How to Pack for a Semester Abroad

08/4/08  Print This Post Print This Post    8 Comments   Popular   Written by Jenny Sherman
  • Stumble It

Feature photo by obscure allusion Photo by obscure allusion

Trying to keep from packing to much while remembering essential items can be tricky. Don’t wait till the last minute for packing for your semester abroad, and keep the following in mind.

Backpack

You will be taking field trips with your class and on your own, so bring a backpack that can serve as a travel pack and/or overnight bag. Or opt for fanny packs, which are all the rage in Europe.

Clothes

Pack less than you think you need, and choose clothing that is comfortable and can mix-and-match. Pack layers so you are prepared for all types of weather.

Photo by sollang

Carry-on with change of clothes

When the airline “misplaced” my bags for two weeks, I was happy to have an extra shirt and pair of underwear.


Bathing suit

It doesn’t matter if you are landlocked or studying in Antarctica, you will need your bathing suit at some point. It takes up virtually no room.

A travel diary

Even if you don’t keep one at home, you’ll be glad to have it there. Get a nice one like a Moleskine and you will be more likely to write down your experience with the crazy waitress or the local slang you just learned.

A camera

These days, it’s not hard to find affordable, lightweight digital cameras that you can bring with you everywhere. This provides you the option to annoy family members by forcing them to sit through your explanation of hundreds of photos once you return home, or for a wider-ranging option, consider posting your photos in a travel blog.

Is it worth investing in a Digital SLR for your semester abroad? Find out here.

Photo by kratz


An Extra Duffel bag

Even if you’re not a shopper, you are bound to collect some souvenirs over a semester in a new place. If you can’t check the extra bag, you can always mail it home.

A Guidebooks and Maps

Do a little research of the place you will call home for the upcoming months. Locate places you may want to visit on your weekends, holidays and breaks.

Swiss army knife

Swiss Army knives and other multi-tools are unbelievably handy – as long they are not confiscated by a giggling TSA employee at security. Make sure they make it into your suitcase.

Important contacts/phone numbers

You program should provide you with some of these, but it’s always nice to come prepared with numbers to the embassy and local police.

Duct tape

Good for when your brand new backpack decides to give out on you while running between trains, forcing you to carry 70 lbs like a giant baby.

Money belt

These are flat pouches you can tuck under your clothing to keep you money, ID and credit cards safe from pickpockets, and they don’t take up much room in your suitcase.

A small picture album

You can purchase cheap albums at your local widget store that will hold 10 to 20 images of your family, friends, lovers, pets, etc. No matter what you think now, you will miss them, and they’re fun to share with other students and host families.

Limit the shoes!

Ladies, I know this may be hard, but if you can limit shoes to a pair of athletic, sandals, and everyday tennies, you will be much happier with the space it leaves in your suitcase. The infrequency of a formal event on a semester abroad is not worth the hassle of lugging along boots or heels.

Photo by Malik Williams

Limit the toiletries!

Don’t bring the extra bottle of lotion, toothpaste or body wash. Regardless of where you are studying, they will almost always have a store where you can purchase these items.

No to laptops!

Unless you are on a computer science study program, leave the technology at home. You will be provided with computer and Internet access through your program, and for godsakes, disconnect for a while!

Other list add-ons: book (long rides), iPod (familiar tunes), inflatable travel pillow (to arrive well-rested), international phone card (Hi mom!), tissues (double as TP), a rain slicker, scarf, sunglasses, a good hat, laundry bag, travel alarm, batteries, chargers, wallet, plane tickets, host family’s address, and a deck of cards.

Put explode-ables in plastic baggies and away from electronics, and remember not to put fluids (toothpaste included) in your carry-on. Research the area you will be staying for specific requirements, such as mosquito nets, electric plug converters, bug spray, malaria pills, sleeping bag, etc. And please, in all your sleepless college nights, try not to forget your passport.

Last but not least on the list: an open mind. You will inevitably run into customs and routines you are not familiar with, events that will frustrate you, all part of the beauty of a semester abroad, something they can’t teach you in a classroom.


  • Stumble It

About the Author

Matador ID: jennstar

Jenny Sherman grew up in the ever-changing, cultural wonderland that is the San Francisco Bay Area. Its diverse assemblage of people and lifestyles as well as long road trips in the family van inspired her initial interest in travel. Check out her blogs of her travels and current project, BioTour, at Biotour.org.

More By This Author

8 Comments... join the discussion!

  • swooziec replied on August 9, 2008

    Mostly great advice that I wish I had seen before I took a semester abroad a few years ago. Just so you know my comments are more current than that experience—I now live in Amsterdam and have a small place in Paris where I stay 7-10 days per month. I also spend as much time as possible in Italy. I owned a B&B in Amsterdam for awhile but now have a few apartments that I rent to people on holiday. 1) I disagree with the statement about fanny packs. They are not all the rage in any of these places, not with students and not with the locals. Some tourists wear fanny packs. They may be okay if you are on a hike with a group of friends but in the cities, it's a screaming statement, "STEAL FROM ME. . . PLEASE, OH PLEASE, STEAL FROM ME!" 2) Most semesters abroad take place between mid-late Sept and early-mid May, not exactly the weather for sandals. I would suggest a pair of flats such as the ballet flats or other comfortable style. Sandals will be fine in the Mediterranean until about mid October but after that you'll be stuck with your tennies and athletic shoes. There are plenty of places to buy inexpensive but comfortable shoes, especially summer shoes. And although I would not bring boots with me, Europeans LOVE boots and the shoe stores are filled with both practical and fashionable boots so you might want to consider putting aside some cash to buy them in Europe. They will fit in the duffel you bring for all the extra stuff you buy and want to take home. 3) My niece did a semester in Europe last year. Don't expect to be provided with a personal computer. There will most likely be a few computers available for ALL students to use, local and visiting. It is not as common in most of Europe for students to have their own pc or laptop at home. Competition for time can be tough. While I wouldn't bring an expensive laptop, if you can bring an inexpensive and lightweight one such as the eee pc (weighs 2 pounds) or an old one (watch the weight), you will probably be glad you did. On the other hand, a little competition never hurt anyone. If you do bring one, remember you'll need a plug adapter but you won't need a converter. 4) With or without your own laptop, bring a memory stick for your data, always remove it from the computer and keep it in a safe place. 5) Europe's budget airlines such as Ryan Air and Easy Jet –and others–are very strict about weight limitations and have lower weight limits than most US airlines. No matter what airline you choose to fly with, check for the weight restrictions on-line before you pack. 6) I never used my travel diary. Contrary to Ms; Sherman's advice I believe if you don't use one at home, it's unlikely you will use it abroad. But I do write and send postcards so instead of a diary I would occasionally send myself a postcard to my home address. In reading them upon my return, I had a picture along with my own words to remind me of what was going on at that time and place plus in most cases I had an interesting local stamp. And, no, I do not normally collect stamps. 7) Bring a couple of spare batteries but like lotions, toothpaste and shampoo, etc. they also sell them in Europe. Yes, all types, whether it be the little flat ones for a watch or the energizer bunny's AA, AAA, C or D Batteries can be heavy.

    (Report comment)

    ↵ Reply
  • zwarte piet replied on August 9, 2008

    Nice article! I would add one item: a power board. That way you can get by with fewer adapters, as you can just plug all of your chargers etc into the board which only needs one adapter. Regarding the laptop, I think it's a bit optimistic to expect adequate computer access, though I suppose it depends on your course requirements. Doing law on exchange in Holland, my laptop was essential. Also, a laptop + external hard drive is almost mandatory for anyone looking to do some serious photography while on exchange.

    (Report comment)

    ↵ Reply
  • Elizabeth replied on August 11, 2008

    bottle opener! While a swiss army knife comes in handy for this, you don't always want to be pulling a knife out in front of others when you want a drink

    (Report comment)

    ↵ Reply
  • Newmexmom replied on August 16, 2008

    One of the easiest ways to stay connected with home is via skype. Having your own laptop makes it more convenient; Also many foreign universities do not have dorms so kids end up staying with host families. Now days it isn't unusual for the families to have computers but you can't expect them to move aside when you need it for an assignment. For students traveling in the southern hemisphere (not everyone goes to Europe) sandals are a must have, too.

    (Report comment)

    ↵ Reply
  • study abroad bangkok replied on September 9, 2008

    Very helpful advice. I'm going over sea very soon

    (Report comment)

    ↵ Reply
  • Pinx replied on December 19, 2008

    Yes, I totally agree…getting your own laptop is a boon, specially on those countless nights when you want to be sitting in your bed talking to loved ones online. Ballerinas are a good bet. But if your one of those exploratory types, getting a pair of leather sneakers (not the dry-fit fabric ones) which can be sprayed on with water-proofing spray. This is a good option because most European countries tend to be a bit wet n cold.

    (Report comment)

    ↵ Reply
  • AJ replied on April 25, 2009

    Very good list, lived in germany for a year.
    However i brought my laptop and it helped me.
    It allowed me to keep up with my family at home but also allowed me to get more involved with friends in germany.

    (Report comment)

    ↵ Reply
  • Jenny replied on June 8, 2009

    alright alright it seems the laptop is essential in most cases. it wasn’t in mine but i see good points here. thanks for the helpful additions from everyone, however I still do, with every fiber of my being, encourage bringing a journal of some sort. maybe just a notebook. Even my non-writer friends found them super-useful for spontaneous notes.
    Bon Voyage!

    (Report comment)

    ↵ Reply

Leave a Comment

Jump To Category:



Explore the Community


Latest Community Blogs

  • The best way to arrive into Edinburgh is by train. After Haymarket station, the city opens up, unfurling bit by bit as t...
    » posted on 19 November 2009
  • http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/HPLw ...
    » posted on 17 November 2009
  • i have been doing alot of thinking about a project i was approached on about a year ago. after 4 years in costa rica, i ...
    » posted on 20 November 2009

Popular Stories on Matador

The 20 Craziest Party Hostels Around the World

Our man Matt searches high and low, enduring sleepless ... 

Hostel Sex: A Practical Guide For Backpackers

Getting it wherever a backpacker can...... 

Hamburger Pornography: Tasteful, Beefy Centerfolds And Their Buns

As founder of Burger Conquest (dedicated to the gloriou... 

10 Traveler's Tips For Rocking A Nudist Beach

Travelers tend to enjoy ultimate freedom on the road, t... 

12 Personal Travel Websites That Will Make You Quit Your Day Job

... 

Drunk and Driving On Berlin’s Beer Bike

Cars nervously skirt by the slowly moving vehicle, tour... 



Focus



Editor Blogs