Study Abroad Preparation: What to Pack

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This is a must-read for anybody who wants to study abroad or making preparations to travel overseas (or to any other nation) to pursue an education.

In many circumstances, students are unsure of what to pack as part of their Study Abroad preparations; nevertheless, this article is a helpful guide that explains exactly what you should bring.

Packing may be more than cramming your life into a bag; it can also be enjoyable and simple.

Spending a few months or even years at a university overseas might be daunting and lonely, but it can also be thrilling, so it’s a mixed sensation. You’re reading this because you know how important it is to travel smart (which often starts with your study abroad packing list!). Whether you’re just starting to think about a study abroad program in Europe or you’re already deep into the planning process, whatever stage you’re in, you’re reading this because you know how important it is to travel smart (which often begins with your study abroad packing list!). You can be sure you won’t forget anything with our study abroad packing list. We’ve gathered all of the necessities and tailored the list for both men and women.

You won’t need everything on the list, but you will surely need some, so feel free to tailor it to your requirements.

Trying to fit your entire life into one or two bags might seem difficult, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area you are visiting and what greets you when you walk off the airport. If you’re more like Kevin McCallister (home alone) when it comes to packing, you’ve come to the right spot; a list is just what you need.

Table of Contents show

Things to consider

Even though it may appear to be simple, there are several considerations to consider before packing for your study abroad;

Is the culture liberal or conservative?
Is your university in a rural or an urban setting?
What kind of weather will you have to cope with, or should I say study in?
Time spent abroad: how long will you be studying?

What should you carry; each airline has its own luggage restrictions, so be sure to double-check. Do you really want to drag all of that around, even if your airline permits two checked bags and a carry-on? You don’t have to bring it just because you can.

Decide ahead of time how much you truly want to bring and stick to it. When you’re rushing through Heathrow with two 50-pound bags, they don’t seem like much.

Things to Pack

In the event of a pandemic, remember to bring your face masks, since they may be required to be worn in public or in stores in many nations. Bring washable cotton masks if possible, although disposable paper masks will suffice. Now for the important stuff… These necessities are a must-have in any study abroad preparation.

Clothing

If You’re going to a cold location

Hat
Gloves or mittens
Scarf
Thermal underwear
Woollen over-socks
Flip-flops or rubber sandals
Sports clothes for working out
Jackets or coats (2 pairs)
Belts
Shoes (not a lot – 2pairs will be fine)
Pajamas (it’s not a fashion parade just bring one along, you could always buy more)
Swimming trunks or swimsuit
Underwear (for 3 weeks)
Sweaters, hoodies, or sweatshirts (2or 3)
Jeans, chinos, or khakis (2 or 3 pairs)
Shorts or skirts (4 pairs each)
Short-sleeved shirts or blouses
Long-sleeved shirts or blouses
Socks (2 weeks’ worth)
Electronics:
Note and a pen
Power bank
Laptop
Power outlet adapters in case your destination’s power outlets and voltages are different (ideally 2 or more)
Flash drives, USB sticks, memory cards

Medicine and toiletries:

The first step is to confirm if you are permitted to carry medicine into the country; you may do so by calling the embassy of your new nation in your home country.

You should bring some important medications with you, especially if you need to take something that requires a prescription. It’s best to be prepared than to be caught off guard when it comes to your new country’s healthcare system.

Pack only enough toiletries for a few days because you can always buy them to save space in your luggage.

Hand sanitizer (enough for two months)
Anti-allergy medicine
Prescription medicine
Contraceptives
Contact lenses and contact lenses liquid
Bandages
Tissues and toilet paper (for a few days)
Tampons or pads (a month’s worth)
Makeup
Comb or hairbrush
Nail clippers
Deodorant and perfumes
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Shower gel, soap
Shampoo and conditioner
Shaver, razors, shaving cream
Also, have your hair made

Other Items:

Backpack/ handbag
Purse and/or wallet
Sunglasses
Jewelry
A sleeping bag will come in handy if you don’t know where you’ll be staying or what your travel plans are.
Padlock
A dictionary in the native tongue

If you’re staying with a host family, bring a unique gift from your native country: this is hospitality for hospitality’s sake.

Things Not To Pack

Expect the unexpected; have an open mind.
High-heeled shoes
All your clothes
Curling irons, hairdryers, and hair strengtheners
Ridiculous accessories
Big cameras

Items to remember

Passport and Visa: You’d be shocked how many times this has occurred to a lot of individuals, so double-check that you have both papers with you before leaving for the airport, and keep them in a secure location during your trip.

Important documents: create copies of your higher education institution paperwork and scan them and submit them to your personal email. Take your accommodation paperwork, as well as information on your health insurance and a copy of your health pamphlet. Important documents, such as your passport, student visa, credit card, travel itinerary, plane and train tickets, boarding passes, student card (ISIC), health insurance card or a copy of your travel health insurance, doctor’s note for prescription medicine, and so on, should all be in your hand luggage or easily accessible.

Local currency: You don’t want to arrive in a new place and be at the mercy of strangers because you don’t have enough local cash to buy a meal or go about. While carrying a big amount of cash is not recommended, having roughly 100-200 euros in cash (or the equivalent if Euros are not the local currency) when you arrive will suffice.

First-aid supplies: This is especially crucial if you have allergies. Prescription medicine, plasters, pain relievers, bandages, and antiseptic should all be available.

Power bank: Because various nations use different voltages, your devices are likely to operate only in the country where you purchased them. If you transport them to another country, they may not work. Your charger might not function in your destination country, so bring a power bank with you regardless of how long your phone’s battery will survive.

Phrasebook: You won’t realize how vital this is until you strike up a conversation with a total stranger; simply knowing a few local phrases might make your life simpler in an unfamiliar nation. However, you might usually get by on basic English.

Family photos: They are a great way to cope with being alone. Your family portrait will also provide warmth to your space.

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