A study abroad packing list is a bit different than your average packing list for a vacation. You might be traveling around, but you’ll also have a home base. You’re likely away from home for a longer time. Activities can range from the professional to the backpacker-esque.
While online guides are a valuable resource, nothing has prepared me more for what to pack for study abroad than advice from others who have taken their schooling overseas. Below is a list of some of the items I packed, why I packed them, and whether they worked for me.
The Practical: What Clothes to Pack for a Semester Abroad
Like most study abroad students, I found that picking out my travel wardrobe was the toughest part of my packing to-do list. Since long days on the road put a lot of wear and tear on clothing, I wanted to prioritize comfortable, durable pieces.
I packed a couple of pairs of dark-wash jeans; a week’s worth of neutral, well-made tops; a little black dress; a versatile skirt; warm cardigans; and sturdy, flat-soled shoes. Although Granada, Spain, where I planned to spend the semester, has a moderately dry climate, I was sure to pack my waterproof jacket, too.
Between travel and class, I knew that my beat-up backpack from high school just wouldn’t cut it, so I invested in a high-quality one in a fun floral pattern. I also brought a simple, cross-body purse for everyday use.
To top it all off, I packed three sets of workout clothes and my running shoes.
Clothes I regret packing
First, that backpack. I should have realized that floral backpacks — no matter how practical — weren’t terribly popular in Spain. At the time, neutrals and denim were all the rage, and my whimsical backpack suddenly felt childish. I switched it out for a large tote bag at about six weeks in, and I only used my backpack for weekend trips.
That jacket wasn’t quite right, either. My outdoorsy windbreaker kept the rain off, but it made me look a little bit out of place among a sea of trendy trench coats and military-style jackets.
The Pretty: What Accessories to Pack for a Semester Abroad
With my practical items packed, I also wanted to save room for a few of my more stylish pieces. This was Europe, after all!
For my internship and special occasions, I added my favorite flats and a pair of ankle-height black boots to my shoe collection. I was also sure to bring a few trendy shirts that I could wear to class or on an evening out. To top it all off, I brought my favorite peacoat to wear on chillier nights.
As for accessories, I kept it simple. Just a few scarves, a couple of pairs of earrings, a watch, and two or three moderately priced necklaces. I knew that bringing too many valuables would put me at higher risk for theft.
I’m not a huge makeup wearer, but I’m so grateful that I packed a basic eyeshadow palette and my bb cream. Both brands were tough to find once I arrived in Spain.
Any other makeup I needed I could find at a Sephora just down the street from my apartment (admittedly, I visited it just once with guidance from my more makeup-savvy friends).
Accessories I regret packing
Oh, those boots. They were cute, but I wore them much more frequently than I had planned. With almost daily use, they were worn out by the end of my second month. Durable shoes are the way to go!
Those trendy shirts just weren’t my style. Sure, they looked great, but I might have gone a little beyond my comfort zone when picking them out. Even when I was getting dressed for a night out, I found myself gravitating toward my old favorites. Don’t let the excitement of a semester abroad cloud your judgement of who you really are.
When it comes to the peacoat, I honestly should have studied Granada’s weather more closely. Despite being in Southern Europe, it gets awfully cold. My peacoat was my heaviest coat, but it still wasn’t enough to keep me warm in January and February.
The Provisions: Snacks to Pack for a Semester Abroad
Snacks are one of my favorite travel accessories, and I always love to stock up before a long flight. I was sure to add healthy ones, like dried fruit, granola bars, and nuts to the mix, but I also didn’t scrimp on my favorites, like Dove chocolate and Chex Mix.
Snacks I regret packing
While I don’t regret packing travel snacks, I might have gone a little overboard with the quantity. Sure, they were all eaten by week three, but I could have saved myself valuable space in my carry-on and bought comparable products once I arrived.
The Protection: Safety Items to Pack for a Semester Abroad
If there’s one thing my dad has instilled in me, it’s the value of always being prepared. Before my trip, I purchased several suitcase locks and a luggage scale to ensure that my belongings were safe and ready for flying.
I also packed a flash-drive and a folder with copies of all my important documents, from my passport to my travel insurance information.
On top of my monthly prescriptions, I also brought a few basic medicines with me. I get car sick at the drop of a hat, so Dramamine and Tylenol were must-haves.
Safety features I regret
Nothing, really. I definitely don’t regret bringing any of these items!
The Polite: Gifts for a Semester Abroad
Since I’d be staying with a local family, I was on a quest to find the perfect host gift. Shortly before my trip, I found a gorgeous cutting board at a local art fair. I liked that it was both useful and well-designed, and I felt confident that my host parents would appreciate it.
I also picked up a phrase-finder dictionary for my own use. I figured it would be a helpful resource, both in my host-home and when I was out exploring Granada.
Items I regret packing
The phrase-finder dictionary. In retrospect, I should have seen this coming. Since I had an international data plan while I was abroad, I found that my phone's translator app was far more convenient when I was on the go.
The Personal: Homey Items to Pack for a Semester Abroad
To help make my new room feel a little more like home, I brought a few non-essential but personal items. My leather-bound journal was one of the first items I packed. I knew I’d want to document my time abroad and reflect on what I had learned.
I also brought four of my favorite books to read in the airport and during any downtime.
Finally, I brought several photos: one of my family, one of my boyfriend, a group shot of my friends, and a signed photo of Nicolas Cage (seriously!). These pictures, from the sentimental to the goofy, never fail to bring a smile to my face, and I knew they’d help fend off homesickness.
Extras I regret packing
Between classes and exploration, I didn’t read the books as often as I expected. I should have saved carry-on space and opted for an e-reader instead.
Study Abroad Next Steps
Once you’ve figured out what should go in your suitcase, decide what should go into your experience. Get our budgeting guide and tips for maximizing your semester abroad.
