The Essential Study abroad Packing List

What to Pack When Studying Abroad for a Year

Packing for college, especially when going overseas, can be quite challenging. You want to make sure you take items that will be difficult to find or expensive to replace when you arrive without overpacking. Below you'll find a comprehensive packing list to help you get started. Keep in mind that you can purchase some of these items locally after arriving at your destination to reduce the initial load. I would create two lists - one for packing and taking with you and the other for your first big shopping trip when you get there. Also remember that this is a general packing list and is not specific to a certain country or climate.

Read on to get your college packing list for study abroad.

Packing for Study Abroad: Clothing and Personal Items

Clothing and Personal Items

I highly recommend packing a capsule-style wardrobe. When I travel, I choose one base color and two complimentary colors and pack only clothes in those colors (ie. blue with pink and gray or black with gray and yellow, etc.) and then pack three pairs of shoes that match all of the clothes.

1. Pants/Jeans (5-7, depending on climate)
2. Shirts/Tops (7-8 that can be layered, with a mix of sleeve lengths, depending on climate)
3. Shorts/Skirts (2-4, depending on climate)
4. Dresses (2-3 casual everyday + 1 dressy, if applicable)
5. Sweaters/Jackets/Coats (1-2 of each, depending on climate)
6. Underwear and socks
7. Sleepwear (a mix of sleeve lengths and shorts/pants)
8. Comfortable shoes for walking
9. Formal shoes
10. Sandals (depending on climate)
11. Winter boots (depending on climate)
12. Rainboots/Wellies (depending on climate)
13. Raincoat and/or umbrella
14. Slippers/House Shoes/Flip Flops
15. Swimwear (1-2, if relevant)
16. Hat, Scarf, and Gloves (for colder climates)
17. Sunglasses
18. Prescription glasses/contacts (if applicable; I recommend getting new ones right before you leave)

Packing for Study Abroad: Toiletries

Toiletries

1. Toothbrush and toothpaste
2. Shampoo and conditioner (if you have a very specific kind you always use, make sure it's available in your destination country; if not, plan accordingly; also keep in mind that in many countries, 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner products are popular and separate conditioners are difficult to find)
3. Body wash or soap (limit this to what you will need immediately upon arrival; you can always purchase more as needed)
4. Deodorant
5. Razor and shaving cream
6. Hairbrush/Comb
7. Hairdryer or straightener (check voltage compatibility; these may be easier to purchase when you arrive)
8. Feminine hygiene products (if applicable)
9. Personal medications and prescriptions ​(if applicable; at the very least, I would plan to take your OTC pain killer of choice, some heartburn medicine, an OTC tummy medicine, cold medicine gel caps, and your favorite allergy medication)
10. Ear plugs and eye mask
11. Make-up (if applicable)
12. Sunscreen and hand sanitizer

Packing for Study Abroad: Electronics

Electronics

1. Smartphone and charger
2. Laptop or tablet
3. Power adapter/converters (if needed for different plug types)
4. External hard drive or USB flash drive
5. Headphones/Earbuds
6. Camera (if desired)
7. Portable power bank
   
8. Smart watch or Fitbit (or a regular watch, if preferred) 

Academic Supplies

1. Pens, pencils, highlighters (if needed; these may be easier to purchase when you arrive)
2. Notebooks and/or binders (if needed)
3. Backpack or satchel
4. Planner or calendar (unless you prefer electronic)
5. Scientific calculator (if applicable)
6. Textbooks (these will probably be easier to purchase when you arrive)

Bedding and Linens (Most of these will be easier to purchase when you arrive)

1. Pillowcase(s)
2. Bed sheets (check mattress size in advance)
3. Blanket or comforter
4. Towels (bath and hand towels)
5. Washcloths

Kitchen and Dining (most of these will be easier to purchase when you arrive)

1. Travel mug
2. Reusable water bottle
3. Food storage containers
4. Cutlery (fork, knife, spoon)
5. Plate and bowl
6. Cooking utensils (spatula, spoon, slotted spoon, turner, slotted turner)
7. Small pot and/or pan (if allowed and applicable)
8. Coffee maker or kettle (if desired)

Packing List for Study Abroad: Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous

1. Health insurance information
2. Travel documents (passport, driver license, visa, student ID)
3. Cash (a small amount in both your home country's currency and your destination country's currency)
4. Credit/debit cards
5. First aid kit
6. Small sewing kit
7. Laundry bag and detergent pods/packets (or purchase when you arrive)
8. Flashlight or headlamp
9. Rechargeable batteries and charger
10. Photos from home and other sentimental items (especially if you will not be returning home for the holidays, take one or two holiday items with sentimental value)
11. Small backpack or day bag for outings
12. Overnight bag for weekend getaways
13. One medium purse and one large purse (if applicable)

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Before packing, remember to check the baggage allowance and any restrictions imposed by the airline. Additionally, research the climate of the host country and plan accordingly. Does it rain 9 months out of the year? Is it warm even during the winter?

Don't forget to bring essential personal items, such as favorite snacks, that might not be readily available in your new location, but remember that you are studying abroad in order to enjoy new experiences and embrace a new culture.

​I hope this packing list for studying abroad helps prepare you for your overseas college adventure!

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Packing Checklist for Study Abroad

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