Packing for a semester abroad can get nerve-racking, especially if you are not used to traveling for a long period. So, to help you get this out of your head and focus on other things, here are some tips and a packing list. I tried to stay as general as possible so you can use it for most countries. Good luck with your suitcase !

Tips:

In addition to this semester abroad packing list, let me give you some tips to make your preparation even better !

Suitcase 🧳

• If you are leaving for 1 semester a big suitcase can be enough. However, for a year I would advise 2 suitcases since you might need winter and summer clothes.

• Put a distinguishing feature on your suitcase. Most suitcases are black, so yours can easily get lost in the sea of suitcases. To avoid losing it, you can attach a ribbon or a sticker to make it unique. Also, put a label with your name, address, and phone number. If it ever gets lost, people can easily send it back to you.

Packing 👚

• Before packing up, gather everything outside of your suitcase. This will help you get a first check of what you have, and what you might need to wash and buy before leaving.

• Use vacuum bags : they are useful for reducing the size of your clothes so they take up less space within your luggage. They are particularly useful if you need to bring a pillow or sheets. ⚠️Small Warning: clothes get easily crumpled.

• Take your biggest coat with you on the ride. Having it on your back will leave more space and weight in your luggage (especially if you have plane weight restrictions !).

• Add small items (underwear and socks) at the end. They can easily fit anywhere and take up less space than when they are gathered in the same spot.

• If you take a plane, weigh your suitcase several times before going to the airport. Overloading your suitcase is very easy, so if you don’t want to pay extra fees check at least 2 times !

Toiletry bag 🧼

• Check if every bottle is closed well. If necessary, you can add some tape to make sure it doesn’t spoil your bag (and take the tape with you on the way back ! ).
• Use shampoo and soap bars. You save space and weight. They last longer and can’t spill inside your bag so it’s a win-win !

Medicine 💊

• Set an appointment with your doctor. It allows your doctor to do a full check-up and recommend you the right pills. He’ll also be aware of your situation and help you if you get sick while abroad.
• For the pills, gather the boxes into a single bag and put the doctor’s note in it.

In your backpack 🎒

• If you are taking the plane, be careful not to leave any scissors or liquids over 100 mL (water, shampoo…). You can pack them in your bigger suitcase so they don’t get thrown away during controls. If you need some liquids during the ride, you can buy small containers in grocery stores or beauty shops.
• Pack your phone and wallet in an easily reachable pocket. You will need to get them out quickly and often during your trip.
• If you have a headset, you can put it around your neck. It will take up less space than in your bag. You will just have to put it down during controls.

Before the Trip

• Plug all your devices and batteries the day before. If you plug everything on D-day you are most likely going to forget something. Also, you might forget to plug in one device and make a run for a socket during your trip.

• Download your favorite shows in advance. Whether it is on Netflix, Disney, or Youtube, take some time to think about what you want to watch and launch the downloads early. If you have a wifi like mine you know it can take some time so prepare early !

• Buy a travel book. I sound old school I know. But to explain myself, I’ve always found that books were more helpful than scrolling on social media. They usually guide you toward the best spots directly and give better recommendations. However, be aware that with the pandemic, some addresses can be unreliable.

For the trip

• Wear comfortable clothes, especially if the trip is long. The journey can get tiring and uncomfortable. If you are not a fashion victim, sweatpants and sweatshirts will be your best friends !

• Count your bags. Traveling gets stressful, you have to think about a lot of things and if you are not careful you can easily forget a bag. So, before doing anything, count how many bags you have. It will be your reference for the whole trip and it will help not to lose anything.

• Use a separate pouch for important papers. During the trip, your passport, visa, plane ticket… will be asked for frequently. To avoid losing anything prepare a small pouch on the side. You can put it in your bag or around your neck so it’s easy to reach !

I really hope all these tips and this semester abroad packing list will help you in your preparations ! Enjoy your trip and your semester 🛩️