Recommendations for what to pack when you’re studying abroad.
All your hard work and planning paid off! You’ve been accepted into a study abroad program and leave in a matter of weeks. Here are some guidelines on packing to make your travel and lengthy stay in another country comfortable.
Suitcase vs. Backpack
Make sure you have the right luggage or backpack. A backpack can be much easier to physically manage on public transportation and to use in buildings with no elevators. Check airline restrictions before purchasing any travel bags.
Start Packing Well Before Your Departure
Packing for a semester or year abroad takes forethought. It’s not like leaving for a week’s vacation. So don’t wait until a few days before you depart. Most likely, you’ll be making switches in your packing leading up to your exit.
Begin by asking yourself: What clothing should I bring to fit the climate, my school program’s demands (geology and marine biology may require casual, yet sturdy clothing vs. more formal for business), and the country’s sense of decorum? Since you will likely be carrying your luggage or backpack, focus on items that you’ll need right away, or those difficult or expensive to obtain overseas.
A good approach is to divvy up your belongings into groupings of Essentials, Clothing for Your Stay, Toiletries, Electronics, and Extras.
Essentials
Essentials include those documents, medications, and initial money you need to get from point A to point B.
Pack most of these in your carry-on luggage.
- Passport + visa, travel medical insurance (some visas require it.), vaccine passport (check country requirements)
- Ticket(s)
- Prescription medicines, travel-sized toiletries, power adapters, and face masks.
- Photocopies of your passport, visa, and other identifications, in case the originals get stolen or lost. Pack copies separate from the originals.
- Student ID, driver’s license, and other identifications you may need.
- Eyeglasses and sunglasses
- A small amount of local currency or traveler’s checks purchased ahead of time to get you started right away with purchases, transportation and meals. You can also send money ahead to be waiting for you in the local currency. Then, once you are settled, go to the nearest Western Union agent location to pick up additional money. Or transfer funds by scanning the QR code at /us/en/mobile-app.html to download our mobile app.
Clothing
Check the region’s weather for the seasons you will be there and choose clothes accordingly.
Experienced travelers often recommend simplifying clothing to three basic colors, such as black, blue and red, so everything can mix or match. Solids are best; then accessorize with scarves, inexpensive glasses and jewelry, and hats and gloves.
Consider these clothing needs while studying abroad:
- Everyday clothing plus outfits for 1-2 dressier events. Ideally aim for multi-purpose and easy-care clothes.
- Some jewelry (but nothing you would mind losing), scarves, belts, gloves and hats
- Everyday shoes or boots, a pair of dressy shoes; serious walking shoes (highly recommended over sneakers), and footwear for rain/snow
- Swimsuit if you’ll use it
- Sleepwear, slippers, socks
- Workout clothes and sneakers
- Underwear, socks
- Coats for the seasons, recreation, and dressier occasions
- A throw or large scarf for your shoulders or head when visiting sacred places, if you’re female
Practice the “Two-week rule.” Bring enough clothing for two weeks. Assume you’ll have access to laundry facilities at least every two weeks.
Toiletries
These can be travel size to get you started, as full-size products can be bought once you arrive. If you are particular about your brands, check the country to see if they are available or whether you need to pack multiples. Some products, like deodorant, are not easily found in all countries, especially in Asia. Also is your school location rural or urban? In general, access to shopping means you don’t need to bring as much.
Here are products to consider packing:
- Toothpaste, toothbrush, floss
- Shaving and hair care supplies
- Brush, comb, blow dryer, etc.
- Glasses, contact lenses, etc.
- Cosmetics
- Prescription medication for the duration and over the counter meds if you’re partial to brands
- Feminine products (not all types available in all countries)
- Contraceptives
- Skin care and cosmetics
- Sunscreen
Electronics
As a student, you’ll need your devices handy. Keep them close by when traveling.
- Laptop and charger + padded case
- Phone and charger
- Power adapters and converters. Consider a universal adapter.
- eReader like a Kindle
- Camera, charger, SD card
Extras
Consider these items to make your travel and stay more comfortable, or purchase after arrival:
- Alarm (Or use your phone or computer)
- Sunglasses
- Overnight bag for short trips
- Ear plugs and ear buds
- Travel pillow / packable blanket
- Lint roller or tape
- Windproof travel umbrella
- Small locks for luggage or lockers when traveling or in hostels
- Small towel
- Flip-flops or shower shoes
- Lip balm for dry-air flights and other times
- Smaller backpack for side trips
- Cheap watches, sunglasses, readers vs. Rx glasses, wallets, pens, purses
No matter where your study abroad program is located, you’ll need easy access to your money. With its mobile app, Western Union lets you or your loved ones transfer money directly to your bank account so you’ll have convenient access to funds. Western Union also maintains more than 500,000 convenient worldwide agent locations providing expert in-person advice and service.
Sources:
http://www.studentsabroad.com/handbook/packing.php?country=General#section1
https://www.gooverseas.com/blog/study-abroad-packing-list
https://www.iesabroad.org/study-abroad-packing-list?gclid=Cj0KCQjwlK-WBhDjARIsAO2sErSYp47vPRagu3nJFo7aJfZNE6rUAtQxhCo7fEXbbXqaSbrBcylhvZAaAkjrEALw_wcB
https://www.asherfergusson.com/must-have-study-abroad-packing-list/
https://theabroadguide.com/what-to-pack-for-study-abroad-study-abroad-packing-list/
/blog/en/send-money-study-abroad/
