Though seemingly daunting, packing for your study abroad trip is easier than you might think. With this guide, we’ll be outlining the essentials you’ll need to bring.
It should serve as a
great jumping-off point, no matter where your study abroad adventures take you!
What to Pack for Study Abroad: The Essentials
These are the things
you definitely don’t want to forget. In fact, everything on your essentials
list should be packed in a carry-on bag rather than a checked bag, just in case, there’s a luggage thief on the loose.
Your essentials should
include:
1. Passport &
Requisite Visa (Plus Photocopies)
Be sure to store the
photocopies in a separate place from the originals: these will make replacing
both passport and visa at the American consulate a whole lot easier if ever the
originals should be lost or stolen.
2. Prescription
Medications (and the prescription!)
If you're taking any
prescription medications, it's a good idea to get enough to ensure you're
covered the whole time you're away. Foreign pharmacists likely will not honor
an American prescription, but it’s better to have a copy of it so that you can
show it to a local doctor in case you need more.
3. Local Currency
These days, the best
way to gain access to foreign funds tends to be to use a U.S. credit or debit
card, but you may want to travel with a little bit of foreign currency or
traveler's checks, just in case.
4. Travel-Size
Essential Toiletries
Depending on your
regimen at home, you may find that more toiletries are classed as
"essential" than others. We’d classify must-have essentials as
deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, and
they should definitely be in your carry-on bag.
What counts as
"essential" will also depend on the region where you're traveling:
some, more urban locales will grant you easy access to a pharmacy or
para-pharmacy, where you can get shampoo, deodorant, and moisturizer. Other
regions require a trip just to get to the supermarket. Be sure to ask your
study abroad coordinator what this will look like in your case so that you can
bring more essential toiletries if needed.
We also recommend
packing enough shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, etc. for your first 2-4 weeks
there. While you don't want to waste space on things you can buy later, you
also don't want to land in your host country and immediately have to worry
about how you’ll brush your teeth either! Pack enough of what you'll need while
settling in and, once you run low, we're sure you'll have a good understanding
of your host country’s supermarket situation.
However, our one
exception to the “bring only travel-size toiletries rule” are specialty items
such as insect repellent, sunscreen, and contact lens solution. If you need
them, pack them, as these things tend to be outrageously expensive in other
countries and it’s worth carrying them with you, rather than paying up to three
times as much to buy a tiny bottle once you’re there.
5. Power Adapters
& Converters
Whether it's for your
phone, your computer, or your e-reader, you'll likely want to bring a few
chargers on your journey, and for that, you'll need a converter and possibly an
adapter. Not all countries use the same electricity voltage, which means that
merely changing the shape of the plug might not be enough to make your charger
work – and could even be dangerous and short out the device. Be sure to verify
which plugs and voltage are used in the country you're traveling to so that you
have the right adapters for all your devices.
Of course, there are a
few variables to keep in mind that might make this list slightly different for
you. Not all regions will have easy access to shops and supermarkets, so
depending on where you're studying, you may need to bring more toiletries with
you.
6. Face Masks &
Hand Sanitizer
Safety first! With the
quick spread of COVID-19, it’s best to keep face masks and hand sanitizer with
you at all times, to help protect yourself from germs and the chances of
getting sick.
What to Pack for Study Abroad: Clothes
When packing clothes
for study abroad, you’ll want to adhere to these five essential rules, plus
plan accordingly to the weather and region you’re traveling to.
First, light layers
are key. Consider
bringing an assortment of long- and short-sleeved tops, sweaters, and lighter
jackets that you can mix and match depending on the weather, and unless you're
studying abroad in the Russian tundra, leave your puffy coat at home.
Second, remember
that solid colors make less of a statement than patterns, which can easily reveal themselves as repeat
items. Pack an assortment of simpler clothing, and you’ll be able to wear it
more often without drawing attention to your reduced wardrobe.
Third, bear in mind
the local culture. This
will vary greatly depending on where you’re studying, but standards of modesty
and the acceptability of casual wear will vary depending on where you go.
Athleisure such as leggings as pants, sweatpants, and running shoes are generally
frowned upon outside of the U.S.
Fourth, consider
your access to laundry, especially when packing underwear and socks. It’s always a good idea to pack more
underwear than you think you’ll need, but if you have access to a washer/dryer
in your dorm or hostel, that will make a big difference regarding how space in
your suitcase these essential items take up. If access to laundry is difficult,
consider packing some travel-size detergent packets so that you can wash
underwear and socks between loads.
Fifth, remember
that shoes take up space. You’ll
need three essential pairs: flip-flops for the shower, one comfortable pair of
walking shoes (that aren’t running shoes), and one nicer pair to wear
when going out or eating dinner. Try to fight the urge to pack any more pairs
than that.
We recommend packing a
versatile pair of shoes that can go from class to dinner and that can take a
beating (so, no, definitely not a cheap pair of H&M flats!). You’ll be
surprised how quickly shoes can wear through when you’re wearing them every
day. If you’re somewhere cooler, especially a big city, a pair of sturdy boots
or lace-up shoes can be your best friend. And no, sneakers are not appropriate
for daily use -- you’re not on campus anymore!
Don’t forget to do a
little research on what people normally wear in your study abroad city -- you
don’t want to be the only person in the city wearing flip-flops, or the fool
caught without a raincoat during the rainy season.
What to Pack for Study Abroad: Miscellaneous
Aside from clothes and
toiletries, here’s a few more items you may want to consider bringing with you:
- A small padlock, for hostel lockers
- A small backpack or day pack, for day-long
excursions
- Feminine products and contraceptives
- Camera, charger, and SD card
- E-reader, like a Kindle or Nook
- Non-electronic activities, like a book, a
deck of cards, or a few crossword/sudoku puzzles, for times when you don't
have access to electricity
- Journal to take notes or document your
trip
- Basic school supplies (notebook, pens, highlighter)