What To Pack For A Semester Abroad

One of the biggest predeparture dilemmas is that tricky business of packing. First of all, what do you pack? Is it humanly possible to fit every article of clothing from you closet into two mere suitcases? Unfortunately, the answer to that is a simple, no. Trust me when I say, I tried with all my might to squeeze every little item that I could…and what resulted? Overweight luggage with a broken zipper. So, here’s my point: try not to treat this as a family vacation that you would normally overpack for because let’s be honest, you probably didn’t wear half the things you brought anyway.

First things first - something you may want to invest in is lightweight luggage due to constricting weight limits by the airlines. There are plenty of places to purchase them for a fairly reasonable price, like TJ Maxx, Kohls, Target, Burlington Coat Factory, and other discount stores of that nature. Or, if you think of this ahead of time, it might be a good suggestion for a birthday or Christmas present. Try not to wait until the last minute like I did, and have to make an emergency run to the mall 48 hours before leaving.

I took the initiative of asking around to see what students thought were most important to pack. Here’s a list I’ve compiled of must bring items:

• Paperwork/Important Documents – passport & student visa (and copies of them), proof of insurance, medical records, and acceptance letter from your host university and study abroad program – I cannot even stress how important the last two items are – I almost didn’t get back into the U.K. from France one weekend because I couldn’t find the papers in my bag - this is something that they can be sticklers about, specifically toward students (luckily I got through after being drilled with questions).
• Clothing – bring the essentials. Dark clothing that you can layer is the best – it doesn’t show the dirt and you can switch up your outfits. Try to leave your nicer things at home assuming you probably wouldn’t be a very happy camper if they were to get lost or stolen. I’m not saying you have to dress like a bum for an entire semester but rethink bringing expensive jewelry and designer labels. Don't forget comfy walking shoes, as well!
• Toiletries – this is more of a personal decision (girls might care about this more), but you may not be able to find your usual brands overseas, or they might be much more expensive. If you decide to bring them from home, just be careful to seal them up well – you don’t want a shampoo exploison in your suitcase.
• Small Duffel Bag - this will come in handy for those weekend trips or spring break adventures. Again, be cautious with weight limits - Amy Coyne, 21, a senior at Quinnipiac, studied at the University of Richmond, U.K. can attest to this from personal experience, "Here is a lifelong lesson I will never forget... RyanAir charges you per kilo for extra or overweight luggage... I had to throw out half of my clothes to save hundreds of dollars," she said.
• Money – go to your bank and request whatever currency the country is using - $100 is good to start with. While you’re there, let them know where you’re going, how long you’re going for, etc. to avoid any confusion (if you plan on using a credit card, let them know, too).
• Converters – use this for your laptop, camera, ipod, and so on. However, DO NOT use it for hair dryers or straighteners - buy those items over there because the voltages are usually too high. I don’t think the best approach to making friends at a new school is catching their dorm on fire the first week…
• Other Miscellaneous Items: small flashlight, money clip, journal, phone card, guidebook/maps, dvds, camera, extra memory card, and vacuum seal bags. Nicole Connelly, 21, also a senior at QU, studied in Australia at the University of New South Wales. She found the vacuum seal bags extremely useful, "Definitely invest in them (they're cheap)! They're awesome and save so much room, especially when you're coming back from being abroad and have a lot more stuff than you left with," she said.

Like the hair dryer, here are a couple of other things you will want to buy rather than bring yourself: cell phone (they’re pretty reasonable and pay as you go), bedding/linens, kitchenware, and school supplies.

For more information visit the Study Abroad Student Handbook. This site will provide you with a full checklist, predeparture planning, and other important tips about studying abroad.