Packing Tips for Studying Abroad

By Bridget O’Toole

In addition to your basic clothing and toiletries, you should consider packing (or not packing) some of the following:

1. Girls: DON’T pack a hair dryer…or a curling iron or a flat iron.

Yes, you want to make a good impression, but honestly, you will most likely never use them. By eliminating these from your packing list, you are saving yourself the trouble of dragging it around with you to every new city and also leaving room to bring gifts back home. If it really matters to you, you can find these tools abroad at great prices, or you can make a deal with some of the other girls going. Each of you can bring one of your hairstyling tools and you can share. Just be careful not to blow a fuse!

2. Girls: DON’T pack more than five pairs of shoes.

Again, save space in your suitcase! Five pairs is a lot to lug around. One pair of sandals and one pair of Keds-like gym shoes will do the trick. Neutral color, no pattern Keds go with everything, and if you’re worried about style, they are not the typical tourist gym shoe, either. So, you won’t have to worry about standing out, and your feet can be comfortable.

3. Boys and Girls: DO pack a filtered water bottle.

Free water isn’t really a “thing” in Europe. Restaurants don’t automatically have a glass of tap water waiting for you like they do here in the U.S. Instead, you have to pay for each bottle you consume, and that can get expensive because 1) the bottles are small, and 2) It’s going to be hot and you will be thirsty from walking around. Also, be sure to specify that you want still water because sparkling water just doesn’t do the trick when your sweating like a beast in the 90 degree Venice. By bringing your own filtered water bottle, you can fill it up at the public water fountains, which are always still water. That way, you don’t have to worry about a costly mix-up.

4. Boys and Girls: DO pack a rain jacket.

Despite what you may hope, you may encounter a few rainy days abroad. Therefore, it is wise to bring a rain jacket. Rain jackets not only protect you from the rain, but they can also serve as a barrier to cooler weather. Plus, they are really easy to roll up and carry in your traveling backpack. If you feel the need for extra protection, you can easily buy a fairly inexpensive umbrella from a local vendor. 

5. Girls: DO pack a cardigan.

Certain destinations are very concerned with modesty, which makes it necessary to bring a light, neutral cardigan with you from place to place so that you can cover your shoulders. Otherwise, you may be unable to see Michelangelo’s superb work in the Sistine Chapel. While the location you are visiting may signify that you are a tourist, you still don’t want your status to be so obvious that you have to be given tissue paper to wear around your shoulders.

6. Boys and Girls: DO pack one set PJs that can keep you warm and one set that can keep cool.

If you are studying abroad in a location like Switzerland, then you are living on top of a mountain. Yes, the sun will be out during the day in the summer (mostly), but the mountain does reach fairly cold temperatures at night. So, you may want to have some flannels and warm socks on hand. However, you may take side trips to destinations that are considerably warmer, or you may stay in a hostel with no air conditioning. Two separate sets of sleepwear may take up more room in your suitcase, but trust me, being prepared is better than getting sick.