Abroad Packing List

Abroad Packing List

     This is my list! I compiled it from many sites as well as catered it to my own preferences.  This is pretty much everything that I packed and it worked out well so... copy, paste, add, subtract, make it your own :)

Necessities

·    Important documents (passport, visa, itinerary, plane tickets, program handbook, health insurance, etc.) *Make copies to take AND leave at home

·     Foreign currency or enough cash to convert at the airport to hold you over until you can access money

·     Gifts for your host family (I bought wine toppers and purchased wine after I arrived in Spain)
·     Ear Plugs/Travel Pillow for plane
·     Plane Snacks

School/Electronics

·    Backpack

·    Computer w/charger

·    Camera w/cords and charger

·           ·    Adapters (changes the shape of the electrical plug) /converter (changes the current's voltage)

·           ·    iPod (&  running band, splitter, aux cord)

           ·     Kindle or Tablet

·           ·    2 pens/pencils

·           ·    Small notebook and/or sticky notes

·           ·    Many school supplies can be purchased after arrival

·           ·    Extra headphones

·           ·    Daily planner
·           ·    Travel sized school supplies

Clothing/Shoes (Contingent on Length of Stay/Climate)

In general, pick either black or brown and center the wardrobe around functional pieces that mix & match well.  Add in a few statement pieces (shiny scarf, bold jewelry, etc.) to make your outfit unique.

·    Jeans (4-5 pairs)

·    Sweaters/Hoodies (2-3)

·    Leggings/Yoga Pants     

·    T-shirts & blouses that function for day AND night

·     Underwear & Socks (2 1/2 week’s worth if you are a girl) *As noted by my mother, the smaller the panties the more you can fit

·    Bras (3-5)

·    Pajamas (2 pair)

·    Warm slippers/socks

·    Swimsuit (2)

·    Workout clothes & running shoes (I brought 7 complete sets bc I exercise almost everyday)

·    Winter Coat & Jacket (I wore both a leather jacket and a heavy coat at the same time on the plane)

·    Raincoat

·     One nice outfit (dress pants/skirt/dress) for special/formal occasions

·    Decent walking shoes

·    Flip flops (especially for showering at hostels)

·     Warm hat, gloves and scarf (for colder climates)

·     Heels (2 pairs)

Toiletries (Bring travel sized and buy the normal size upon arrival)

·    Shampoo/Conditioner

·    Toothbrush/toothpaste/mouthwash/dental floss

·    Retainer

·    Soap/body wash

·    Deodorant

·    Razor/Shaving Cream

·    Brush/Comb

·    Hair ties/ hair clips

·    Nail polish (if you paint your own nails)

·    Tissues (highly recommended as many countries don’t keep toilet paper in stock in the bathrooms)

·    Facial tissues

·    Feminine Products (one month’s worth at least)

·    Contraceptives

·    Contact lenses and solution/glasses & case

·    Over-the-counter medicines (aspirin, anti-diarrhea, anti-nausea, etc.)

·    Vitamins

·    Nail clippers and nail file

·    Suntan lotion (if going somewhere sunny) (This can be really expensive or hard to find in other countries. I recommend packing at least a small bottle.)

·    Makeup/Makeup remover

·    Hand sanitizer

·    Wash cloth & towel

·    Perfume

Misc.

·    Photos/room decor
·    Locks

·    Food items: Oatmeal, PB, etc    

·    Alarm clock (though a cell phone works well too)

·    Small plastic bottles for toiletries for use in your carry-on or while traveling

·    Refillable water bottle

·    Purse

·    Travel books for the region(s) you will visit (these can be found at the places you plan to visit too if you don’t want to haul them around)

·    Watch

·    Sunglasses

·    Journal (to write your memories in – journaling really helps students deal with culture shock – some people suggest writing online, but generally you won’t be able to do that/might not have internet access daily while you’re traveling so having something you can physically write in every day or night is a good idea)

·    Linens and bedsheets (Check with your program to see if these are provided, otherwise you may just want to buy them abroad because they tend to be heavy and take up a lot of room)