Study Abroad Packing Guide

Clothing Essentials
When packing clothes, it’s best to pack lightly, as you’ll probably shop and pick up new items while abroad. For example, I bought new jackets, coats, jewelry, and shoes. Focus on the essentials, and research the weather for your destination. For example, I underestimated how chilly Spain would get toward the end of my semester and wished I had brought more light jackets and sweaters. Don't forget warmer clothing if you plan to travel to colder locations. I went to Switzerland and Prague in late November, so it was quite cold in these regions. I had to go buy scarves and hats as I did not bring them from home. To make packing more efficient, vacuum seal bags are a lifesaver for saving space, and packing cubes help keep everything organized. I had so many small trinkets and gifts I had bought abroad, that packing them was so hard and I ended up scattering them everywhere since I did not bring my packing cubes. 

Backpack
A good backpack is essential for weekend trips and traveling by air. Many airlines only allow a small bag to fit under the seat, so invest in a spacious backpack with clips that can make your bag smaller and fit under the seat. I bought the popular carry-on backpack from Amazon but found that it does not fit as much stuff as I had anticipated. I recommend getting a bag that fits more so you can travel more comfortably. 

Medications
Navigating pharmacies in another language can be intimidating, so bringing basic medications with you is a good idea. Essentials like Tylenol, Advil, Nyquil, and Dayquil can be helpful when you’re feeling under the weather and do not have the energy to walk to the pharmacy. 

Money and Cards
Make sure to bring some cash and get it converted before departure to avoid high fees at airport currency exchanges. Many local banks offer free currency conversion, but it takes a few days, so plan ahead. I got about 200 euros converted at my local bank for free and it took them two days to deliver this to me, which was not long but can change with the bank you may be using. Bring multiple credit cards, as not all work in every country—my Discover card, for instance, was not functioning in Spain, and I was not expecting that. Therefore, bring a backup credit card in case of a situation like this. Also, bring your debit card and store it somewhere safe in your room in case you need to take more money out. 

Shoes for Every Adventure
Comfortable shoes are a must while studying abroad. I found myself walking 6-8 miles a day in Spain and even more during weekend trips when I was exploring various cities. Pack walking shoes to avoid discomfort, which will also last a long time. I would also include a pair of athletic shoes for workouts, hikes, or other outdoor activities.

Extras
Lastly, bring a journal to document your adventures. Writing down your thoughts and experiences is a wonderful way to reflect on your journey and creates something meaningful to look back on. If you have room, consider packing a small camera to capture the beautiful sights you’ll see—it’s a great way to preserve memories beyond phone photos. Also, bring things like AirTags or identification devices to track your bags and important things such as your wallet. 

Hope this helps!