Packing for study abroad can be really exciting or really stressful … and sometimes both! While there are plenty of sample packing lists available online, oftentimes they’re vague or list items that aren’t applicable to your situation. So, how do you make the perfect packing list for yourself?
Research your destination
When it comes to clothes, copying someone’s “Ten Days in Thailand” packing list for your fall semester in Torino, Italy, isn’t ideal. What will the weather be like? What about cultural and societal norms? Do some research on your destination and the typical weather conditions throughout the months you’ll be there.
Many southeast Asian destinations can get very humid in the summer, and you’ll probably want to bring a swimsuit to coastal European locations. If rain is common where you’re going, think about waterproof clothing and shoes.
Learn about societal norms, too. Revealing shoulders, collarbones, or knees is considered taboo in some countries while it’s a non-issue in others. Find out what is expected for your destination so you can respect the customs.
Plan your packing categories
Think about broad categories before you begin packing. Some common categories to consider:
- Clothes and shoes
- Toiletries
- Medications and supplements
- Tech
- Documents
- Other
Dive into specifics
Now that you’ve done some research and chosen your packing categories, start writing your lists! You can always trim your list later, so begin with adding everything that comes to mind within each category. Here are a few basics to get you started:
- Clothes and shoes: your favorites, because you’ll be wearing them over and over again, plus weather-specific items like a winter coat, boots, or swimsuit.
- Toiletries: hair products, soap, toothpaste, skincare, deodorant, glasses or contacts, sunscreen, razor.
- Medicines and supplements: all prescription medications you take, additional supplements like a multivitamin.
- Tech: phone, adaptor, laptop or tablet, headphones, and all chargers and cords.
- Important documents: passport, visa, medical prescriptions, plus photocopies.
- Other: sunglasses, reusable water bottle, local currency.
Give yourself time
Don’t leave packing until the night before departure. You might need to pack two or three times for practice to get it just right, so make sure you’re not rushed. Maybe you can’t get everything to fit and have to decide which items need to go, or you realize you forgot something important right after zipping the suitcase closed. Give yourself enough time to pack so you can minimize stress.
Think about buying it abroad
Unless you have specific skin or haircare needs, consider leaving the full-size bottles at home. Things like soap, shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste can be easily found abroad and can help you save space in your luggage.
Checked versus carry-on luggage?
Packing for study abroad is up to you, and what is essential for someone might be entirely unnecessary to you. But, there are few items that must be packed in your carry-on and never placed in a checked suitcase. Always keep these important documents with you in your carry-on while traveling:
- Passport and photocopy
- Visa and photocopy
- Medical prescriptions and vaccination certificates
- Proof of medical and travel insurance
- Contact information (family, university, embassy or consulate, and study abroad program)
- Program verification (university enrollment confirmation, acceptance letter, etc.)
- Travel itinerary details (flights, lodging)
Want more guidance on preparing for your study abroad? Check out this post on 5 ways to prepare for your semester abroad.
