Packing list and tips for Study Abroad

This is a basic list of what you should bring for a semester or two  of studying abroad, but of course, remember that each location will require specific things. Students who have studied abroad suggest packing certain items in a carry–on, and putting other items in checked baggage. Below are a few recommendations of what to pack where, what to leave behind, and what to buy when you get there.

The Essentials

Important documents (passport, visa, itinerary, plane tickets, etc.)
$100 in local currency (make sure you have enough cash for a few days until you can find an ATM)
Extra eye glasses/contacts
Enough prescription drugs for the length of your stay (You will need to check to make sure you can bring them into the country and that you have proper documentation, i.e. a doctor’s note)
Backpack (for day trips and daily use) – You should use this as your carry-on so you’ll have less luggage.
Gifts for your host family and others (try to get ones that are specific to the region where you live)
Computer w/charger
Camera w/cords and charger
Adapters (changes the shape of the electrical plug) /converter (reduces or increases the current’s voltage)

Clothing/Shoes  (In general pack a week’s worth of clothing)

Jeans (2-3 pairs) [can substitute a pair or two with skirts or khakis if going to warmer climates] Sweaters/Hoodies (2-3)
T-shirts
Long sleeve shirts (Make sure they are good for layering)
Underwear (one week’s worth)
Pajamas (2 pair)
Warm slippers
Socks (a week’s worth) (you should include a few pairs of wool socks if you’re going to colder climates)
Swimsuit
One set of workout clothes (if you plan to)
Thermal underwear (silk preferably for colder climates or the adventurous sort)
Coat/Jacket (water resistant with zip pockets and removable lining)
One nice outfit (dress pants/skirt/dress) for special/formal occasions
Decent walking shoes
Flip flops (especially for showering at hostels)
Warm hat, gloves and scarf (for colder climates)

Toiletries

Shampoo/Conditioner
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Soap
Deodorant
Disposable razors (and other shaving supplies)
Brush/Comb (and hair ties if you have long hair)
Tissues (highly recommended as many countries don’t keep toilet paper in stock in the bathrooms)
Feminine Products (one month’s worth)
Contact lenses and solution
Over-the-counter medicines (aspirin, anti-diarrhea, anti-nausea, etc.)
Nail clippers and nail file
Suntan lotion
Makeup

Misc.

Alarm clock (though a cell phone works well too)
Small plastic bottles for toiletries for use in your carry-on or while traveling
Refillable water bottle
Purse
MP3 Player (especially for long plane/train rides)
Travel books for the region(s) you will visit (these can be found at the places you plan to visit too if you don’t want to haul them around)
Umbrella or rain coat
Watch
Sunglasses
Playing Cards (good for long train rides and lighter than a pile of books)
Journal (to write your memories in )
Thin lightweight towel (preferably microfiber so that it will dry fast when you’re traveling)
Linens, bedsheets, and towels (Check with your program to see if these are provided, otherwise you may just want to buy them abroad because they tend to be heavy and take up a lot of room)
Sleepsack/sleeping bag (if you’re planning to do a lot of traveling you may want one)

Tips

– Bring clothes that are easily layered for various climate conditions, do not need ironing, can be drip-dried, and are comfortable and durable. Also, remember that dark clothing does not show stains and dirt as much as light-colored clothing does.  Most importantly make sure that all of your clothes are interchangeable, i.e. any of your shirts can go with any of your skirts/pants, etc.  This will provide you with many more “outfits” on a daily basis even with limited clothing items.

– A lot of the toiletries mentioned can usually be found in your host country.

– Remember that most electrical appliances will not work because of the different electrical current.  Generally, laptop computers will work but you will probably need an adapter. It is usually better to just buy small electrical appliances (like hair dryers, curling irons, etc.) in the host country.

– Lastly, you should keep your money, important documents, valuables, prescription medications, a change of clothing and some toiletries in your carry-on in case your luggage gets lost.

Traveling light – tips from around the web

Packing advice from our favourite bloggers

How to pack light: tips from a master packer, Lonely Planet blog

31 travel experts share their best tips for packing light, Tortuga Backpacks blog

The flight attendant’s guide to packing light, Conde Nast Traveler

Top packing tips for flying hand-luggage only, Money Saving Expert

Light Traveling: Packing in carry-on for two months, One Girl One Suitcase

10 tips for packing light, How Stuff Works

How to pack light: A minimalist example, Indie Traveller

Pack Light, Go Fast – Photos, links and tips about the art of packing light, packlite.tumblr.com

Packing smart and traveling light, Rick Steves’ Europe