What to Pack for Study Abroad: the Essential List

After my experiences studying in Sevilla, living in Hawai'i, and working in the UK, I've come up with the absolute necessities you'll need to pack for long time (or semester) away. This is a general list, that should help you no matter where you go, but obviously keep in mind that certain places may require different things, especially for certain climates.

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Views of London Heathrow from the plane

So here's what to pack:

YOURLIFELINE: What to pack in the carry on and personal item (purse/backpack)

• Important documents such as: passport/visa, printed plane tickets (to be safe in case your phone dies and you can't access an eticket)

• Some local currency, about $100 worth. While the airport will have ATMs or currency exchanges, it doesn't hurt tomake sure you have enough cash just in case

• Any prescription drugs you need. Make sure you have any information that documents these are yours. Also make sure you're allowed to bring the drug into the country

• Laptop and charger

• Adapter for the destination (so you can charge your laptop or phone in countries that have funny-shaped outlets)

• Headphones, as the ones you buy in the airport usually suck and the ones they give you on the plane suck even more

• Backpack, as you're allowed one personal item with your carryon bag. Backpacks are great to carry on any excursions, and are a bit more reasonable than a big purse. Plus, it will help with the weight up your laptop or any books you bring

• Toothbrush, as you may want to freshen up before landing, and also in case your checked bag gets lost

• An extra outfit or two with clean undies, for the same reason as the toothbrush

• Sweater or hoodie, as airplanes can get quite cold

• Something to support your neck, in case you want to try to sleep. I bring my favorite stuffed animal from home and use him as a neck pillow, mostly so I have an excuse to bring a stuffed animal despite the fact that I am an adult. Actual neck pillows work too

• Book, journal, movies or games on your laptop—things to pass the time

• Girls: keep an extra feminine product or two in your carry on just in case of any accidents

• Small pack of over the counter meds for headaches or anti-nausea, some vitamins if you're prone to catching colds (not a lot of fresh air on a plane)

• Hand sanitizer. The water to wash your hands on airplanes isn't even really clean. It often sits in a tank for hours or days without changing (a flight attendant told me this). Plus, it's possible bathrooms wherever you go may not have everything you expect.

PROTIP! It's not illegal to bring small bottles of alcohol on the plane, but it is to pour them. Technically flight attendants have to be in control of the alcohol, but you're allowed to carry any liquid—alcohol included—as long as it's in bottles less than 100 ml, or about 3.5 ounces. Just sayin'.

CLOTHESBASICS: What to pack in the checked bag

• Jeans (2-3 pairs), unless you're going somewhere like Australia. Jeans are a must for Europe, even if you assume it will be warm in Spring.

• Sweaters/Hoodies (2-3)

• T-shirts

• Nicer blouses/button downs (depending on gender). Think: nicer tops for dinners or other events where t shirts are not appropriate. Guys: also consider nicer pants, as even some clubs may not allow you to wear jeans.

• Underwear (two week’s worth)

• Pajamas (2 pairs: or warm pants and comfy shorts and extra t shirts)

• Workout clothes (1-2 sets). Note: only do this if you already work out. You're not going to start while abroad.

• Decent walking shoes. Note: I mean real walking shoes—not Toms, not flats. For long sight seeing days you'll be thankful that you wore something supportive.

• Flip flops (especially for showering at hostels)

• Socks (a week’s worth; more if you work out). Consider thicker socks for colder climates.

• Swimsuits (1-2)

• Coat/Jacket (water resistant is ideal). Consider a raincoat for London. Some places are cold, so consider where you're going to determine how heavy of a jacket you need.

• Scarf, hat, gloves—depending on climate.

Pack adapters! Here's what some look like. Left: UK plug, right: Italy.

MISCELLANEOUSJUNK: Just pack this somewhere

• Adapters: ideally the ones that can be changed for many destinations. If you study in Spain, you'll need a different adapter for when you visit the UK, for example.

• Small plastic bottles for toiletries for use in your carry-on or while traveling.

• Sunglasses, watch, any other accessories you wear

• Thin towel, as these are not provided in hostels

• Gifts for your host family if you've chosen to stay in a home stay

• Toiletries (but most can be found in your host country). Be real with yourself, are you picky? Do you need certain brands or can you find something there?

• Brush, hairtyes, if needed

• Contacts/glasses, if needed

• Nail clippers or nail file

• Wrinkle release spray (can be bought in small bottles for travel, and is awesome to have)

MISCELLANEOUSJUNK: For girls

• Feminine products to last the week you might get your period, or until you can buy more

• Birth control if you use it (actually this could be for guys too)

• Makeup (your American brands may cost more abroad)

• 1-2 purses/bags (1 small neutral one for going out, 1 medium-sized one, for books or carrying a journal while exploring)

• Hair products you use. And a note on hair dryers/flat iron/curlers, whatever: you should buy these things abroad, as the different voltage can damage the device you use. There is a chance the voltage will be find and you can use your flat iron, but it's a risk.

GENERALTIPS: How to pack it all

• Don't bring more than 1 large suitcase and 1 carry-on. Some people bring 2 large suitcases, but I cannot imagine how much stuff that would be fore only 3-4 months. If you’re only going for one semester, you only need one normal-size suitcase. Plus, you're going to buy stuff there, so leave some room!

• Consider rolling versus folding clothes. I find that a combination of the two allows me to fit the most stuff.

• Pack clothes that are versatile, in both occasion and matching. Many blouses, for example, can be dressed up or down easily. Also consider whether the clothes can be paired well together. If you have amazing bold-colored pants, but can only wear them with that one top you have, reconsider. Plus, more neutral items are less noticibly worn over and over.

• Put tape or plastic wrap over the tops of containers with liquids to prevent spillage. Keep them all in a big Ziploc bag to even further prevent spilling.

These are all of my essentials for long-term travel. I hope this gets you excited (and well prepared) for your next big trip!

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