The Study Abroad Packing List
When it comes to making those final preparations for studying abroad one of the few things that you will ask yourself is what to take and what to keep at home. Now in general there is not right or wrong way to pack but a tip for the wise is to pack what you need and not what you think you need. Here is a list of items that you should strongly consider packing.
What to bring with you and what to leave at home.
Clothes
- Long Sleave shirts good for layering
- Thermal underwear
- Underwear 7 – 10 a weeks worth will make due
- Bed Clothes 1-2 pair
- Jeans 2 – 5 pair
- Shorts 2 – 4 pair
- T-shirts
- Pair of warm gloves hat scarf dress according to the season and local climate
- Sweaters/Hoodies 2-3
- Socks 7 – 10 (pair bring a few wool socks for cooler climate)
- Special/formal occasion outfit
- Coat / Jacket water resistant and removeable lining so it can be both light and heave
- Umbrella or rain coat
*Make Sure your shirts match well with your pants so you can interchange them easier*
Foot Wear
- Walking shoes
- Dress shoes
- Casual shoes
- Flip-flops
- Shower shoes (if you plan on staying in places with community showers like hostels
- Slippers/ house shoes
Additional Clothes
- swimsuit
- workout clothes
Other Items
- Sunglasses
- Purse/wallet
Electronics
- Watch
- Camera w/cords and charger
- Laptop w/charger
- Camera w/cords and charger
- Adapters (changes the shape of the electrical plug)
- Voltage converter (Check out this article for more information)
- Ipod / MP3 Player (amazon links)
- Alarm clock Battery operated(amazon link)
- Laptop and charger
- Cell phone
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.
Medication & Prescriptions
- Over-the-counter medicines
- Contraceptives
- Extra eye glasses/contacts (enough for your stay)
- 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)
- Toiletries
- Small plastic bottles for toiletries for use in your carry-on or while traveling
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Soap
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Feminine Products (a month supply)
- Brush/Comb
- Shaving supplies
- Nail clippers
- Makeup
- Tissues/ toilet paper
If you are not picky you may be able to get away with purchasing many of these in your host country but if there is a particular brand you like make sure you bring it with you.
Deodorant toothpaste and hair care products are different in other parts of the world so you may want to bring your own supply if you are really picky.
Put tape over the tops of containers with liquids to prevent them from opening and place them in plastic storage bags to prevent them from leaking onto other items in your luggage.
Important Items For Carry On
- 250 Dollars (bring a few days worth of money)
- Important Documents
- Visa
- Passport (you may consider getting a passport holder or traveling pouch)
itinerary - plane tickets
- Valuables, Medication
- A change of clothing
- Some toiletries in your carry-on in case your luggage gets lost
**Bring 3 copies of important documents and keep a copy in your carry-on, check-in and on your person**
Additional Items
- Travel books for the area(s) you will visit
- Playing Cards
- Sleepsack/sleeping bag
- Travel Journal (This is a great way to commit your explorations to paper)
- Thin lightweight towel (preferably microfiber so that it will dry fast when you’re traveling)
- Backpack (for day trips and daily use) – You can use this as your carry-on so you’ll have less luggage
- Refillable water bottle (water bottles with filters
are great for day tips )
- Gifts for your host family and others (make them specific to where you come from)
A few Minor Details About Packing for Study Abroad
You may want to purchase any International Student discount cards before you leave
Bring photos of your friends and family back home
Don’t Over Pack.
One final thing to remember when packing for study abroad is, when in doubt leave it out. If you have to ask twice or three times more then likely it will just be more stuff you will have to worry about.
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[...] Which airlines are available and which is best for me? – Perform a personal research regarding the different airlines and its rules concerning baggage policies. There are airlines that limit the number of luggage. You also need to consider expenses for baggage. So, pack important things you will surely need when you study abroad, but try not to over pack. Check on the following link for more information on a study abroad packing list. [...]