The Study Abroad Starter-Pack
Study abroad is one of, if not the coolest, most memorable experience of my entire life. It isn’t dawned on me that getting to travel the world, making friendships that will last a lifetime, and learning what it means to thrive in completely unfamiliar territory is something that changes you- and certainly an experience I will never forget.
So naturally, when taking the photos and making the memories, I wanted to make sure I did them justice- whether that be how I chose to capture that moment to how I presented myself in it.
I know that there are countless lists, google docs, and letters people have made (myself included) telling students their basic needs when studying abroad: converters, that form of currency, passport, the list goes on. None of which include anything about what most girls REALLY need the insight on so I’ll spare you the boring stu and share the most useful tips I picked up during my four months abroad.
Enter: My Study Abroad Essentials.
1. Vacuum seal packing bags. If you’re anything like me (spoiler! You will be), you’re going to be leaving abroad with MUCH more than you came with and the same sized suitcase. The answer is no, your suitcase doesn’t magically grow when it’s time to come home- bummer, I know. Make sure you bring or order vacuum seal bags to fit nearly double the amount of clothes in the same sized bag. Truly a life saver.
2. Portable charger. Everybody knows that capturing the perfect picture in each city you visit is a must on the to-do list, so while you’re exploring each new city, bring around a portable charger to ensure your phone doesn’t die. For safety reasons too, but you know- priorities.
3. BASIC CLOTHING!!! Let me say it again. Basics are your best friend when studying abroad. You have limited packing space for an extended period of time, so make the most of the simple pieces you have. Bring a good pair of jeans, trousers, basic tees you can layer with, a jacket that can be worn with anything- leather or a blazer, and cute shoes that you can definitely walk in. I suggest a
solid pair of black booties and a cute pair of tennis shoes. Jewelry is the same- cute stu that you know you’ll wear. Share with your friends too! Having several closets to shop in means more cute outfits for you.
- Reusable water bottle. This seems to be on the basic needs side of things, but when you’re constantly walking around, you desperately need a water bottle. Save your money on bottled water- it adds up, trust me.
- Journal. I was given a journal before I left for Italy, and let me tell you- it was one of the best gifts I’ve ever received. I saved anything I would want to remember on each of my trips (boarding passes, tickets, wristbands, polaroid photos), and taped them into it after each trip. The time I set aside to write in it was so therapeutic- and it was like I got to relive all of the funny memories over again. Write in detail, include funny stories and inside jokes, and don’t leave anything out. One of the coolest things I did for myself was giving myself this keepsake to look back on the best time of my life.
Be present. This time TRULY flies by, and it really is life- changing. Who I was boarding my flight to Florence, Italy in August is not at all the same girl I am today- and for the better. I’m so glad I had these things with me during this time, and have the gift of looking back on the experience of a lifetime.
XO Lily