Your Ultimate Semester Abroad Packing Guide

Embarking on a semester abroad is an exciting adventure, but packing for it can feel overwhelming. You want to bring your whole life with you, but space is limited. This guide will help you pack efficiently, ensuring you have everything you need without overpacking.

Essential Documents and Finances

Passport and Visa

Your passport is your ticket to your dream study abroad destination. Don’t forget it and certainly don’t lose it. Actually, it’s a good idea to have a photocopy of your passport just in case the original gets lost or stolen. You may need a visa, too, depending on the country you’re visiting. As with your passport, it’s a really good idea to have a photocopy of your original visa in case something happens. Better safe than sorry!

Financial Essentials

Bring an internationally accepted debit or credit card, plus a small amount of local currency for when you arrive. This way, you’re covered for essentials on day one. Consider getting a credit card to avoid exchange rate fees. Although those charges might seem small, they will build up! Banks make it easy to convert to foreign currencies with a credit or debit card. Still, it’s always a good idea to carry petty cash with you in the event of an emergency. Get a passport holder to hold your passport, credit cards, money, student ID, etc.

Tech and Gadgets

Power Adapters and Converters

Each country has its own kind of power outlet and adapter, and there’s a good chance your home chargers won’t work. With most essential items (phones, laptops, etc.) being electronic, you don’t want to run out of power! Verify which plugs and voltage are used in the country (or countries) you’ll be visiting, and purchase the necessary adapters and/or converters in advance of your trip so you don’t risk running out of power. Being without Google Maps in a new country? No thank you! Powered-up tech is a critical study abroad essential.

Phone and Charger

This is arguably one of the most crucial items. Check if your phone is unlocked so you can use a local SIM card, or research international plans to utilize through your carrier.

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Portable Charger

Bringing a portable charger (or two!) with you is a staple. You never want to run the risk of your phone dying when you’re out and about and still need to get back home.

Laptop/Tablet and School Supplies

Most students take notes on laptops or tablets, but we advise you still bring an extra notebook and pencil or pen just in case. Or, if you do like taking notes by hand, be sure to bring your favorite school supplies with you! Though foreign countries will have these on hand, it’s easier - and sometimes cheaper - to bring them with you. Things such as notebooks and school folders can be bought there!

Clothing and Accessories

Versatile Clothing

Think quality over quantity. You don’t need to bring your entire closet, just what you’ll realistically wear based on the climate and your daily routine abroad. Take clothes that can be layered and combined. Consider taking clothes that you can leave behind in case you need to free up space in your bag. Make sure that clothing is culturally accepted in your destination(s).Pants, including jeans, leggings, slacks, etc. Shirts, including short-sleeve, long-sleeve, nice tees, tanks, etc.

Climate Considerations

Research seasonal weather patterns. Will you need layers? Rain gear? Light clothing for warm temps? Answering these key questions can help you make the most informed decisions.Layers will be your best friend! When it comes to packing for multiple seasons, layers are KEY. I only packed one sweater, which was one of my only packing successes. Sweaters can only be used for cold weather, but T-shirts can be worn year round - in the summer by themselves, in the fall with a light jacket or cardigan, in the winter with a cardigan and a wool coat. I also brought a lot of skirts, and transitioned those with tights. In the fall, sheer black tights were just fine, but in the winter, sheer black tights over nude fleece leggings kept me warm and tricked everyone into thinking I was immune to the cold simultaneously. Seriously - In my nude fleece leggings and sheer black tights, I was warmer than anyone, and more fashionable.

Shoes

Choose versatile, comfortable shoes you can walk in. You’ll be on your feet a lot, occasionally on dirt or cobblestone streets, with so much to see! Aim for comfort and avoid flip flops (trust us on this).WATERPROOF SHOESIn all caps because this is VITAL. When I studied abroad, I brought adidas sneakers, black vans, a pair of stilettos, flip flops, sandals, platform sandals, and a pair of what I thought were going to be my winter boots. First of all, what in the world. Second of all, I promise, I read all the study abroad packing guides and they all said not to bring heels. I am a GIRLY GIRL and thought I was just built different. Do you know whats not built different? European COBBLE STONES. They will literally strip the leather, plastic, paint, etc off your heels in 30 minutes flat. I wore my stilettos twice, so I would recommend not bringing any nice shoes from home and instead buying a cheap pair when you get there if you ever come across an instance where you would desperately need a pair. If you love wearing heels and are convinced that you’ll need a pair, I hear you. I AM you. But chances are you won’t. Third of all, my vans leaked?? There was absolutely no shot I could wear them if there was even a chance of rain that day. My sneakers had a nylon top that also got my socks wet, GROSS. My sandals were out of the question October-December, and that left my winter boots to save the day. (They actually had a small heel so they looked amazing with everything and i think they’re in every picture in this post). They had a THICCCC rubber sole with massive treads. I wore them in clubs, I wore them hiking up an icy mountain. They truly saved my life. I wore them so much one of the zippers broke and I tore a ligament in my toe from wearing heels every single day as I walked an hour both ways to class and trekked marathons through new cities on the weekends. Worth it. Was I in a boot two days after I got home because of those shoes? Absolutely I was. No regrets.

Accessories

Accessories will spice up any basic outfitMy best piece of advice when it comes to packing is bring neutral basics, but also bring lots of accessories. Jewelry takes little to no room in a suitcase, and statement belts are a really easy way to wear the same exact outfit but achieve a different look. I brought a cheetah print belt as well as a fake gucci belt from amazon (I’m a fraud, I KNOW). I love big, extra earrings and fake eyelashes that can make you look more expensive than you are. different lipstick colors can spice up a neutral outfit, and different purses add personality. I never regretted having three white shirts and three black shirts all with different necklines and sleeve lengths that I could pair with different jeans or skirts. Europeans also tend to stick to neutrals, so if you’re ever in doubt that you’ll stick out like a sore thumb, throw on some basics and call it a day.

Health and Personal Care

Prescription Medications

If you take prescription medications, make sure you have enough with you to cover the length of your trip. Most doctors will be able to help you get the amount you need. If there’s a chance you run out while abroad, be sure to have a copy of your prescription to show local doctors. Also, remember to pack any medication in your carry-on, just in case your luggage gets delayed or lost in transit. Bring prescription medication in their original containers and generic form- bring enough to last for your stay if possible. Check whether you will be able to get over a months worth prescription. As I said earlier, Europe in general does not sell things in large quantities, and that includes medicine. For over-the-counter products in the States (Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Zyrtec, Dayquil, vitamins, etc.) these are really helpful to purchase before you leave.

Essential Toiletries

Some toiletries are more essential than others. While you can probably buy most essentials in the country you’re traveling to, it’s best to have some with you so you don’t have to worry about the basics, like shampoo, soap, and toothpaste to cover you during your first few days abroad. Everyday toiletries- Think shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, and razors.

Feminine Hygiene Products

If you’re particular about brands or types, bring a few months’ worth to be safe.

First Aid and Health

Pack any prescriptions in their original packaging, plus over-the-counter basics such as pain relievers, allergy meds, cold medicine, and motion sickness aids.Travel is back on, but COVID has not yet backed down completely. Check the mask mandates of the countries you’ll be visiting. Even if masks aren’t required, it’s always a good idea to bring a few with you just in case. The same goes for hand sanitizer. No one wants to spend their study abroad sick. Stay healthy!

Luggage and Organization

Luggage Choice

Consider what type of luggage will best fit your travel plans and living situation abroad. Rolling suitcases are perfect for long stays in one location since they are easy to transport to and from the airport. Travel backpacks are a better fit if you plan on traveling frequently on weekends.INVEST IN SOME GOOD LUGGAGE!I recently just bought a luggage set from Shay Mitchell’s line, Béis. They are the most gorgeous pieces of luggage ever, and they have such amazing features. The handle has a scale in it that keeps you from overpacking, the compartments inside are to die for, and the built in locks will keep your possessions safe. The wheels are SO SMOOTH; the suitcase I took to study abroad got a broken wheel halfway through and I was forced to CARRY it through all the airports on the way back. It seemed like a good suitcase at first but the price point definitely exposed itself as time went on. Béis’ carry-on size is PERFECT for quick weekend trips, which you’ll hopefully be doing a lot of. Having nice luggage gets me so excited to travel and is definitely worth the money!

Packing Cubes

These are a game-changer for keeping your suitcase organized and compact.

Reusable Bags

I brought two tote-sized reusable bags and I use them for everything. Often places like the grocery store will make you pay for bags so it’s much cheaper/easier to bring your own.

Miscellaneous Items

Daypack or Smaller Backpack

Reusable Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is essential, especially during travel or long days on campus.

Camera

If you enjoy photography or videography, bring a lightweight DSLR and travel tripod with the necessary accessories to document your experience.

What Not to Bring

Heirlooms or Irreplaceables

If it would break your heart to lose it, don’t pack it.

Full-Size Toiletries

These take up space and add weight. Don’t bring full sized toiletries! they are SO HEAVY and waste space - just buy them when you get there.

Hair Dryers/Straighteners

Voltage incompatibility can cause damage to your devices.

Books You Might Read

You’ll find plenty to read once you’re there.

Important Tips

Start Early

Begin building your packing list at least 2-4 weeks before your departure date. Pack early!!! Set aside at least 2 free days before you leave that will give you enough time to pack and rearrange to make everything fit perfectly! Start packing early! I made a list and began packing about two weeks before I left. That gave me enough time to check my list several times, buy what I needed, and make sure I didn’t forget anything. Packing for going abroad is not an easy task. It is something that people do not seem to talk about a lot.

Trial Pack

A week or two before departure, do a test run of your packing plan.

Label Your Luggage

Put your name and phone number on the INSIDE and OUTSIDE of all your luggage.

Leave Room for Souvenirs

A Large Suitcase We hinted at this earlier, but bring a suitcase with extra room (make that extra, extra room). Or, consider bringing an empty suitcase. No doubt, you will find more than a few treasures you’ll want to buy and bring home with you. Make sure you have the space to accommodate souvenirs! Leave extra room in your suitcase or check a second bag on the way home! Leaving extra room in my suitcase was just not possible for me. I packed each suitcase to the brim!

Only Bring Your Essentials!

Pack all your full sized toiletries and hair products in your checked bag. Bring medicine! You will get sick!

Pack clothes that can be layered and combined.

Consider taking clothes that you can leave behind in case you need to free up space in your bag.

Make sure that clothing is culturally accepted in your destination(s).

Study Abroad Fashion Tips

Research the Fashion Scene

People in Europe are probably more fashionable than youAnd it’s so intimidating LOL. As a general rule, Europe is always a little bit ahead of everyone when it comes to fashion, so I would suggest bringing less clothes than you think necessary and doing lots of shopping there! I made the mistake of trying to buy new cute, trendy clothes before I left, but when I got there i regretted everything; I MUCH would rather have spent my money there. My host mom owned her own clothing boutique and was a fashion QUEEN so in addition to all the clothes I brought that I thought were fashionable, she also insisted that I come with her to her boutique events and tried to get me to “overhaul” (her words not mine) my wardrobe, like I hadn’t just tried to do that exact thing before coming. Unfortunately i didn’t have any more money. So learn from my mistakes.

Pack Neutral Basics

Europeans also tend to stick to neutrals, so if you’re ever in doubt that you’ll stick out like a sore thumb, throw on some basics and call it a day.

Comfort is Key

Given that Milan is one of the fashion capitals of the world and my favorite article of clothing is sweatpants, I was a bit worried about what to wear. After doing some research, I decided to pack lots of sweaters and a few pairs of jeans and I’m glad I did. I rotated through different combinations of those throughout the week. When my family came to visit, I had them bring me some sweaters I decided not to pack since I was conscious about not over-packing.

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