The Guide to Packing for a Study Abroad

When you’re getting ready to study abroad, packing can be a daunting challenge. Sure, you start out with valiant plans for packing light, but then you figure there’s no harm in bringing along an extra pair of shoes and then comes that shirt you haven’t worn in three years and before you know it, that bag is bursting at the seams with things you “can’t live without.”

News flash: you can. In fact, aside from a few essentials, you can live without most of your at-home comforts. Plus, one of the joys of studying abroad is filling a half-empty bag with local wares, whether you’ve haggled for them in a bazaar or simply swiped that credit card in a local boutique.

Here is your one-stop guide to help you discern the must-have from the really wants when packing for study abroad.

Backpacks

First, you’ve got to find something good to pack in. While a suitcase will be fine for getting you to your dorm or host family’s home, they won’t serve you well in any local travel adventures. Don’t agree? Just picture yourself dragging a wheeled suitcase over dusty roads or cobblestones during inclement weather and that’ll give you a better sense. Hiking backpacks are the way to go, though you’ll want to take the time to find one that really fits your body.

You’ll also want a second smaller backpack for carting your belongings to and from school every day. This will function well as a daypack as you travel further afield, and it will make for a good carry-on bag.

Clothing

If you’re going to pack as little as possible, it’s important to do a little research into your destination country’s seasonal climate and the kinds of activities you’re going to be doing throughout the program. Ideally, you’ll want to pack clothing that can be used in more than one way. For instance, can that running shirt do double duty as a PJ top? Do you really need a sweatshirt and a fleece? If you’ll be headed to a cold or varied climate, pack lots of layers rather than big, puffy jackets, so you’ll always have something right for each temperature.
A few musts:
• Jeans — 2 pairs, so you’ll have one set during wash time.
• Shirts — Sweaters, long-sleeve t-shirts, etc.
• Pajamas
• A “going out outfit” — fancier top, sleek bottoms. Again, ideally at least one of these elements you can use for other things.
• An outfit for formal occasions — Black slacks, khakis, polo shirt, or a dress are all possibilities.
• Ladies: A scarf and a few key accessories — This can be a lightweight way to give your multi-functional, practical clothing new life.
• Bathing suit
• Lightweight rain slicker that can be balled up small.
• Workout clothes — Quantity depends on how much you workout.
• Underwear and socks — This is the one place where you can overpack, as underwear and socks are easily stuffed into gaps in your bag, can dual-function as padding, and seriously reduce the amount of laundry you’ll need to do on the road.
• Glasses and contacts
• Hat and gloves — For colder climes.
Of course, this list will change based on local customs, and there may be destinations in non-Western countries where you’ll be better off buying local clothing so you can blend in.

Sheets/Linens/Towels

You’re study abroad program or host family may provide you sheets, towels and linens; then again, they may not. If, after doing your research, you find you need to bring your own, consider a silk sleep sack that you can take with you in further travels and lay down on sketchy hostel beds. You’ll also benefit from carrying a microfiber travel towel no matter what, as they can fold up nice and small and provide an instant dry.

Toiletries

While you’ll want to keep these to a minimum, keep in mind that your favorite toiletries may not be available abroad. This may not matter for, say, shampoo, but it’s a big pain for something like medication. Here are a few things you might want to bring:
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Hair brushes
• Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss
• Ladies: feminine products — Many countries don’t have tampons, so, yeah, keep that in mind.
• Medications — Most insurance companies will allow you to stock up with a supply that will last you throughout your trip, just as long as you talk to them and send them an itinerary. Get started with this process as soon as you have your flights booked, as approval can take weeks.
• Sunblock
• Water purification tablets
Remember to tape all lids shut so nothing spills and carry liquid items in ziplock plastic bags.

Gadgets

Whether you’re a flashpacker or you’d simply like to take good photos throughout your trip, having the right gadgets is crucial both on the road and in the classroom.
• Camera — While a DSLR will be right for hardcore photographers, most students will benefit from something slim and lightweight.
• Phone — Think you can just take your iPhone abroad and go for it? Your massive cell phone bill might not agree. Do some research ahead of time and consider buying a tri-band phone once you’ve arrived, as these will work in a variety of locations abroad when you simply swap out the SIM card.
• Laptop — While your school may provide computer labs, laptops are really essential for getting homework done. Go with the most lightweight option possible, or perhaps choose a tablet with a detachable keyboard. Add a USB flash drive into the mix for easy data transfer and you’ll be golden.
• iPod — So that you can listen to all of that new local music.
• Chargers for all of your gadgets
• e-Reader — The last thing you’ll want to lug around is a load of books. Go for an e-Reader instead.
• Converters and universal adapters — It’s always good to have a converter on hand in case you need to increase or reduce voltage to power your devices. But since many devices, like laptops, will automatically make conversions, a universal adapter is even better, as you’ll be able to plugin your devices across continents.
• Ladies: Hair dryer/straightener/curling iron — These you actually should not pack, as they suck up a lot of power and getting the conversion right can be tricky. Better to buy these in country.

Footwear

As tempting as it may be, it’s important to limit your shoe options, as they can take up a lot of space in your bag.
• Walking shoes — You’re going to be doing a lot of walking, so don’t be embarrassed about picking a nice, sturdy walking shoe. Even better if they can double as your workout shoe.
• Flip flops — For showering in hostels.
• Nice pair of shoes –You’ll need nicer dress shoes for going out and more formal occasions.

Documents

It’s not enough to just bring your documents; you’ll want to make multiple copies of them to be stored in separate areas of your luggage, to leave copies with your family, and to upload them to your email in case anything gets lost. A few essentials:
• Passport
• Student and travel visas — If you plan on traveling before or after your student visa expires, make sure you’ve got the right documentation for that as well.
• Tickets
• Trip insurance information — Keep this in your carry-on so you can access it easily mid-transport.
• Proof of vaccination
• Phone numbers and email addresses — For important contacts like your family back home, the program, and your host family.

Multiple Forms of Payment

It’s good to have multiple forms of payment should anything get stolen, and again to store these in bags that are separate yet secure. Don’t forget to buy a moneybelt for keeping your cash safe during longer legs of your journey.
• Traveler’s cheques — This may seem old school, but they’re easy to cancel if lost and stolen, and it never hurts to have funds ready to use if need be.
• Cash — Change a hundred dollars or so into local currency before you go, so you won’t have to get money when you arrive.
• Credit and debit cards — Check the foreign transaction fees, go for the best rate and call the credit card company before you leave to let them know you’re traveling so they won’t get suspicious. Credit cards can actually be a pretty affordable and convenient way of paying for things abroad.

Packing Cubes or Space Bags

Vacuum-sealed space bags can be a great way to open up space in your bag, just as long as you don’t overload yourself (those shrunken clothes still weigh something, after all). Packing cubes are another great option, especially if you’re using a backpack, as they help you organize and color code your belongings. This might sound like overkill, but believe me, it’s a lot easier to get dressed when you know that shirt you’re seeking is lurking in the blue bag within that deep dark hole of a backpack.

Schoolroom Must-Haves

If you’ve got schoolroom favorites that can’t easily be replaced by local wares, take them along for the ride. Pencils, notebooks — you name it. You also might want to bring a notepad and keep a good journal of your adventures.

That One Thing

Sure, the goal is to take as little as possible. But that doesn’t mean you’re not allowed a comfort item or two. Whether it’s a picture of your dog or a poster of your favorite band, don’t hesitate to bring along that one essential item.

So there you have it: everything you could possibly need for a semester abroad. Go buy a sturdy backpack, start packing, and have a great time away from home! (So jealous!).

Backpacking photo courtesy of Shutterstock