Study abroad is one of the most life changing experiences you can ever have! To make sure you can make the most of your experience, we’ve created the ultimate study abroad packing list for you. This list will give you all the best tips and tricks to ensure you go abroad with everything you need to have the best semester abroad!
Study Abroad Packing List
Carry On Bag Essentials
Having the best essentials in your carryon bag is KEY to stress-free travel experience abroad. This bag and what you have ready to go in will make or break your experience while flying across the water! Below are the key essentials you’ll need on the plane and ready to go for you when you arrive to your destination!
Amazon Travel Essentials
Below are my best recommendations for travel essentials that you should get for study abroad! The portable charger is a MUST for traveling, especially for safety! I got stuck in Versailles at night (alone) with a dead phone and had to navigate back to my AirBnB on my own (thankfully I remembered where I was and how to get back AND somehow managed to remember the code to get in the building) but you do NOT want to go through that, trust me!
Phone Charger + Portable Battery
*keep your phone alive 24/7!
Another great thing to keep for study abroad students is a portfolio folder for all your important docs. You’ll find you’ll get a lot of papers to keep track of and will want a safe place to keep them! I also think this is great to have if you are walking around with them too. My friend and I got stuck in heavy rain on our way back from receiving these and had to dry them with a fan later! Keep them safe inside the folder (or get a waterproof bag lol!).
Portfolio Folder for Travel Docs
*great for protecting important travel docs and info
Finally, a wallet style passport holder with a super secure space for everything is essential and a MUST have to keep with you. This way you’ll always have a hold of all your most important things on hand and can keep an eye on them at all times. You do NOT want to lose your passport, so do everything you can to not lose it!
*even has a spot for SIM cards!!!
The last thing you’ll want to have with you is a luggage scale! Trust me you will NOT regret having this when you’re packing to go home and have no idea how much your bag weighs! To be sure it meets the minimum 50 lbs to avoid being charged extra, bring a luggage scale! These are approximately $10 on Amazon and easy to fit in your carryon!
Clothing to Pack for Study Abroad
If you’re looking for cute outfits to inspire your study abroad packing list, check out some of our posts on outfits for Europe! If you want to always look classy with minimal packing effort, I’ve created the perfect list of basic essentials that will give you plenty of room in your suitcase, and get you through your study abroad experience! Even better yet – this will allow for extra room so you can shop and buy unique pieces while abroad to take home! Accessories are not included on this list, but plan on bringing a set of simple gold jewelry that goes with everything to wear, along with maybe one nicer set of jewelry for nicer dinners or events you might have. Less is more, and allows you to buy more when abroad.
13 Insanely Cute Study Abroad Outfits
What to Wear in Italy: The Do’s and Dont’s
Winter Study Abroad Packing List
Studying abroad in the winter is one of the most magical times of the year to be abroad! However when it comes to packing, the time might be less magical when you consider the amount of layers you’ll need to stay warm. To make it simple, I of course ALWAYS recommend bringing the above study abroad packing list, but also add a decent pair of boots, gloves, hat, and one nice coat to go with everything. This way, you can still leave room to buy cute things later on while still packing the layers you’ll need! Most important key tip in traveling abroad for a long while: layers are your BEST friend! But a winter coat is a MUST if traveling in Europe or colder climates.
For more on winter packing ideas, see our winter wardrobe capsule lists to add to your packing list for study abroad in the winter!
14 Insanely Cute Winter Travel Outfit Ideas
Study Abroad Packing Tips
- PRO TIP: Bring 2 checked bags, place your carryon inside of one and bring a larger personal item to carry your “carryon essentials”. This way, on your way home, you have an extra suitcase to take with you! Also, you won’t have to carry as many bags through the airports on the way to your destination. Thank me later 🙂
- Use a luggage scale + bring it with you!
- For more packing hacks, see our Packing Travel Hacks post!
Study Abroad Essentials
In addition to the carryon bag recommendations listed above, here are even more essentials to take with you abroad! Be sure to add these to your packing list. Some are new things you’ll want to buy for study abroad to help your transition be so much easier!
Consider getting a temporary SIM card to avoid being charged on your regular plan when you arrive to your destination. When I studied abroad in Europe, the Orange SIM card from Amazon worked great while I searched to find a plan while abroad. Be sure to bring a paperclip and envelope with you in your passport wallet so you can easily swap SIM cards back and fourth and not lose them!
*PRO TIP: Don’t use the SIM card until you are absolutely sure you need it because once you start using it, your timed two weeks starts!
Study Abroad Travel Tips
Wanting to know basic travel tips for your journey abroad? We’ve got you covered with some basic tips to keep your travel as smooth as possible. Also, check out our post on Europe Travel Tips to give you more tips on traveling abroad to Europe specifically!
- allow plenty of time of layover
- buy tickets early – the earlier the better!
- change of clothes/toiletries for when you arrive
- don’t take a nap right away! tough it out and you’ll adjust faster
This post was all about what to pack for study abroad! I hope this helps you when you are packing for your adventures across the globe. Check out the rest of the blog to find solo travel trips to take while abroad, and so many more tips!
