Comments on: How to Pack for a Semester Abroad

By: Jenny

Jenny — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 02:24:50 +0000

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!

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By: AJ

AJ — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 03:23:24 +0000

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.

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By: Pinx

Pinx — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 14:58:50 +0000

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.

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By: study abroad bangkok

study abroad bangkok — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:39:27 +0000

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

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By: Newmexmom

Newmexmom — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 22:35:45 +0000

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.

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By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:41:20 +0000

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

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By: zwarte piet

zwarte piet — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 05:26:39 +0000

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.

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By: swooziec

swooziec — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 04:47:56 +0000

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.

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