suggest actually packing toiletries is because they can be pretty expensive in foreign countries. However, they take up a lot of space in your luggage and provide a lot of unneeded weight. It’s really a game time decision.
5. Sheets/ linens/ towels: See if your host institution provides these for you. Talk about taking up unnecessary space in your suitcase – even if your host institution doesn’t provide them for you, you’re probably still better off buying them when you land.
6. Socks/ underwear: Bring as many pairs as you can. The more you bring, the less often you’ll have to do your laundry. If they don’t fit in your suitcase when you’re packing to come home, no worries, they’re cheap enough to throw away and replace.
7. SPACE BAGS: My one piece of advice – don’t use them. Yea you can fit more in your suitcase, but guess what, you’ll be able to pack so much that your suit case will be over the weight limit.  As a matter of fact, get one of those portable suitcase scales. It’ll save you a lot of time and stress especially when you’re packing while traveling abroad.

Filed under: Basic Travel Tips • Strictly Study Abroad Support

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